- Jul 23, 2021
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Lots of wind this weekend providing sufficient low cost energy that it’s free. To take advantage you need a smart meter and an account with Octopus Energy.
Wind powered free energy this weekend
- Thread starter Tobes
- Start date
Lots of wind this weekend providing sufficient low cost energy that it’s free. To take advantage you need a smart meter and an account with Octopus Energy.
We are with Octopus Go, 4.4kWh solar panels 5.8kWh battery, we have signed up for the free electric and end up paying peak rate, Octopus credit us 1 pence to our account. We just ignore the text now.
Conspiracy theory alert....
Our community is in a high wind area. Coincidentally we can't get Smart Meters....or at least those that manage to get them don't work.
I made this issue aware to various agencies many years ago and there's been no change.
Our community is in a high wind area. Coincidentally we can't get Smart Meters....or at least those that manage to get them don't work.
I made this issue aware to various agencies many years ago and there's been no change.
- Feb 13, 2024
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- Nov 11, 2009
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We got a session of half price electric yesterday so set Alexa to remind us to turn on washing machine and dehumidifier for drying.
- Nov 30, 2022
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You need to read that email from Octopus VERY carefully, the only free energy on offer is any you use above what is your "normal use"
It suits me because having storage batteries I never use any from the grid at those times. So I sold most of my batteries content back to the grid (for a high price) yesterday evening, took full advantage of the 9-10 slot and will be able to last until mid-day at which point I will fill my battery to the top. In the meantime the weak sunshine is still powering my house.
I still simply cannot fathom why solar panels and battery storage are not legally required on all new builds (where practical) I have both and I am paying £20 per month for gas and elctric. I am just under £400 in credit, and that doesnt take into account the nearly £700 I have had in FIT payments since January. Think how much that would save being generated if every new house had a similar set up.
My solar panels face SE, so not the ideal orientation, but as of 08:40, with the (weak) sun still low in the sky, they are still producing 1.2kw so I am drawing nothing from the grid.
It suits me because having storage batteries I never use any from the grid at those times. So I sold most of my batteries content back to the grid (for a high price) yesterday evening, took full advantage of the 9-10 slot and will be able to last until mid-day at which point I will fill my battery to the top. In the meantime the weak sunshine is still powering my house.
I still simply cannot fathom why solar panels and battery storage are not legally required on all new builds (where practical) I have both and I am paying £20 per month for gas and elctric. I am just under £400 in credit, and that doesnt take into account the nearly £700 I have had in FIT payments since January. Think how much that would save being generated if every new house had a similar set up.
My solar panels face SE, so not the ideal orientation, but as of 08:40, with the (weak) sun still low in the sky, they are still producing 1.2kw so I am drawing nothing from the grid.
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,165
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I was thinking of having panels and battery fitted to our daughter’s house as it has a large south facing roof,but there’s no grants available. Yet I could fit a new gas boiler and get 40% relief as it counts as a renewal, not upgrade.
- Jul 18, 2017
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We have been getting emails from Octopus to join the free electric scheme, but I am very wary as there is no such thing as free electric from the grid. At the times mentioned we are out and about anyway so a bit pointless. At other free electric times, we do not have much use for it then as generally it is at night after 10pm.
Because it would put the price of the house up and make them even more out of reach for some.
- Nov 11, 2009
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Our grandson asked the developer if solar could be included in their new build but they did not offer that option. Plus whilst it is a nice house and very well insulated there isn’t a lot of room. I don’t know the size or regulations for battery storage but I’m not sure it has space. Nor is it wired “ for but not with”.
- Jun 16, 2020
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I wonder if this offer is regional. I am with Octopus and have not received that offer. This was my last offer.
- Jul 18, 2017
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It would be included in the mortgage so after 25 years, the £2000 original cost would probably have ballooned to + £3500. IMHO solar panels and heat pumps should be an option and not mandatory. The mandatory £4000 heat pump after taking the repayments on the mortgage into consideration, probably costs the home owner another +£8000 after 25 years! Just guessing on the cost and used the figures as an example.
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,165
- 9,125
- 50,935
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,165
- 9,125
- 50,935
But how much solar electricity are you getting over 25 years? That has to be taken in to consideration on any investment decision. What are uncertainties are interest rates, inflation, energy costs etc over such a long period. Impossible really to estimate.
There's no hidden cost - so just press "yes" and opt in - we always opt in but sometimes don't use any more than usual, other times the saving is small as we have no heavy consumption items we can time-shift.
- Jul 18, 2017
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A lot depends on the alignment of the panels, but whichever way you look at it you are still paying interest on something that could have been fitted at a later stage instead of being made mandatory. I am aware that at present, solar panels are not mandatory, but heat pumps are on new builds.
I am guessing of course, but if there is a power cut in the middle of winter due to a storm, I wonder how many people in new builds will have a source of alternative heating especially if the power break is a couple of hours?
- Jun 16, 2020
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- Feb 13, 2024
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- Dec 27, 2022
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I don't bother with the "free" electricity it's just not worth it. I prefer Octopus to pay me to use electricity as they did last night and tonight. Peak is minus 4.8p kWh, better than just getting it free.
Electricity has been "free" since the beginning of March it's only in the last couple of weeks that I have needed to take electricity from the grid that I have to pay for. Before that is been solar or 🐙 Agile paying me to use it.
ETA
Solar has been in a couple of years so no grants, however it does bring in a return on investment of 11%+ and I can't take the original capital with me.
Electricity has been "free" since the beginning of March it's only in the last couple of weeks that I have needed to take electricity from the grid that I have to pay for. Before that is been solar or 🐙 Agile paying me to use it.
ETA
Solar has been in a couple of years so no grants, however it does bring in a return on investment of 11%+ and I can't take the original capital with me.
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,165
- 9,125
- 50,935
My gas boiler will not work without electric, nor cooker. But there’s a lounge gas fire that uses battery ignition, and I’ve got a couple of camping stoves with a goodly number of canisters, plus charcoal if things get desperate. But as you say I bet there’s a lot, young and old, who have no fallbacks in the event of a power cut however it’s caused. Living through the miners strikes caused us to have fallbacks. One of which was the local pub with its seemingly endless supply of coal for the bar fire. Our caravan was also a fall back, but no longer. ☹️
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