Switching energy supplier is no longer just about finding the cheapest unit rate. For homeowners with solar panels or a solar PV system with battery storage, the right energy tariff and export tariff can dramatically increase your savings, improve the return on investment and unlock the true value of your solar and battery storage.
At SolarTherm UK, we regularly see customers saving more by optimising their tariff than by changing their hardware. This guide explains how switching works, the different types of energy tariffs and – most importantly – how to choose the best import and export tariffs for solar energy, with real examples from Octopus Energy.
What Do You Need to Switch Energy Supplier?
Before switching, gather the following information from a recent energy bill or your supplier’s app:
- Your current energy supplier
- Your current tariff name
- Your annual electricity usage (kWh)
- Whether you have solar panels and battery storage
- Your smart meter status (important for export tariffs)
- How you currently pay (direct debit, monthly, quarterly)
- Your postcode
If you have a solar PV system, it’s also useful to know:
- Your annual solar generation
- Whether you currently receive SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) payments
How to Switch Energy Supplier: Step by Step
1. Compare Energy Tariffs (Import and Export)
Most comparison sites only focus on import costs. If you have solar panels, this is only half the picture. When comparing tariffs, look at:
- Electricity unit rates
- Standing charges
- Export rates (pence per kWh paid for surplus solar)
- Contract length
- Exit fees
- Smart tariff compatibility
- Customer service ratings
⚠️ A cheap import tariff with a poor export rate can cost solar owners thousands over the lifetime of a system.
2. Apply for the New Tariff
You can switch online or by phone. Your new supplier will manage the switch with your existing provider.
- Switching usually completes within 5 working days
- Record your meter reading around the switch date
- If you’re on a fixed tariff check for exit fees
- Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) have no exit fees
For export tariffs, suppliers may request:
- Proof of MCS certification and DNO approval
- Confirmation of smart meter installation
3. Cooling Off Period
All energy switches come with a 14 day cooling off period, starting the day after your contract begins. You can cancel without penalty during this time.
Understanding the Different Types of Energy Tariff (and What’s Best for Solar)
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT)
Good for: flexibility
Watch out for: higher prices and limited solar optimisation
SVTs are capped by Ofgem but rarely offer competitive export rates. They are usually the least effective option for solar PV owners.
Fixed Rate Tariff
Good for: price certainty
Watch out for: exit fees and poor export options
Some fixed tariffs offer stable import prices but limited flexibility for solar and battery users.
Duel Fuel Tariffs
Good for: simplicity
Watch out for: not always cheaper
Having gas and electricity with one supplier can be convenient, but solar savings come almost entirely from electricity tariffs – especially export.
Time of Use Tariffs (Best for Solar and Battery)
Good for: maximising solar and battery savings
Watch out for: higher peak rates
Time of use tariffs reward households that can shift energy usage away from peak demand periods. When paired with battery storage, they are often the most cost effective option for solar owners.
Solar Export Tariffs Explained
If you generate more electricity than you use, your solar system will export the surplus back to the grid. Export tariffs pay you for this electricity.
Types of Export Tariffs:
- Flat rate export: same price per kWh at all times
- Time variable export: higher payments during peak grid demand
- Linked import/export tariffs: designed specifically for solar and battery systems
Octopus Energy Tariff Examples for Solar Homes
Outgoing Octopus (SEG Export Tariff)
- Pays a flat export rate per kWh
- No requirement to import electricity from Octopus
- Ideal for homeowners without battery storage
Best for: simple solar PV systems exporting excess energy
Octopus Flux (Import and Export Tariff)
- Designed specifically for solar and battery storage systems
- Cheaper import rates off peak
- Encourages charging batteries overnight and exporting during the evening peak
Best for: homes with solar panels and battery storage looking to actively manage energy flows
Octopus Agile (Advanced Users)
- Half hourly pricing based on wholesale energy markets
- Prices can drop very low – or rise sharply
- Works best with automation and battery storage
Best for: tech savvy households with smart energy management systems.
How to Lower Your Energy Bills Without Switching Supplier
Pay By Direct Debit
Usually cheaper and spreads costs evenly across the year.
Go Paperless
Lower admin costs and reduced environmental impact.
Speak to Your Supplier
Many suppliers can move you to a better tariff without switching.
Reduce Import with Solar and Battery Storage
The biggest long term savings come from:
- Using more of your own solar energy
- Storing surplus generation
- Exporting at the highest tariff rates
- Importing at the lowest tariff prices
Am I Protected by the Energy Price Cap?
The Ofgem energy price cap applies to standard variable tariffs in England, Scotland and Wales. It limits unit rates but does not guarantee the cheapest bills, nor does it protect export payments. Solar homeowners benefit far more from smart tariffs than price capped defaults.
Why Solar and the Right Tariff Matters More Than Ever
A solar PV system is only as good as the tariff it runs on. The right combination of solar panels, battery storage, smart import tariff and competitive export tariff can reduce grid reliance, stabilise bills and significantly improve payback.
At SolarTherm UK, we don’t just install solar systems, we help customers to understand how to make them work smarter for decades to come.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
