As energy prices continue to rise, more UK households are turning to solar panels to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. But if you want to get the most out of your solar system, pairing it with a smart energy tariff could take your savings even further.
Here's everything you need to know about what smart tariffs are, and how they work with solar panels...
What Is a Smart Tariff?
A smart tariff is a flexible energy plan, offered by energy providers, which adjusts your energy prices based on what time of day you use electricity. It typically works in conjunction with a smart meter, which tracks your energy usage in real time.
Some tariffs offer cheaper electricity overnight, while others have dynamic pricing that changes hourly based on demand (like the Octopus Agile tariff). The idea is simple: if you can shift some of your energy use to cheaper times of day, or generate your own power with solar, you can save money.
How Smart Tariffs Work with Solar Panels
If you already have solar panels installed, you're generating your own electricity during the day - especially in sunnier locations like Cornwall. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess is sent back to the grid, earning you payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Here’s where smart tariffs come in:
1. Store Cheap or Free Energy
With a solar battery, you can store unused solar energy to use later when prices are higher. Some smart tariffs also allow you to charge your battery during off-peak hours (like overnight) when electricity is cheapest, and then use that power during the day.
2. Sell Back at the Best Time
Some advanced tariffs reward you for exporting electricity when demand is high. If your battery and solar setup allows it, you can export electricity during peak-price periods and earn more.
3. Power High-Use Appliances More Efficiently
Smart appliances (or a bit of smart planning) can help you run high-use items like dishwashers, washing machines or EV chargers when your panels are generating most energy, or when the grid rate is low.
Smart tariffs in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the sunniest regions in the UK, making it ideal for solar power. By combining solar panels with a smart tariff and optional battery storage, homes and businesses in Cornwall can:
- Significantly reduce electricity bills
- Cut reliance on the National Grid
- Lower their carbon footprint
- Boost income from excess solar generation
If you’re in the South West, you’re in a prime spot to take advantage of this clever energy setup. Read Kris' story for a real-life example of combining smart tariffs, solar panels and EV charging in Cornwall.
Get a Free Quote from Natural Generation
At Natural Generation, we’ve been helping homes and businesses in Cornwall and beyond make the most of renewable energy for over 15 years. We install high-performance solar panel systems, with options for battery storage and advice on smart tariff integration.
Ready to lower your energy bills and take control of your power? Get your free solar quote from Natural Generation today.
Our expert team will help you find the right solution for your home or business, budget and energy goals.
