Somehow Bob 'won' her from Octopus Energy, who are our "suppliers". Except they don't supply us with very much energy, because of our solar panels on the roof and the storage batteries connected to them. In the 6 months March to August, we got 98.5% of our energy from the panels. And of the power generated, over 68% was sold back to the grid. So as well as paying for the 1.5% we got from the grid, our Octopus account has built up a very healthy balance. Enough to pay for any electricity used over the winter and cover the costs of the oil for our heating.
When Bob phoned, to ask if some of the surplus could be transferred to our bank account [for the oil payment] the guy said he would have to check - we are supposed to keep 'in the black '., to ensure we can pay for power in the darker winter months. He said he would call up our account on screen. Bob said there was a pause, then the Octopus man said "Blimey!!" He was quite astounded by the effectiveness and efficiency of our panels. We feel very grateful that we were able to have the system fitted when we did.
If you are considering solar, do check out your fitter's credentials, don't have panels without batteries, and make sure you have the right paperwork connecting you to the grid so you receive your payments. We have found Octopus to be helpful and reliable.
I'm still not sure how I feel about Olivia though!
We’re with Octopus too and usually ask them for money back around this time of year. We are cooking with electricity now for the first time in 47 years and that has put the bill up slightly but the gas has gone down a bit. Catriona
ReplyDeleteNo gas in this village! I used to like cooking with a gas hob, but don't really miss it now. When the boiler gives up the ghost, we will have to rethink our heating system.
DeleteThat's brilliant!
ReplyDeleteVery pleased with our solar system 🌞
DeleteI wonder if they will choose to feature your household in ads? It would be perfect.
ReplyDeletePretty sure bright Olivia will be finding a new home soon! JanF
I suspect the first visitor who cuddles her may end up taking her home
DeleteShe'd be cute in someone's book corner!
Delete🐙👍🐙
DeleteWe're with Octopus Energy too. There has been a build up in the black section of our account which we think is due to having the solar panels, but our house is smaller and very well insulated which all helps. Xx
ReplyDeleteGood insulation makes such a difference
DeleteI do like Olivia Coleman she is a fine actress. I like the octopus as well.
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DeleteI can see Olivia being popular with the grandchildren. Apart from one or two solar lights, and a solar hedgehog called Humphrey whose eyes light up at night we only have one solar panel that is on the side of the generator shed and it is there to power the light inside when it is needed.
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DeleteSounds like you made the right decision to go solar.
ReplyDeleteI think so 🌞
DeleteWe have had solar panels for a number of years and it was the best decision we made.
ReplyDeleteThey are so good
DeleteWhen we make our next move, it will probably be our last, so we will definitely be having solar panels (and batteries) again. Maybe not quite as many as last time though. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe are also with Octopus and enjoying the 3 hours of free electricity this weekend. Which is just about to finish!
We are very pleased with our installation, our chap really knew what to recommend
DeleteMy Dad has the same and they're on a plan where they find out the costs at different times of the day and sometimes they are paid to take power as there's an excess so they charge up their batteries to use at times when their ones aren't charging. My Stepmum loves checking for power. I wish we could have them but our house shape doesn't seem to work for them, we were advised. Sad
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I'm so glad yours are helping!
We are fortunate that our roof is in a good orientation for the panels
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