Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 13, On March 26, the French government adjusted the rates for electricity fed into the grid by solar-powered households. In response, Octopus Energy Services introduced SolarPlus, a new product combining solar panels, battery storage, and flexible energy consumption to help users optimize their electricity use and lower costs.

SolarPlus allows households to increase self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity. Octopus Energy estimates that homes with a 6 kW^v^1 solar array and a 6.9 kWh battery, consuming 6 MWh annually, could save up to 90% on electricity bills, equating to €1,900 ($2,080) yearly. For homes already equipped with solar and storage systems, savings could reach 49%, or about €480 annually.

The product includes a tariff guaranteed to be 3% below the standard regulated rate, offering 428 additional off-peak hours yearly, particularly between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily from April 1 to October 31. This tariff structure could save households around €15 per year. An intelligent battery is central to SolarPlus, charging during sunny periods or off-peak hours, potentially saving an additional €51 annually.

SolarPlus also enables users to sell excess solar electricity back to Octopus Energy at €0.13 per kWh, a rate fixed for three years and three times higher than the state’s price. This could generate up to €234 in annual savings. Additionally, the system can power energy-intensive devices like hot water tanks, leveraging solar energy during the extended off-peak pricing period from April to October, saving up to €117 yearly.

Guillaume Bodson, deputy CEO of Octopus Energy, stated: “We strongly believe in this new, controllable solar offering: If used properly, batteries will help relieve the grid during peak demand. Equipping 600,000 homes would provide the [grid] flexibility equivalent of six nuclear reactors: It’s a real opportunity to make the French energy system more flexible and independent while also easing the burden on French people’s wallets.”

The system is designed to balance household energy needs with grid stability, offering both financial benefits and support for a more sustainable energy network. By integrating solar generation, storage, and smart consumption, SolarPlus provides a practical solution for households aiming to reduce costs while contributing to energy efficiency.