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How Much Can You Really Save with Solar Panels in South Wales?

  • Writer: John Collett
    John Collett
  • Aug 3
  • 3 min read

If you’re considering solar panels in South Wales—whether you’re in Pontyclun, Bridgend, or the wider South Wales area—one of the biggest questions is: How much money will I actually save? The answer depends on your energy usage, your home setup, and the smart tariffs you choose. Here’s a breakdown for every type of homeowner, based on real South Wales numbers and the latest technology.


How Do Solar Panels Work?


Solar panels (photovoltaic or PV panels) are installed on your roof and convert sunlight into electricity. Here’s a simple overview of the process:

  • Daytime:

    • Solar panels generate electricity whenever the sun is shining.

    • This electricity powers your home’s appliances and devices first.

    • Any extra electricity is used to charge your battery (if you have one).

  • Battery Storage:

    • A battery stores surplus solar energy for use later—like in the evening or on cloudy days.

    • This means you can use your own solar power even when the sun isn’t out.

  • Exporting to the Grid:

    • If your battery is full and you’re still generating more power than you need, the excess is sent (“exported”) to the National Grid.

    • With the right tariff (like Octopus Flux), you get paid for this exported energy.

  • Buying from the Grid:

    • At night or during high-usage periods, if your battery and solar can’t meet your needs, you buy electricity from the grid as usual.

    • Smart tariffs let you buy at cheaper rates and sell at premium times.

This combination of solar panels, battery storage, and a smart tariff is what unlocks the biggest savings for South Wales homeowners.


How does Solar work
How Solar Works

The Basics: Average UK Home (2,700 kWh/year)


Most UK homes use around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year. For these households, a typical Quantum Renewables solar setup includes:

  • 10 solar panels (4.5kW system)

  • 5kWh battery storage

How does this save you money?

  • With this setup, you can expect to save over 80% on your annual electricity bill—that’s around £1,200–£1,400 a year at current rates.

  • Over 20 years, that’s a potential saving of £30,000+.

Why We Recommend Octopus Flux


At Quantum Renewables, we typically recommend the Octopus Flux tariff for solar panel owners. Here’s why:

  • Octopus Flux is designed for homes with solar panels and batteries.

  • You get paid a premium for exporting excess solar energy to the grid during peak times.

  • The tariff is dynamic, rewarding you for both exporting and using energy intelligently.

How does it work?

  • During sunny days, your panels power your home and charge your battery.

  • When the grid needs energy (usually in the evening), you can export from your battery at high rates.

  • At night, you can buy back electricity at lower prices if needed.


Low Users: Generating a Second Income with Intelligent Octopus Flux


If your usage is below average (e.g., you live alone or are very energy efficient), solar panels plus a battery can do even more:

  • Intelligent Octopus Flux allows Octopus to control your battery automatically.

  • You build up credits in the summer by exporting more than you use.

  • These credits can offset your winter bills, meaning you might pay nothing for electricity over the year or even earn a small “second income.”

Bonus:

  • Octopus pays above-average rates for letting them control your battery and help balance the grid.

  • This tariff is only available to customers with GivEnergy, Enphase, Tesla, or SolarEdge battery systems—and Quantum Renewables is an approved installer for both GivEnergy and Enphase.

  • Earn an extra income from the sun
    Earn an extra income from the sun

High Users: 6,000 kWh/Year or More (e.g., Electric Heating, ASHP)

If you use a lot of electricity—common for homes with electric heating or air source heat pumps (ASHP)—your savings potential is even greater, but your system needs are different:

  • Larger battery systems (like GivEnergy stackable batteries or All-in-One (AIO) setups) are recommended.

  • You can take advantage of time-of-use tariffs (like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus), which offer cheaper rates in the early morning hours.

How does this work?

  • Charge your large battery overnight at the lowest rates.

  • Run your home from the battery during the day, avoiding expensive peak rates.

  • Use your solar to top up the battery whenever the sun shines.

Real Savings, Real Flexibility

Whether you’re a low user, average household, or a high-use home with electric heating, solar panels combined with the right battery and tariff can dramatically reduce your bills—and in some cases, even earn you money.

Why Quantum Renewables?

  • We’re approved installers for GivEnergy and Enphase—both compatible with Octopus’s best smart tariffs.

  • Our team will help you choose the right system for your usage and set you up to maximise your savings.

Ready to See How Much You Could Save?

Get a free, personalised solar savings analysis for your home in Pontyclun, Bridgend, or anywhere in South Wales.


Contact Quantum Renewables Ltd

 
 
 

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