CRG DIRECT

Before and After Solar Panels: Real Energy Bills Compared (2022 vs 2025)

Genuine Octopus Energy bills from the same household — April 2022 before solar vs April 2025 after solar — showing a 51% reduction in energy costs.

Hampshire • Residential

Annual Savings

£1,023

Bill Reduction

35%

CO₂ Saved

950 kg

Payback Period

7.8y

" The Octopus app shows exactly what we are saving. Our electricity usage dropped 61% and we earn £24 a month from exports too. "

Property Details

Property Type
Residential
Location
Hampshire

Services Installed

Solar

The Bottom Line: How Much Do Solar Panels Really Save?

These are genuine Octopus Energy bills from a UK home, showing real meter readings, actual charges, and documented solar export earnings.

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That's a 51% reduction in energy costs, saving over £1,100 per year — and this household still has a £149.69 credit balance with their energy supplier.

Breaking Down the Numbers: What Changed After Solar Installation?

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The most dramatic change is in electricity consumption from the grid. The household now imports just 4.60 kWh per day — a 61% reduction from 11.68 kWh before solar. This means the solar panels are covering the majority of daytime electricity needs.

Even more impressive, the system generated 159.9 kWh of excess electricity in just one month, earning the homeowner £23.99 through Octopus Energy's export tariff at 15p per kWh.

Making Money from Solar: Understanding Export Payments

One of the most overlooked benefits of solar panels is the ability to earn money from excess generation:

  • Energy exported: 159.9 kWh
  • Export rate: 15p per kWh (Octopus Energy Smart Export Guarantee)
  • Export earnings: £23.99
  • Annual export estimate: £287.88 per year

    • This export income is a crucial part of the financial equation. Over 25 years, that's over £7,000 in export earnings alone.

    Annual Energy Costs: Before vs After Solar Panels

| --- | --- | --- |
MetricBefore Solar (2022)After Solar (2025)
Monthly Bill£182.81£113.26
Solar Export Credit£0.00+£23.99
Net Monthly Cost£182.81£89.27
Monthly Savings—£93.54
Annual Savings—£1,122.48
Energy TypeBefore SolarAfter Solar
Electricity (daily)11.68 kWh/day4.60 kWh/day
Electricity Reduction—↓ 61% reduction
Gas (daily)37.84 kWh/day44.32 kWh/day
Solar ExportNone159.9 kWh/month
Electricity Cost£104.77£51.93
Gas Cost£78.04£85.32
Annual CostBefore Solar (2022)After Solar (2025)
Electricity£1,305.32£1,007.83
Gas£1,630.15£1,192.68
Total£2,935.47£2,200.51
Export Earnings£0.00-£287.88
Net Annual Cost£2,935.47£1,912.63
Annual Savings—£1,022.84

The Impact of Rising Energy Prices on Solar Savings

Energy prices increased significantly between 2022 and 2025:

  • Electricity unit rate 2022: 20.35p - 28.08p per kWh
  • Electricity unit rate 2025: 23.33p per kWh
  • Gas unit rate 2022: 3.82p - 6.97p per kWh
  • Gas unit rate 2025: 5.29p per kWh

    • Without solar panels, this household would likely be paying well over £3,000 per year at 2025 energy prices. Instead, by generating their own electricity, they've insulated themselves from the worst of the price increases.

    Solar Panel ROI: When Will the Investment Pay Off?

  • Annual savings (based on actual bills): £1,022.84
  • Installation cost estimate: £8,000
  • Payback period: 7.8 years
  • 25-year total savings: £25,571

    • After the system pays for itself in under 8 years, the remaining 17+ years deliver pure profit. With solar panels typically lasting 25-30 years with minimal degradation, this represents substantial long-term value.

    Building Credit: The Cash Flow Advantage

    The April 2025 bill shows the household has £149.69 in credit with their energy supplier. This happens because:

  • Solar generation is highest in summer months
  • Export earnings accumulate as credits
  • Direct debit payments remain consistent
  • The surplus builds up to cover winter months when solar generation is lower

    • Key Findings

  • Monthly bills reduced from £182.81 to £89.27 (51% reduction)
  • Electricity from grid reduced by 61% (11.68 to 4.60 kWh/day)
  • Solar export earnings: £23.99/month (£288/year)
  • Annual savings: £1,022.84 based on actual usage patterns
  • Payback period: Under 8 years
  • Account credit balance: £149.69 after paying bills
  • 25-year projected savings: Over £25,000

    • Financial Summary

    Previous Annual Bill

    £2,935

    Reduction

    35%

    New Annual Bill

    £1,913

    Annual Savings

    £1,023

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