Time-of-Use Energy Tariffs Explained

    Time of Use Energy Tariffs for Portsmouth Homes
    Use It Smarter.

    Time-of-use tariffs charge different rates depending on when you use electricity. Combined with solar panels and battery storage, Portsmouth homeowners can slash bills by up to 90%.

    Understanding Rates

    What Are Time-of-Use Tariffs?

    Unlike flat-rate tariffs where you pay the same price 24/7, time-of-use (ToU) tariffs vary the price of electricity throughout the day. Energy is cheapest when demand is low (overnight) and most expensive during peak hours (mornings and evenings).

    Typical Daily Rate Structure

    Off-Peak~7p/kWh

    12:00am – 5:30am

    Morning Peak~35p/kWh

    5:30am – 9:30am

    Daytime~20p/kWh

    9:30am – 4:00pm

    Evening Peak~40p/kWh

    4:00pm – 9:00pm

    Off-Peak~10p/kWh

    9:00pm – 12:00am

    Why It Matters

    Solar + Battery + Smart Tariff = Maximum Savings

    Here's how Portsmouth homeowners combine solar, battery storage, and time-of-use tariffs to dramatically reduce energy costs.

    Save Up to 90% on Bills

    Charge your battery at 7p/kWh overnight and use it during 40p/kWh peak hours. The savings stack up fast.

    Battery Arbitrage

    Buy electricity when it's cheapest and use or sell it when it's most expensive. Your battery becomes a money-making asset.

    Solar + ToU = Maximum Savings

    Generate free electricity during the day, store the surplus, and avoid every peak-rate charge.

    Smart Export Guarantee

    Export surplus solar to the grid during peak hours when export rates are highest. Earn more per kWh.

    Best Tariffs

    Popular Time-of-Use Tariffs for Solar Homes

    These are the UK's most popular smart tariffs that work brilliantly with solar panels and battery storage.

    Octopus Energy

    Octopus Agile

    Half-hourly pricing that follows wholesale rates. Prices can go negative — get paid to use electricity!

    Best for: Battery storage owners
    Octopus Energy

    Octopus Flux

    Designed for solar + battery homes. Higher export rates during peak, cheap imports overnight.

    Best for: Solar & battery combos
    Octopus Energy

    Intelligent Octopus Go

    6-hour off-peak window at ~7p/kWh. Perfect for EV and battery charging overnight.

    Best for: EV owners with battery
    E.ON

    E.ON Next Flex

    Variable rate with smart meter integration. Competitive standard rates for solar homes.

    Best for: Solar-only homes
    Daily Cycle

    A Typical Day with Solar + Battery + ToU Tariff

    12am – 5:30am

    Overnight Charge

    Your battery charges from the grid at the cheapest off-peak rate (~7p/kWh). Your EV charges too.

    5:30am – 9:30am

    Morning Peak — Battery Powers Home

    Electricity jumps to ~35p/kWh but you're running off your battery. Zero grid usage, zero peak charges.

    9:30am – 4:00pm

    Solar Generation

    Your panels generate free electricity. Surplus charges your battery or exports to the grid via SEG for money.

    4:00pm – 9:00pm

    Evening Peak — Battery Again

    The most expensive period (~40p/kWh). Your fully charged battery powers your home. You pay nothing.

    9:00pm – 12:00am

    Off-Peak Returns

    Rates drop again. Any remaining battery usage or light grid usage at low cost. The cycle resets.

    Ready to Unlock Smart Energy Savings?

    We'll design a solar + battery system optimised for time-of-use tariffs. Free survey, no obligation.

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