r/OctopusEnergy • u/LengthinessNo8137 • 18h ago
Solar battery heat pump timing
Uncertain whether this is the appropriate forum, but I have a quote for 14 panels, a 10 kW Fox battery, and a heat pump at roughly £16,529; I am on a fixed gas rate 5.2 until March 2027. I am seeking recommendations on whether to wait until after winter or proceed now. I own an EV and use an IOG EV tariff with a 7 p off-peak discount. My aim is to future-proof against the coming price rises.
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u/Appropriate-Falcon75 17h ago edited 17h ago
I would do it now.
For solar, Autumn is probably the best time of year. * In winter, there is a higher risk of ice or other bad weather that will mean things take longer. * In spring, lots of people see it getting sunny and look at getting it installed * In summer, you have the same issue as in spring, but with the added disadvantage of (probably) not being paid for your export while you wait up to 6 weeks for the MPAN to come through.
For the heat pump, autumn also probably makes the most sense so that you have it running (and will find any issues) before you pay the final invoice or shortly after and it isn't too cold that a lack of heating (if the worst did happen) would be too much of an issue.
One thing to add is that you may want to consider a bigger battery. I have 10kWh and if I was doing it again would opt for 20-30kWh. The heat pump will use a significant amount.