Tariffs
My install is new, can I get started without an export tariff?
Yes! If you don't yet have an export tariff, you can simply skip this step. It can sometimes take a while to get an export tariff set up, depending on the DNO and supplier.
Linking with Octopus Energy
Once your Octopus Export tariff is set up, it will automatically appear in the app via your API key. You won't need to do anything, your tariff details with update automatically.
Linking with other suppliers
For other suppliers, you can add your export tariff via Flatpeak once you receive the details.
Can I optimise without an export tariff?
No, only once the export tariff has been added, will you be able to optimise.
Why do you need an export tariff?
An export tariff is a way to get paid for the energy you send back to the grid. If you don't have one, you could be giving away your solar energy for free.
Without an export tariff, any excess electricity your solar panels generate that you don't use still goes to the grid, but you won't receive any payment for it.
This means:
- You miss out on earnings that could help offset your electricity bills.
- You can't minimise your payback period.
- You might still need to buy electricity from the grid at night, or in bad weather, paying for energy even though you've already given some away for free.
How to get an export tariff?
To start earning for your exported energy, check with energy providers, such as Octopus*, to find a tariff that suits you. The best export tariffs for Smug and optimisation, are variable time-of-use tariffs.
*If you sign up to an Octopus tariff through that link, you will get £50 in free credit. We will also get some too.