Fund-rays-ing solar style: Octopus launches world-first solar donation trial to alleviate fuel poverty
Octopus Energy engineers installing solar panels
Octopus Energy launches a pioneering donation trial that allows solar customers to share the value of their excess energy with those facing fuel poverty.
In a world-first scheme, Octopus Solar Sharing lets households with surplus solar energy donate the value of their excess energy to the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) or to Octopus’ Octo Assist fund – a £30 million pot dedicated to helping its customers in need.
Many homes with solar panels generate more electricity than they use. While energy suppliers typically allow customers to sell this surplus back to the grid, Octopus Solar Sharing takes it one step further.
Instead of keeping the earnings from the excess energy exported back to the grid, Octopus’ solar customers can now donate them to support meaningful causes.
For every kilowatt-hour donated, Octopus will contribute 15p directly to the chosen organisation. The scheme launches with NEA and Octo Assist, with additional charities to join in the future.
Solar power is increasingly important for reducing energy costs and providing sustainable solutions. With over 1.4 million homes in the UK already equipped with solar panels, this number continues to grow each year*.
To further boost the rollout of home solar and help those facing fuel poverty, Octopus is also offering eligible customers free solar and battery installations. The initiative is part of an extension to the Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme, available to customers who meet specific criteria**.
So far, Octopus has reached out to 10,000 WHD recipients who qualify for this offer, potentially saving them over 90% on their energy bills with the right tariff.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, said: “Solar power is a force for good in itself – and now it can be shared with the ones most in need too.
“We’re just at the beginning of this solar revolution, and the more suppliers and customers we can get involved, the bigger the impact will be.
“Clean energy tech isn’t just for those with cash to invest in it, but it can unlock savings for all. It's not just about building a greener system, but a fairer one too.”
Octopus Energy entered the domestic solar installation market in January 2023 and provides full installation of both solar panels and home batteries to help homes in their journey to net zero.
