Finding the best export tariff to support my solar panels and reduce energy costs?

Hi,

Below a copy of my recent email to OVO, Octopus and Tesla UK.

Email Subject Header: Will I just be whistling in the wind, whilst drowning and/or being electrocuted trying to plug my extension lead into an offshore turbine? Well, let's find out... Re: Octopus, OVO and Tesla UK domestic energy and including UK domestic SEG export and fixed price duel fuel import.

I'm currently on a UK fixed domestic duel fuel contract with OVO until October 2022 but because of the likelihood of another crippling rise in grid supply energy costs I'm looking ahead. This not just for the best UK fixed grid duel fuel import cost but also the best UK SEG export tariff.

I am currently under no export contract with my existing supplier OVO, or anyone else. 

I meet all UK SEG export requirements with a domestic total solar installed capacity of 2.64 kW. 

I'm disabled, 65 years old, effectively medically retired and subsist on a fixed income. Therefore, unfortunately I'm unable to afford battery storage for efficient smart export, even if this was eventually made available for green subsidy in the UK. 

I would really love a very cheap refurbished Tesla Power Wall and this not just for my benefit. Domestic energy generation with battery storage would benefit any young family that might inherit or buy our home. My Wife, and full time carer, and I obliged to do what we can, however little, to help the next generation.

My dilemma; Octopus currently offer the best UK fixed SEG export tariff but only to existing or new customers. Non customer tariff, like that from many other UK providers, pathetically low. 

It would be unwise to pay early duel fuel exit fees to my current provider and enter new contracts that will be much more expensive, until I absolutely must. 

I know very little is about Tesla energy supplier status in the UK but their overall business model and philanthropic stance across multiple sectors, coupled with unique achievement, planned and aspirational goals, is truly inspirational. 

Well done Elon and team! You've made it and this in spite of all those that 'currently' have a vested interest in slowing down the inevitable. I sincerely believe that any resourceful individual, not just you, with noble but still profitable ambition will inspire many and that together must resolve the critical issues crucial for the benefit of us all.

Back to Earth with a bang, Tesla pun intended. Most UK SEG contracts appear to be for a minimum of 12 months. 

I currently believe it prudent to wait and commit to the best cost fixed duel fuel and SEG contract with the same provider. However, I remain open to suggestions from Octopus, OVO and especially Tesla. 

Tesla because domestic energy generation coupled with vehicle battery to home and grid export, which OVO have recently trialed (well done to their CEO), might be possible for me if UK disability car lease mobility support was available for Tesla cars. 

A Tesla purpose built car would currently be my preferred option rather than a battery retrofit within an existing ICE car from a legacy vehicle manufacturer

I mean no offence to the old timers because it will take time and a boat loan of money to retool and retrain, now with the real possibility of catastrophic Company failure and; push back from shareholders and others who might prefer short term but ever reducing financial gain, rather than medium and long-term increasing financial gain, is inevitable but ultimately indefensible and certainly unsustainable. Full Tesla self-drive, when finally allowed on UK public highways, would also particularly benefit the disabled.

Hopefully Tesla UK might be able to provide update on current energy service and car provision in the UK.

OVO offers good interest on 'in credit' balances but currently only a fixed SEG export of 4p  kWh to new and existing customers. Therefore, renewing my OVO fixed cost duel fuel with a long-term SEG agreement, that doesn't currently payback monthly, would be financially unwise.

Octopus currently ticks all the right boxes but only when I switch over to them as my prime energy import provider with a current 7.5p kWh monthly SEG payback.

For all grid energy providers, import and export tariff would have likely changed dramatically by the time I come to reconsider my next energy provider, in October 2022.

I really would appreciate any advice. Maybe some form of UK grant to facilitate installation of solar battery storage and/or additional solar panels. Even perhaps a grant for domestic wind power generation and/or vertical ground source heat pump, but this only as part of a hybrid domestic system that would retain gas as backup. This because anyone that has done even minimal research on heat pumps already knows that heat pump retrofitting into individual existing UK domestic housing stock couldn't replace gas import, also indirectly electricity if still needed, unless energy costs are naturally or kept artificially high and, in any case, all cost is relative and for myself, I also suspect for many others, higher energy cost would still be unaffordable.

In summary, this email sent to my existing, currently most likely replacement provider and Tesla is simply a request for confirmation that the analysis of my own personal energy dilemma is sound or, have I missed something important pertaining specifically to the OVO Vs Octopus import and export offerings or maybe something Tesla can provide.

OVO, Octopus and Tesla are all invited to comment but may choose not. So, am I just whistling in the wind?  Let's see.

Stay safe and warm if you can afford the increasing cost of heating and living costs more generally.

Regards Rick_H