The Octopus Flux tariff can help you optimise your solar panel and battery usage, ensuring you buy and sell electricity at the most cost-effective rates.
The Energy Saving Trust notes that if you can shift your energy use to a different time of day, you could save money on your electricity bills and help the UK reach net zero. The rise of smart tariffs reflects the changing nature of UK homes.
More people are generating their own electricity, have batteries capable of handling the evening peak, and are seeking ways to lower their bills without sacrificing comfort. A tariff that understands these patterns makes the most of what your system can already do, which is why Octopus Flux has become one of the fastest-growing choices for solar households.
Octopus Flux sits at the centre of this shift. It offers an opportunity to enhance the impact of your solar panel system, manage your imported energy more efficiently, and utilise your battery as a meaningful part of the UK’s transition toward cleaner, more flexible power.
With the right approach, Octopus Flux becomes more than just a tariff; it becomes a strategy for using your home energy system in a smarter and more profitable way.
Key Takeaways on Octopus Flux:
- Octopus Flux is designed for solar- and battery-powered homes, with time-based windows that reward charging when electricity is inexpensive and exporting when demand rises.
- The tariff’s performance depends on timing. The early-morning import window (02:00–05:00) and the late-afternoon export window (16:00–19:00) form the core of how the tariff delivers value.
- A functioning smart meter with half-hourly readings is essential, as Flux pays for measured export rather than estimates.
- Homes with larger batteries or consistent surplus generation tend to benefit most, especially when they can release stored energy during the peak export period.
- Intelligent Flux suits households with supported batteries that prefer automatic scheduling, while the standard version gives homeowners full control.
- Alternatives exist for simpler systems, including fixed-rate or mid-range Smart Export Guarantee tariffs that do not require battery storage.
- Flux is flexible, with no exit fees, and its rates change with the wholesale market, so returns depend on usage patterns and seasonal generation.
What Is Octopus Flux?
Octopus Flux is a smart import-export tariff designed for homes that generate and store their own electricity. It offers different prices throughout the day, allowing households with solar panels and a battery to get more value from their existing energy usage. The structure encourages you to store low-cost electricity overnight, rely on your own power during the day, and release energy back to the grid during the hours when demand across the country rises.
The tariff is designed for systems that can respond to this daily rhythm with minimal effort once everything is set up. Instead of treating every unit of electricity the same, Flux recognises the flexibility that a solar-plus-battery home provides and rewards it with stronger export rates at key times. For many households, the result is a more efficient use of their existing equipment and a clearer link between smart energy behaviour and tangible savings.
Flux also plays a part in the UK’s shift toward a more flexible, low-carbon electricity system. Homes on this tariff support the grid during moments of high demand, rely more heavily on clean energy throughout the day, and utilise stored power more effectively. The emphasis is on timing rather than complexity, and most families find that once the initial setup is complete, the system blends naturally into everyday life.
How Octopus Flux Works
Octopus Flux builds its value around timing. Electricity becomes more expensive when national demand rises and cheaper when the grid is quiet. Homes with solar panels and a battery can utilise this pattern to their advantage, and Flux converts it into genuine bill savings. Once you understand how the tariff divides the day, the whole system becomes clear and surprisingly easy to use.
Flux splits the day into three predictable windows. Each one encourages a different behaviour from your home energy system, and together they create a rhythm that your solar and battery can follow without much ongoing effort.
Peak Export Window (Late Afternoon To Early Evening)
This is the most valuable period for sending electricity back to the grid. Demand rises sharply as households prepare meals, run appliances and settle in for the evening. Your battery can release stored solar energy at this time, and the export rate is usually at its highest, making every unit of energy worth more.
Super-Cheap Overnight Import Window
This is the moment to charge your battery at the lowest possible cost. The grid is quiet, nighttime demand is low, and the cost of electricity becomes far cheaper than during the day. Households that use this window well often begin the morning with a full battery, ready to cover breakfast-time usage without touching the shoulder rate.
Shoulder Period (The Rest of the Day)
Most solar electricity generation happens here. Your panels handle daytime usage, top up the battery and export any extra energy once the battery is full. Import and export rates during this window sit between the overnight low and the evening peak.
Octopus Flux Rates (2025 Update)
Flux stands out because its rates change throughout the day in a way that matches how homes with solar and batteries actually use electricity. The structure encourages you to charge when energy is inexpensive, cover daytime usage with stored or freshly generated solar power and export during the evening peak when the grid places the highest value on clean electricity.
Rates vary across the UK because each region operates under a different distribution network, and those networks influence the price you pay and the amount you earn.
Typical UK Import and Export Rates
Flux has three rate periods, each with a different level of value. The evening peak offers the highest export price, the overnight window offers the lowest import price, and the shoulder period falls somewhere in between. These values shift slightly depending on region, so having a clear table helps households understand what to expect.
| City | Peak import (p / kWh) | Off-peak import (p / kWh) | Peak export (p / kWh) | Off-peak export (p / kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 37.05 | 15.88 | 27.81 | 4.39 |
| Bristol | 38.61 | 16.55 | 29.22 | 4.55 |
| Cardiff | 38.65 | 16.57 | 29.35 | 4.69 |
| Edinburgh | 36.15 | 15.49 | 27.19 | 4.42 |
| London | 37.07 | 15.89 | 28.6 | 5.24 |
| Manchester | 36.92 | 15.82 | 27.7 | 4.34 |
| York | 36.74 | 15.74 | 27.69 | 4.21 |
Why Rates Differ by Region
Every part of the UK is connected to a specific Distribution Network Operator. These networks handle the infrastructure that moves electricity around local areas, and the cost of maintaining that infrastructure varies. That variation affects both import and export prices.
Regions with higher local demand or more complex grid conditions tend to exhibit higher peak export incentives, while regions with more stable infrastructure may display a smoother price spread. Flux reflects these differences rather than setting a single national rate.
How Often Rates Change
Flux rates do not remain fixed for long periods. They are reviewed and adjusted quarterly, with changes linked to national wholesale electricity prices and wider grid conditions. Some quarters show small, almost unnoticeable adjustments, while others shift more clearly depending on market behaviour.
Households on Flux usually receive updated rates ahead of each change, and it is sensible to take a moment every few months to check whether your import and export values have moved. A quick review helps you stay aligned with the tariff’s rhythm and ensures your battery schedule still gives you the best return.
The system rewards predictable behaviour from your solar and battery setup, and knowing when the tariff is at its most generous or its most affordable helps you make the most of your home energy system throughout the year.
Standard Octopus Flux vs Intelligent Octopus Flux
Flux comes in two versions. Both reward solar households for exporting at the right moment, and both offer access to cheaper overnight electricity. The difference lies in how much control you want over your battery and how you prefer it to behave throughout the day.
Some households prefer to set their own schedules, while others want the system to think for them. Understanding the contrast between the two versions makes the decision much clearer.
What Standard Flux Offers
Standard Flux gives you full control over your battery schedule. You decide when your battery charges, when it holds energy for your own use and when it discharges back to the grid. This works well for people who enjoy managing their own settings or who already use a third-party automation platform. Any compatible battery can be used, and there is no requirement to buy a specific brand.
Most families choose Standard Flux when they want a predictable setup that stays exactly as they configure it. The tariff still includes the high-value evening export window and the super-cheap overnight import window, but you shape the behaviour rather than handing that responsibility to automation.
What Intelligent Flux Offers
Intelligent Flux performs the same essential function but handles the timing automatically. It analyses your battery capacity, your home’s daily usage pattern and the wider grid conditions. The system then sets a charging and discharging plan designed to maximise your savings without requiring manual intervention.
This version currently works only with the GivEnergy battery ecosystem because the automation relies on a direct integration with the manufacturer’s platform. Households that already use GivEnergy often find Intelligent Flux appealing because it transforms daily energy management into a background process. The app handles the decisions, and the battery follows the plan without requiring regular adjustments to settings.
Comparison Table: Standard vs Intelligent
| Feature | Standard Octopus Flux | Intelligent Octopus Flux |
| Automation level | Manual scheduling. You choose when the battery charges and discharges. | Fully automated scheduling based on your usage patterns and wider grid conditions. |
| Battery compatibility | Works with most compatible home batteries. | Works only with GivEnergy batteries. |
| User effort | Requires occasional monitoring and adjustments. | Minimal effort. The system sets and updates the schedule for you. |
| Custom scheduling | Fully customisable. You control the timings. | Limited manual control because automation manages the plan. |
| Typical savings potential | Strong savings when schedules are fine-tuned. | High savings for most households because automation consistently optimises the battery. |
| Best suited for | Users who enjoy managing their own system or using third-party automation tools. | Users who want a simple, hands-off setup with automatic optimisation. |
Which One Is Better for Your Home?
The right choice depends on your setup and the level of involvement you prefer. If you have a GivEnergy battery and prefer a hands-off routine, Intelligent Flux is the natural fit. If you use a different brand or already have a finely tuned battery schedule, you may prefer Standard Flux.
Both versions aim to maximise the value of your solar and battery system, and either one can work well when the household understands how the daily rate pattern influences performance.
Who Can Get Octopus Flux? (Eligibility Checklist)
Flux is designed for homes that can generate and store electricity efficiently, so the requirements focus on ensuring your system can follow the daily rate pattern without interruption. A few key pieces need to be in place before the tariff can be activated, and most households with modern solar setups already meet them.
Essential requirements include:
Solar PV System
A working solar array is necessary because the tariff is based on exporting your surplus energy and utilising clean generation during daylight hours.
Home Battery
A battery is essential for capitalising on the overnight import window and maintaining sufficient power to release during the early evening. Most systems with a capacity of 5–10 kWh adapt well to the daily tariff schedule.
Smart Meter
Flux relies on half-hourly readings to track both consumption and export. A SMETS2 meter usually works straight away, and some SMETS1 Secure™ models are also compatible.
Export MPAN
Your system requires an export MPAN so that Octopus can track the amount of electricity you send back to the grid. Homes that already receive export payments will normally have this in place.
What are the Technical Requirements for Octopus Flux?
Compatible Inverter
Your solar inverter must support accurate monitoring and timed control, allowing the battery to follow the tariff’s charging and discharging pattern.
Reliable Connectivity
For the tariff to operate smoothly, your system should maintain a steady connection with your smart meter and battery monitoring platform. This ensures that your exports and imports are logged correctly.
Integration for Intelligent Flux
Households considering Intelligent Flux need a GivEnergy battery and access to the linked control platform. This allows the automated scheduling system to operate effectively.
Situations Where Flux May Not Be Suitable
Small Solar Setups
Systems under roughly 2 kWp often generate too little surplus electricity to take advantage of the evening export window.
Homes Without a Battery
Without storage, you cannot take advantage of the inexpensive overnight rates or the targeted peak export schedule.
Feed-In Tariff Complications
If you receive a deemed export under an older FIT arrangement, you may need to opt out before switching.
Patterns of High Daytime Usage
Homes that rely heavily on daytime grid electricity may not release enough stored energy to capitalise on the peak export period.
By checking these points, a homeowner can quickly see whether their setup aligns with how Flux operates and whether the tariff will make a meaningful difference to their annual bills.
How to Switch to Octopus Flux
Joining Flux follows a straightforward path that begins with becoming an Octopus Energy customer and concludes with your smart meter transmitting the necessary data for the tariff to operate smoothly. The process is mostly automated once a few key checks are complete.
Become an Octopus Energy Customer
Flux is only available to households already supplied by Octopus. If you’re with a different provider, the first step is to switch to Flexible Octopus. Once your supply moves over, you can request a move onto Flux.
Check Your Smart Meter Type
Your account dashboard shows the meter model installed at your property. Flux relies on a meter that can send half-hourly readings. If your meter already supports this, you’re one step closer to activating the tariff.
Wait for Smart Meter Connection
Octopus needs to establish a remote connection before the tariff can be applied. This typically takes around two weeks, whether the meter has just been installed or is being transferred after a supplier switch.
Accept the Flux Terms and Conditions
When the meter begins sending half-hourly data, Octopus sends an email inviting you to accept the tariff’s Terms and Conditions. Once confirmed, the switch moves forward automatically.
Tariff Activation
After the agreement is accepted, your account will be updated to Octopus Flux. The new rates are displayed in your online portal, and your system will begin following the tariff’s daily pattern without any further action required.
Optimising Your Savings on Octopus Flux
Flux is built around predictable daily windows that reward charging and exporting at the right times. The tariff becomes most effective when your battery follows these windows reliably, because each one plays a different role in how your home interacts with the grid.
Use the Early-Morning Import Window
Flux’s lowest import price appears every day between 02:00 and 05:00 UK local time, regardless of daylight saving time. This window is designed for low-cost battery charging. When your battery is filled during these hours, the rest of the day begins with a strong reserve of inexpensive electricity.
This reduces the need to buy power during the shoulder period and prepares your system for the late-afternoon export window.
Make the Most of the Peak Export Window
The highest export price is always paid between 16:00 and 19:00 UK local time. During these three hours, the grid places the greatest value on power that is stored or freshly generated. If your battery is charged and ready, exporting during this period strengthens your overall return from the tariff.
Flux pays you for the exact electricity you export, measured every half hour by your smart meter.
Keep Your System Prepared for Time-Based Export
Flux rewards accurate, time-based export rather than assumed “deemed export,” so the value you receive is tied to what your system actually sends out. Maintaining a functioning smart meter that provides half-hourly readings ensures your export is logged correctly and paid at the appropriate rate.
Consider the Automated Variant if Supported
If your battery is compatible, the managed version of Flux can automate charge and discharge behaviour so that you don’t have to set a schedule manually. This option follows the same timing windows but manages the process for you. Households with supported equipment who prefer automation may find this route easier.
Flux is built on predictable time periods, and your system performs best when it aligns with them every day. Homes that charge when electricity is inexpensive and export when it is most valuable tend to see the clearest benefit from the tariff.
Pros and Cons of Octopus Flux
Flux is designed to support homes that generate and store renewable electricity, and its structure offers several clear advantages when your system matches the tariff’s requirements. However, you must meet a few conditions before the tariff can work as intended.
Pros
Designed For Solar-Plus-Battery Homes
Flux is designed specifically for households that generate their own electricity and store it, enabling them to utilise stored energy strategically and export surplus at the most valuable times.
Access To Time-Based Import and Export Windows
The tariff offers a low-cost import window from 02:00 to 05:00 and a high-value export window from 16:00 to 19:00, providing you with defined periods each day to buy at a lower cost and sell at a higher price.
No Limit on Export Volume
Flux pays you for the actual amount of electricity your system exports, and there is no upper limit on export amounts built into the tariff itself.
Flexible Tariff with No Exit Fees
Flux sits within Octopus’s family of flexible tariffs, so you can move away from it without penalty if your circumstances change.
Cons
Requires a Working Smart Meter with Half-Hourly Readings
Flux cannot operate without a smart meter that provides half-hourly data on import and export. Households without a compatible meter will need one installed or activated before they can join.
Built Around Scheduled Battery Use
To benefit from the tariff, your system must be able to charge during the early morning window and export during the late afternoon window. Homes without a battery or without timed control cannot follow the tariff’s structure.
Flux offers significant advantages when the home system meets the technical requirements and the household can consistently utilise the defined time windows throughout the year.
Alternatives to Octopus Flux
If your home setup doesn’t fully align with Flux’s requirements, or if you prefer a different tariff structure, there are several worthy alternatives. These differ in terms of eligibility, rate structure, and the level of hands-on optimisation required.
1. Flat-Rate Export Tariffs
Some suppliers offer a fixed payment for each unit you export, without time-of-use windows. For example, under the Good Energy “Solar Savings Exclusive” tariff, you’ll see higher fixed export payments rather than a three-window time-of-use model.
These tariffs are a simpler choice if you don’t have a battery or you don’t want to monitor or schedule export times.
2. Other Time-Of-Use Export/Import Tariffs
While Flux is optimised for solar and battery systems with specific time windows, other tariffs apply shorter or simpler time-of-use models. For example, the E.ON Next Export Exclusive tariff offers a fixed export rate of around 16.5 p/kWh under its scheme.
These may offer less upside than Flux’s peak export windows but still deliver a step up over flat export tariffs for homes that can export surplus power.
3. Stay with Simpler Solar Export Options
If you generate solar power but don’t have battery storage or a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings, remaining on a more basic export tariff might make sense. For instance, the standard export rate (under the Smart Export Guarantee) for many suppliers remains around 5-10 p/kWh.
This route keeps things low-hassle, though the financial upside is far more modest.
By comparing your system, your appetite for involvement, and your export potential, you can choose the type of tariff that fits you best, whether that’s high-reward but higher-effort (like Flux), a balanced time-of-use alternative, or a simpler flat-rate export option.
Octopus Flux Customer Feedback and Reviews
What Customers Appreciate
Octopus Energy frequently receives high marks for overall service. The company has an excellent 4.8 out of 5 stars rating from over 700,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Testimonials on Octopus Flux include:
“I have had their Enphase solar panels with two 5 kWh batteries installed a year ago, and very pleased with the Intelligent Octopus Flux tariff, leaving everything to Octopus to manage.”
“They outlined the process to handle the switch, not just from my current supplier to Octopus, but then also to their Octopus flux account for my solar panel install. Finally, the timetable for the complete switch (2-4 weeks ) exceeds expectations, as do the import and export tariffs quoted. No cost for the switch also!! So very different to my soon-to-be ex supplier.” – Trustpilot
This demonstrates a general positive view of the brand, which adds confidence when considering the Flux tariff.
Among solar-and-battery homeowners, there is a clear recognition that Flux offers a smart way to maximise the value of their system. For example, one review on Reddit:
“It really depends on what you want to get out of your system. If you don’t have an EV and can import most or all of your usage during the off-peak hours, it will be more beneficial to you than being on a fixed rate. The good thing about these tariffs is that you can jump around a bit, so you may find yourself getting an EV further down the line. For your first smart tariff, Flux will be just fine.” – Reddit
This kind of endorsement suggests there is genuine value when setup and usage align.
What Customers Point Out as Issues
A recurring theme in feedback is the level of effort required to optimise the tariff. One user wrote:
“Flux seems a bit too complicated to make money from if you were trying to be smart with it.” Reddit
For some households, the need to schedule battery charge/discharge precisely may raise barriers. Some users also report dissatisfaction and difficulties in setting up the export tariff:
“I applied for the Octopus Flux tariff, and while the import was set up quickly, the export side has still not been sorted out after weeks of chasing. I’ve called and emailed multiple times, but I keep receiving conflicting advice from different team members.” Trustpilot.
This suggests that in certain setups or at specific times of year, the expected benefit is less clear or requires fine-tuning. Others also report that during winter or when solar output is low, the tariff may be less advantageous unless usage patterns adjust.
Verdict
For homeowners with solar panels and a home battery system, who are willing to schedule or automate their battery usage, feedback around Octopus Flux tends to be very positive. The combination of high-value export windows and cheap import windows is seen as valuable.
However, the tariff is not universally easy or automatic. If your battery is small, your system usage doesn’t align well with the tariff’s key windows, or if you prefer a fully hands-off setup, then feedback suggests you may not get the full benefit as marketed. Some users recommend reviewing your usage seasonally or switching tariffs if system conditions change.
Final Thoughts on Octopus Flux
Octopus Flux provides a structured approach for solar- and battery-powered households to optimise their use of the power they generate. The three daily price windows provide a clear pattern to follow, with low-cost charging available in the early hours and a strong export value later in the afternoon when the grid requires additional support. Homes equipped with the right equipment often find that this rhythm aligns naturally with their existing system.
The tariff performs best when a household can store energy reliably and maintain accurate half-hourly smart meter readings. Homes that meet these requirements have the opportunity to reduce daytime reliance on imported electricity and earn more for the power they generate. For families who prefer a simpler arrangement or don’t use a battery, there is a range of fixed-rate and mid-range export tariffs that provide predictable earnings without time-based involvement.
Choosing the right tariff is about understanding how your system behaves and determining the level of control you want over it. Flux suits people who like the idea of timing their energy use to match the tariff’s structure or who are comfortable with automated support when their equipment is compatible. If your solar array and battery can follow that pattern consistently, the tariff creates a steady link between smart energy habits and meaningful financial returns.
FAQs on Octopus Flux
Is Octopus Flux Still Worth It?
Flux remains a strong option for homes with both solar panels and a battery system. It offers low-cost imports between 02:00 and 05:00 and higher export values between 16:00 and 19:00, which can increase savings when your system consistently follows these windows. It is most worthwhile for households that generate surplus electricity and can store enough energy to capitalise on the peak export period.
How To Get The Best From Octopus Flux?
The tariff works best when the battery charges during the low-cost early-morning window and holds enough energy to export during the late-afternoon peak. Ensuring your smart meter provides half-hourly readings is essential, as payments are based on measured export rather than estimates. If your battery is compatible, the automated version of the tariff can manage this process for you.
Which Is Better, Octopus Flux Or Intelligent Octopus Flux?
The standard version provides full control over battery scheduling. Intelligent Flux automates the same charging and exporting pattern for supported batteries. If you want a hands-off setup and your equipment is compatible, Intelligent Flux is the easier option. If you prefer to set your own timings or use a battery brand that is not supported, the standard version is more suitable.
What Is The Difference Between Octopus Flux And Outgoing Octopus?
Flux is a combined import-and-export tariff with specific time windows for charging and exporting. Outgoing Octopus is an export-only tariff that pays a single rate or an agile rate for the energy you send back to the grid. Flux is designed for battery owners who want to use time-of-use pricing, while Outgoing Octopus suits homes that generate surplus electricity but prefer a simpler, export-only setup.
Is The Octopus Flux Tariff Cheaper?
Flux can reduce costs by shifting battery charging to the designated early-morning window and limiting imports for the rest of the day. Export payments during the peak window can also improve returns. Since it’s a flexible tariff, the unit rates change in response to wholesale prices, so the level of savings depends on your system’s performance and seasonal generation.
How Much Is Octopus Flux Per kWh?
Flux rates vary by region and change with the wholesale market. The tariff provides three separate prices: one for the early morning import window, one for the late afternoon export window, and one for the shoulder period. The exact unit rates for your area are displayed on your Octopus online account, and Octopus provides notice before rates change.
Sources and References
- Energy Saving Trust – Smart time of use tariffs: all you need to know
- Trustpilot – Octopus Energy
- Reddit – Why have people gone off Flux? Is there better (with Octopus)?