Which Is Better for Solar Export: Good Energy or Octopus?
Octopus Outgoing Agile typically pays more on average than Good Energy's fixed export rate, but Good Energy offers predictable income with no exposure to wholesale price swings, while Octopus Outgoing Fixed sits close to Good Energy's flat rate ā the right choice depends on whether you prioritise stability or peak-price flexibility.
How the Two Export Tariffs Work
Good Energy Export pays a single fixed rate per kWh for all solar electricity you send back to the grid, tracked through your smart meter export readings, with no time-of-day variation. Octopus Energy offers two competing structures: Outgoing Fixed (a flat rate similar in structure to Good Energy) and Outgoing Agile, which changes the export rate roughly every 30 minutes based on wholesale electricity prices via National Grid ESO demand data.
Rate Comparison (as of August 2026)
Tariff | Structure | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Good Energy Export | Fixed, flat rate | ~15p/kWh | Simplicity, predictable annual income |
Octopus Outgoing Fixed | Fixed, flat rate | ~15p/kWh | Customers already on other Octopus tariffs |
Octopus Outgoing Agile | Half-hourly variable | Averages 15pā24p, spikes possible on high-demand evenings | Battery-equipped homes that can time exports to peak pricing |
Rates on both suppliers are reviewed periodically and can move with wholesale market conditions ā always confirm the live rate in-app before switching, as this table reflects typical published levels rather than a locked-in guarantee.
Which Suits Which Household?
- No battery, simple solar-only setup: Good Energy Export or Octopus Outgoing Fixed give near-identical income with minimal admin ā pick whichever supplier you're already with to simplify billing.
- Home battery or EV with vehicle-to-grid capability: Octopus Outgoing Agile rewards exporting stored energy during evening demand peaks, where rates can significantly exceed the flat 15p benchmark.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) eligibility: Both suppliers' export tariffs count toward your SEG obligation under Ofgem rules ā you must be on a SEG-licensed tariff to receive any export payment at all if you have a solar installation under 5MW.
Switching Considerations
You do not need to be on a supplier's import tariff to use their export tariff ā export-only switching is permitted under SEG rules, so you can stay with your current electricity supplier for imports while exporting to whichever company offers the best rate. Check for exit fees on your current export agreement and confirm your smart meter is exporting half-hourly readings, which is a technical requirement for Agile-style tariffs.