If you're reading a site called Sun On Tap, you probably have or are considering solar panels, an EV, or a home battery. That narrows the field significantly. For technology-forward UK households, one supplier stands clearly above the rest.
1. Octopus Energy — Best overall
Multiple Which? recommended supplier awards. The best app in UK energy. The widest range of smart tariffs. The only supplier with dedicated tariffs for solar, battery, EV, and heat pump owners. 100% renewable electricity. No exit fees. And a £50 referral credit when you switch.
For solar owners specifically: Octopus Agile and Flux are transformative. No other supplier offers tariffs that let you sell stored solar during peak demand at premium rates, or buy overnight electricity at 5p/kWh to charge your battery.
Switch to Octopus — Get £50 Credit →
2. OVO Energy — Best alternative
Good app, competitive rates, 100% renewable electricity. But OVO's smart tariff range is limited compared to Octopus — no Agile equivalent, no Flux, no Cosy. For a household with no energy tech, OVO is competitive. For solar or EV owners, Octopus wins on tariff range alone.
3. British Gas — Best for traditional households
Strong fixed-rate tariff options and the most recognisable brand. British Gas HomeCare (boiler insurance) is a genuine differentiator if you have a gas boiler. Smart tariff offerings are limited. App is functional but not in the same league as Octopus. No equivalent referral programme.
4. EDF — Best for long fixed deals
EDF typically offers the most competitive long-term fixed rates. If you want to lock in a rate for 12–24 months and not think about energy until it expires, EDF is worth comparing. Limited smart tariff options. GoElectric tariff for EV owners is decent but simpler than Octopus Go.
| Provider | Smart tariffs | App quality | Referral offer | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus | Market-leading (Agile, Go, Flux, Cosy, Tracker) | Excellent | £50 | Solar/EV/battery owners |
| OVO | Limited | Good | Occasional | Standard households |
| British Gas | Very limited | Basic | None | Traditional households |
| EDF | Limited (GoElectric) | Average | None | Long fixed-rate seekers |
The bottom line
For anyone with solar panels, a battery, an EV, or a heat pump — or anyone planning to get any of these — Octopus is the clear choice. The tariff range alone is worth hundreds of pounds per year compared to a standard tariff from any other supplier. The £50 referral credit is a bonus, not the reason to switch.