Ovo Energy: A Smart Way to Maximise Solar and Battery Savings
Quick Answer: Ovo Energy offers Australian homeowners unique tariff windows—free power between 11 am–2 pm and ultra-cheap overnight rates at just 8c/kWh. Pairing this with a quality solar battery allows you to charge for free, offset expensive evening usage, and significantly reduce your annual energy bills.
Why Ovo Energy Matters for Solar and Battery Owners
For many homeowners, choosing the right retailer is just as important as choosing the right solar and battery system. Ovo Energy has quickly gained attention in Australia for its innovative tariff windows that make solar batteries even more powerful.
Instead of being locked into fixed rates, Ovo’s structure rewards flexibility. With smart charging, you can store free or cheap energy and use it when electricity costs peak.
At GI Energy, we’ve tested this ourselves. As Matt from our team explains, Ovo’s tariff design can mean a full battery every single day of the year—at little or no cost.
How Ovo Energy’s Free Power Window Works
Between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, Ovo Energy customers with a smart meter can import unlimited grid electricity for free.
This aligns perfectly with the middle of the day, when solar generation is often high, but so is grid oversupply.
If you own a solar battery, you can:
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Charge your battery for free
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Power your home appliances at no cost (air con, EV charging, washing machine, etc.)
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Guarantee evening coverage even on cloudy days
Example:
If you own a 15 kWh battery with a 5 kW inverter, you can fully charge your system in the free three-hour window:
| Battery Size | Inverter Power | Free Charge Window (11am–2pm) | Potential Energy Stored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kWh | 5 kW | 3 hours | 15 kWh (full charge) |
| 10 kWh | 5 kW | 3 hours | 10 kWh (full charge) |
| 5 kWh | 5 kW | 3 hours | 5 kWh (full charge) |
That’s enough to cover some households’ evening usage, without spending a cent.
Night-Time Savings: 8c/kWh Off-Peak Rates
Ovo also offers ultra-cheap power between midnight and 6 am—just 8 cents per kWh.
This benefits:
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EV owners charging overnight
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Homes with smaller batteries that run out before morning
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High winter morning users (heating, hot water, cooking, school prep)
Many GI Energy clients set their battery to force-charge a few kWh at 5 am. That way, they avoid paying peak morning rates of 30–40c/kWh.
Ovo Energy vs Other Options
Some Australians choose Amber Electric’s VPP model, which offers access to wholesale prices. Ovo, by contrast, gives more certainty and simplicity—you know exactly when free and cheap windows occur.
| Feature | Ovo Energy Tariffs | Amber Electric (VPP) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Power Window | Yes (11 am–2 pm daily) | No |
| Off-Peak Rate | 8c/kWh (12 am–6 am) | Wholesale-dependent |
| Battery Integration | Set charging windows in app | Automated dispatch |
| Risk / Volatility | Low—fixed tariff structure | Higher—wholesale price swings |
| Best For | Homeowners seeking predictability | Big battery users with qualified equipment |
Who Benefits Most from Ovo Energy?
Ovo’s model is ideal for:
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Homeowners with solar + battery systems that are smaller that needed for Amber, or not compatible with Amber or other VPPs
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Families with EVs needing overnight charging
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Households with high evening or morning demand
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Clients who value predictability over wholesale risk
If you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional areas with smart meters, Ovo could be one of the most cost-effective retailers on the market.
FAQs about Ovo Energy and Solar Batteries
1. Does Ovo Energy work without a battery?
Yes—but you’ll miss the biggest advantage. With a battery, you can store free and cheap energy to use later, maximising savings.
2. Can I charge my EV during the free window?
Absolutely. From 11 am–2 pm, all imports are free—including EV charging.
3. How do I set my battery to charge during Ovo’s free window?
Most quality brands (Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow, etc.) let you program charging windows via their app. GI Energy can configure this during installation.
4. How does Ovo compare with Solar Victoria’s feed-in tariffs?
While Solar Victoria offers standard FITs, Ovo’s free/cheap tariffs can provide greater value—especially if you use or store your energy rather than exporting.
5. Will Ovo’s tariffs change in the future?
Retailer offers can change. That’s why GI Energy helps clients design flexible systems that remain profitable across tariff shifts.
Key Takeaways
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Ovo Energy offers free midday power and cheap overnight rates.
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Pairing with a solar battery ensures you always start evenings and mornings with low-cost stored energy.
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Compared to volatile VPPs, Ovo provides certainty and predictability.
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A well-sized battery can cover nearly all evening demand at zero cost.
Get a Custom Proposal from GI Energy
If you’re interested in learning how Amber Electric can work for your home, GI Energy offers free, no-obligation proposals. Our expert team will assess your energy needs, recommend the right system size, and show you how much you can save with solar and battery storage. Get your proposal now!
About GI Energy?
At GI Energy, we’re incredibly proud to have been serving Australian homes and businesses since 2011. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of customers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint through innovative solar solutions. Our expertise has evolved to encompass a broad range of energy-saving strategies, catering to small, medium, and large-scale energy needs.
As one of Australia’s most trusted and longest-serving solar energy companies, our mission is to deliver the highest quality products and services. We take pride in offering accurate solar quotations and personalized solutions that meet your unique requirements. Let us help you make the switch to solar energy with confidence.
