Despite offering standard roof-mounted solar PV panels, Octopus Energy has confirmed it is the first energy company to start selling plug-in solar panels.
Designed to offer those who aren't able to have a full solar system the chance to generate electricity and lower their bills, the plug-in packages are deemed compliant with the new regulations.
Other energy suppliers have also confirmed they will also be looking to capture their share of the plug-in solar market over the coming months.
What does the Octopus Energy package include?
The initial offering from Octopus Energy is comprised of full-size 460W solar panels (1.8m × 1.1m & 22kg each). You can opt for one or two panels, and each kit comes with a floor or wall mount, micro solar inverter, 3-pin plug and a 5m lead.
You don't need a specialist to fit them, instead the system is designed for simple DIY installation and the company estimates it can be set up in just an hour.
However, if the size of these panels is still to big for your home, you may need to wait a little longer for a smaller version.
"Plug-in solar has only just launched in the UK, so this is really just the start," says Phil Steele, future technologies evangelist at Octopus Energy. "More products will be available, giving customers more choice and making it easier for more homes to make the most of solar. We’ll announce timings on our website as new products roll out."
Kits are due to be delivered from the end of September
Homeowners have been able to place their order for plug-in solar panels via the website since the start of the month, with delivery expected towards the end of September.
"For later orders, it may be a little later, but we’re keeping customers updated on their delivery, which, by the way, is included when ordering on our website," says Phil Steele
Where can you install them?
Before you purchase plug-in solar panels, the most important step to take is to check your home meets the electrical safely advice for installing them at your property. Not all homes are suitable for plug-in solar and it is recommended you get a qualified electrician to check your home before you start.
If your home is deemed suitable, as with standard solar PV installation, the best place to install plug-in solar panels is in a sunnier spot, and in a location where they can be safely mounted on the floor or wall.
And, even though we are heading into winter, Phil Steele is keen to assure homeowners that plug-in solar panels will still work.
"Solar panels work in winter too. They don’t need warmth to generate electricity – they need light. So while shorter days mean they may produce less energy than in summer, they can still generate plenty of electricity, even on cloudy or rainy days," he explains. "A bit of rain can actually help by washing away dust and dirt that could otherwise block light from reaching the panels."
What are the costs and potential savings?
Prices for the new plug-in panels from Octopus Energy will start at £450 for a one-panel set-up, rising to more if you choose two. Homeowners are asked via the company's website to enter their postcode to get an indication of price.
In terms of savings, the company estimates: "Households could save up to £150, depending on factors including sunlight levels and household energy use.* For households opting for two panels, pairing the system with a smart export tariff could also mean paying back the cost of the panels in just five and a half years."
However, as of yet, there isn't a confirmed date as to when solar batteries for plug-in solar will be able to export energy back to the grid. Despite this, homeowners will be able to connect the Octopus Energy plug-in range to its Nook Cube plug-in battery which will launch to the UK and European market early next year.
When questioned why the company has chosen to launch a plug-in option, Phil Steele said: "Plug-in solar is a great option for renters or people with a smaller budget or who don’t have a suitable roof for traditional solar panels. So it’s really opening up solar to more people, rather than replacing rooftop solar.
"We’ve seen huge interest in rooftop solar as people look for ways to bring down their energy bills, and we don’t see that interest going away," he adds. "The amount of sunshine we’ve been getting, particularly this year, has only helped to fuel that interest. With the cost of living still high, we expect people to keep looking for ways to generate their own electricity and save on their bills – and solar is a brilliant way to do that."
* This is an estimated annual saving for a household using the two-panel plug-in solar system.
Two panels meet the maximum guidelines
While the plug-in panels don't generate as much power as roof-top versions, it's not simply a case of buying more kits, says Phil Steele.
"You can plug in one system per household. The government currently limits the system’s output to 800W at any one time, meaning it can supply up to 800W of electricity to power your home.
"Our panels are 460W each, so our two-panel setup gives you 920W of total panel capacity," he explains. "This extra capacity helps the system get closer to the maximum 800W possible when there isn’t much light."
Shop for alternative plug-in solar panels online
This kit includes an IP67-rated micro-inverter with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone app performance monitoring
For double the power, this kit comprises two panels to generate more energy
Which other energy companies will offer plug-in solar?
OVO, another energy company offering solar PV, has also confirmed they are in the running to join the plug-in solar market.
"OVO is actively working on a plug-in solar proposition which is planned for launch in the coming months," confirmed Scott Duncan, head of domestic exports at OVO.
To mark plug in solar becoming legal to buy and use in the UK, we also launched a plug in solar competition, giving away five plug-in solar kits for free to OVO Beyond customers," he added. "The competition is still open, and is running until Thursday 17 September."
Similar to the Octopus Energy kit, OVO's includes two panels on a rack mount with a micro-inverter, connecting to a standard three-pin.
With regards to other energy suppliers, Angus Struthers, managing director at BOXT told Homebuilding & Renovating: “Maybe we’ll offer plug-in solar in the future, but at this time our business model centres around full home solar installations, allowing the majority of UK households to maximise any energy generation and savings to their household bills.”
At the time of writing, E.ON Next is yet to confirm if they have similar plans or not.
Retailers, including Amazon and Argos are already stocking plug-in solar panels, and although Lidl was named as the first supermarket to launch them, as yet, they have not been spotted in the middle aisle.
