Following the government's announcement that they were overturning the ban on plug-in solar panels in the UK earlier this year, there has been little obvious development in terms of them becoming available to buy.
While Lidl confirmed they would be one of the first UK retailers to sell them, the fact that the panels, which originated in Europe, are not compatible with UK electricity systems has proved somewhat of a stumbling block.
However, this could be about to change, with the Government confirming a consultation process has been launched with industry leaders. This is with a view to developing an interim product specification to help resolve the current regulatory issues. The news, combined with a recent roundtable including most of the UK's leading retailers, means plug-in solar panels could be still make it into our homes in 2026.
What is the consultation process for?
At present, plug-in solar panels do not meet with the Plugs and Sockets etc Safety Regulations 1994 (PSSR), because as well as the the PSSR regulations, the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (2002) (ESQCR) also come into play and these require that electrical equipment meets British Safety Standards. However, under the current standards, electricity-generating products cannot be connected via a plug.
In lieu of permanent regulatory changes potentially taking some time to update, an interim product specification has been proposed, the aim of which would be to allow consumers to use plug-in solar panels sooner, as long as they met 'defined safety requirements.'
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is consulting with industry leaders on the process, and it is looking at how amendments to the PSSR and ESQCR, along with this 'fit-for-purpose' specification could be an interim solution to prevent any further delay.
What do retailers say?
While Lidl had previously been the only retailer to firmly acknowledge their plans to sell plug-in solar panels, the recent roundtable saw most of the UK's biggest retailers meet with Martin McCluskey MP, the current Minister for Energy Consumers.
Representatives from Currys, B&Q, Amazon, Lidl, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes (a combined collective total of around 4,000 stores and strong online presence) heard how the plans could help homeowners benefit from the free electricity that solar panels generate.
There was praise all round from the retailers, all of whom welcomed the opportunity to be part of the plans to contribute to a greener UK.
John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland country manager at Amazon said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible to people around the UK. Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK – we’ve invested in over 40 large scale solar and wind projects to date.
"Enabling households to generate their own power with self-install plug-in solar panels is a practical step that supports household budgets and delivering against net zero goals."
Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q also confirmed the retailer was in support of the plans for plug-in solar, saying, "We welcome the introduction of plug-in solar panels to the UK market, which will help households to generate their own energy and reduce their bills. This builds on our existing range of portable solar and battery solutions.
"We are working closely with government and suppliers to understand and help shape the guidance," he confirmed, "ensuring any products we offer are safe, compliant and straightforward to install. We look forward to making plug-in solar available to our customers as soon as possible."
Georgina Hall, corporate affairs director at Lidl GB, who had previously spoken in support of the plans confirmed they were continuing to back the government's "latest steps toward modernising regulations for ‘plug-and-play’ technology."
Michelle Gorringe-Smith, director of new categories at Currys, noted how important it is to get plug-in solar panels launched safely, and as soon as possible. "With energy bills continuing to rise, enabling the safe roll-out of these products will mark an important step for consumers across the UK – including the more than 80% of UK households that shop at Currys."
Where will plug-in solar panels be used?
Some of the best places to install plug-in solar panels will include balconies, sheds and other outdoor areas. Unlike roof-top solar panels which need a registered installer, these will simply be a domestic product that you can fit yourselves.
And, given the increasing number of heatwaves we are experiencing across the UK, the new plug-in panels could boost the amount of savings you make if you have an existing system, or provide you with an opportunity to share in the benefits of free electricity if you are unable to have a full solar panel system installed.
When will a decision on plug-in solar be made?
According to a government statement:
"Following the close of the consulation, DENZ will undertake analysis of responses received. This will inform the development of final policy decisions, including any amendments to legislation and the design of the Interim Product Standard.
"A summary of consultation responses will be published on GOV.UK via the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero website. Subject to the analysis and necessary approvals, this is expected by 22 July 2026.
"The government intends to move at pace following publication, with decisions on next steps and implementation to follow as soon as practicable, considering the need to ensure a robust, proportionate, and safe regulatory framework."
