The UK government has announced that plug-in solar panels are now legal to buy and use, with the potential to save households “hundreds” of pounds on their electricity bills while helping to strengthen the country’s energy security.
The panels, which can be bought from a range of major retailers and supermarkets for as little as £280, can be installed on a DIY basis and don’t require an electrician to get started – although one is recommended in some cases, such as when you are unsure of the condition of your wiring.
Plug-in solar panels were previously banned under UK electrical safety laws due to the risks of fires and electric shocks. However, the government assures consumers that independent safety testing has shown that compliant panels are “safe and compatible with UK wiring”.
With this in mind, homeowners will need to check that they are buying UK-compliant panels from registered sellers and ensure that their property and electrical system are suitable before going ahead.
The government has introduced a Permitted Development Right in England to make it easier for homeowners to get started. However, those who live in flats or apartments, “high-risk buildings”, listed buildings, conservation areas, leasehold properties or managed buildings will need to double-check whether they need planning permission or have to follow certain rules.
Unshaded, south-facing spots are the best places to install plug-in solar panels – they are not recommended for north-facing gardens, as they won’t produce enough electricity.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, homeowners can only install one device per property under the new regulations. The device must be plugged directly into a mains socket, without using an extension lead or adaptor or modifying the plug, and must be capped at 800W of output.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has said that installing a plug-in solar panel could save households up to £110 per year on their energy bills, with the devices providing up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use.
Plug-and-play devices have already hit the shelves of retailers such as Argos, making this eco-friendly energy option easier and cheaper for households to access compared with costly rooftop solar panels.
So far, they have been confirmed to be stocked at:
Where to buy UK-compliant plug-in solar panels
Like the sound of generating your own electricity? This plug-in solar panel, with up to 23.3% module efficiency, could be a great investment.
With a 10-year guarantee and a smart app monitoring feature, this plug-in solar panel can be used on the ground or mounted on suitable walls.
"Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away," said Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. "From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy."
Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: "While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget."
If you're undecided between traditional and plug-in options, read our guides on solar panel grants and whether solar panels are worth it.
