Since plug-in solar was legalised at the end of August, the question on many homeowners' lips is 'where can you buy plug-in solar panels?'
While high-street retailers, including well-known stores such as Lidl and B&Q, were involved in early talks about distribution, as yet, not all of them have launched plug-in solar panels in-store or online. And, when you do an internet search for plug-in solar, all kinds of options appear, including portable kits for camping.
Add to this the fact that they have to be legally compliant – and the fact not all of them can be delivered until later in the year – it can be confusing to know where to start. The good news is I've done some of the legwork for you, so here's where to head if you're planning on purchasing.
Very already has plug-in solar panel kits on offer
It's fair to say Very wasn't one of the places I'd assumed would be competing for the plug-in solar market. But, they aren't just competing, they're also clearly trying to get ahead of the race with some of the range available at pre-discounted prices.
They also state some items will be delivered from mid-September, beating some of the other retailers who are proposing late October.
The plug-in solar panel brand Very are selling is UKSOL, which is available across a number of stores, and listed on the Energy Network Association (ENA) Type Test Register.
It's important to note the link to the ENA, as if you've seen other brands at different retailers, it's worth heading to the site to see if you can find the make and model. I'd also say not to assume one search is enough. Even at the time of writing this article the number of products jumped from 58 to 64 in under two hours.
All of the kits shown come with panels, cables, a solar panel inverter and either a floor or hybrid mount so you can install them on the floor or a vertical wall.
In terms of how they work, Phil Steele, future technologies evangelist at Octopus Energy explains more. "The panels generate DC (direct current) electricity from sunlight. A micro-inverter then converts this into AC (alternating current) electricity – the type of electricity used by households and the electricity grid.
"The system automatically synchronises with the household’s electricity supply. Customers can simply plug the system into a standard three-pin socket, and the electricity flows into the home’s electrical circuit to help power appliances like fridges or TVs."
Argos also has a full selection of UKSOL plug-in solar panels
If, like me, you remember the Argos catalogue fondly at this time of year for being the main source of your letter to Santa and family gifts, then it probably comes as no surprise that it's selling plug-in solar panels. After all, it pretty much was the paper version of Amazon when I was a child, and still to this day continues to offer wide variety of products for homes and gardens.
UKSOL is again the main brand on offer here, with the same bundle of panels, inverter and cables, but with a delivery date of late October.
It feels as if the dates on all the retailers I'm listing have the potential to move, although I can confirm some plug-in panels are available in the UK as one of our team has received a compliant kit to review – so watch this space.
Screwfix only have one product – but it's compliant
At the moment, Screwfix are only offering one plug-in solar panel kit and, as with the other retailers, it's sold with everything you need to get up and running. I've checked and it's also considered compliant with the UK regulations. There's no obvious delivery date, however, and when I entered my postcode it just confirmed it could be delivered in the timeframe offered by the supplier. So I was none the wiser.
Unlike roof-top solar panel installation which requires a professional, the advantage of plug-in solar is that it can be a DIY job. But, given the size and weight of some of the panels which are basically full size and comparable to solar PV on your roof, make sure you position and mount them safely, and according to the instructions.
And don't forget to keep your insurance company informed if you are considering buying solar panels. “Every policy is different, so while plug-in panels are generally covered, it’s worth checking your policy documents before installing them to make sure there are no limitations excluding the use of such systems," advises Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare. "If you’re still unsure, get in touch with them and ask to get clarification on whether you’ll be covered, ideally in writing to be on the safe side."
City Plumbing offers an alternative brand to UKSOL
Another plug-in solar panel brand that appears on the list is Hoymiles and there's a range of these available at City Plumbing, alongside the UKSOL ones we've already mentioned.
And, when I popped in my postcode on one of the product listings to check for collection or delivery, I was told I could collect in six days, or get delivery for free in just two days.
In terms of the size to choose, while available space will usually dictate whether you opt for one or two panels, one of the key things to remember when choosing your panels is that you are not allowed to put more than 800W of power generated by plug-in solar panels into your home.
This is why, even if you choose panels that show a wattage rating over 800, don't assume you will get that full amount. The inverter you plug into is limited to 800W so that the kits don't exceed what is allowed.
And, you can't plug in two sets in different places into plugs to try and beat the system – just in case you were wondering.
Amazon has less plug-in solar at the moment than you might think
I'll admit to finding my plug-in solar panel search on Amazon a little overwhelming. It appears to pull up lots of products, but when you start looking into them properly, so many of the suggestions it makes are for portable solar kits – the kind you might take camping, or use to power floodlights on a shed for example.
But, there are two plug-in solar panels that are confirmed as compliant, and come as ready-made kits that would be suitable if you are looking for a one-panel unit. Delivery on these is currently showing as 25-26 September.
With Amazon Big Day Deals just around the corner on 6-7 October, I'll also be interested to see if these are discounted at all.
As the race to supply plug-in solar continues, there's no doubt that the market will grow in size. Octopus Energy has been the first energy (and roof-top solar) supplier to put themselves into the mix, with two kits already on their website and available to purchase ready for an end of September delivery. Other suppliers have confirmed they will be doing the same.
And, if you're considering making bigger changes to how you generate energy for your home, make sure you read our comprehensive guide to the renewable energy options available to you.
