Plug-in solar panels could soon offer homeowners a simpler way to generate electricity without installing a full rooftop solar system.
But where they are placed around the home could make a major difference to how much power they generate and how safely they operate.
A renewables electrical engineer has revealed the locations most likely to work best as plug-in solar is set to be legalised in the UK.
1. Balconies could become one of the best locations
According to Kian Milroy, a renewables electrical engineer at Heatable, balconies are likely to become the most popular place to install plug-in solar panels, particularly where they receive direct sunlight for large parts of the day.
He said: “Balconies are likely to be one of the main use cases, especially for flats, as south-facing or west-facing balconies can still generate useful power.”
Kian explained that south-facing balconies are likely to produce the best results overall, although east- and west-facing spaces may still generate meaningful electricity depending on shading levels and exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
Kian Milroy is a Renewables Electrical Engineer at Heatable, specialising in domestic energy systems and low-carbon technologies. He focuses on the safe integration of renewable solutions, including solar power, into UK homes, with particular expertise in electrical compliance and system suitability.
2. Garden walls, sheds and garages offer more flexibility
For houses, Kian Milroy suggests outdoor structures such as sheds, garages, garden walls and outbuildings provide greater ability to adjust positioning for plug-in solar systems.
“Sheds, garages and garden spaces may offer more flexibility, particularly if the solar panels can be angled towards the sun," he explains.
Unlike fixed rooftop solar PV systems, plug-in solar panels can potentially be mounted in a wider range of locations, as they are not permanently fixed, allowing households to adjust positioning based on sunlight levels and available outdoor space.
3. Patios, terraces and external walls may also work
Kian Milroy also highlighted patios, terraces and external walls as possible installation areas, provided the panels can be mounted securely and receive enough sunlight during the day.
He said the key consideration is avoiding “shaded, unstable or exposed spots where panels could become unsafe”, adding that households should wait for approved products and clear UK safety guidance before installing plug-in solar systems once they become legal.
The engineer noted that placement will ultimately depend on a balance between sunlight exposure, structural safety and safe electrical connection points around the home.
Kian Milroy’s comments highlight how plug-in solar panels could allow homeowners to use a much wider range of spaces for electricity generation beyond the roof itself.
From balconies and garden structures to patios and external walls, the technology's effectiveness will depend heavily on careful placement and safe installation planning once it is introduced in the UK.
