Key facts
- UK households can buy plug-in solar panels from August 27.
- The government has changed legislation to allow these sales.
- These DIY solar systems can be plugged into a standard three-prong socket.
- They are expected to cost at least £400 and save up to £110 annually.
- The change aims to provide clean energy access to renters and flat owners.
British households will gain the ability to purchase and install plug-in solar panels on balconies and other outdoor spaces starting August 27, following a recent change in government legislation. This move aims to make solar energy more accessible to individuals living in flats or rented accommodations who may not have access to rooftop installations.
These 'balcony solar panels,' similar to systems popular in Spain and Germany, can be plugged directly into a standard three-prong wall socket. Retailers such as Currys, B&Q, and Asda are expected to offer these DIY solar setups, which are anticipated to cost at least £400. The systems, typically with an 800-watt capacity, are projected to reduce annual energy bills by up to £110, with an estimated payback period of four to seven years.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, stated that the government's decision will bring "cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before." He added that the industry is collaborating with the government to ensure the safety and reliability of these new technologies.
Last year saw a record number of solar installations in the UK, with 269,000 completed. The introduction of balcony solar panels comes at a time when households are increasingly seeking green energy upgrades to manage rising costs, exacerbated by global energy price surges linked to the conflict in Iran.
Rob Hallifax, co-founder of Windfall Energy, suggested that the new legislation could also pave the way for plug-in batteries in homes, potentially allowing low-income households to store excess energy. He described the move as a "massive win for consumer energy independence" and a significant step for those previously excluded from the energy transition. However, he advised consumers to maintain realistic expectations, noting that generation will decrease during autumn and winter and that landlord permission may be required.