Key facts
- Plug-in solar panels are now legally available for sale in the UK.
- These systems are designed for households with outdoor space, such as balconies, and are cheaper than rooftop installations.
- Retailers including Argos will begin stocking the panels from Thursday.
- The 800-watt systems are expected to help households save between £70 and £110 annually.
- Safety tests have confirmed the systems operate without unacceptable heating or unsafe energy flows.
- Buyers are advised to have their home wiring checked by a professional before installation.
Plug-in solar panels, already popular in Europe, are now available for sale in the UK for the first time, marking a significant step towards wider household adoption of renewable energy. These systems are designed to be more accessible and affordable than traditional rooftop solar installations, catering to renters and homeowners with limited outdoor space, such as balconies.
Retailers including Argos, Amazon, Currys, B&Q, and Screwfix are set to offer the devices, with prices for a single-panel kit starting at £699 and a two-panel kit at £1,089, though prices are expected to fall to £400-£600 as competition grows. The government anticipates these plug-in systems will help households reduce their energy bills by an estimated £70 to £110 annually, while also decreasing reliance on fluctuating global fuel prices.
Each plug-in solar device is equipped with a microinverter that limits its output to 800 watts, a safety measure designed to cover 'always-on' appliances like refrigerators and devices on standby, potentially powering about a fifth of average household electricity use during daylight hours. While these systems do not require certification under the UK's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and thus may not qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, they have undergone testing against industry standards to ensure safe operation.
Experts and consumer safety charities, however, urge caution. While the panels are designed for DIY installation, it is recommended that homeowners have their home's electrical wiring checked by a registered electrician, particularly in older properties, to ensure compatibility and safety. Connecting the panels through extension leads or adaptors is strongly advised against, and for now, households are recommended to use only a single plug-in device. Installation involves mounting the panels, connecting the microinverter, and plugging into a mains socket, with a requirement to notify the local Distribution Network Operator within 28 days.