Plug-in solar panels will become legal in the UK from 27 August, opening the way for retailers to begin selling the small-scale solar units to the public. Touted as a cheaper and more convenient way to generate electricity for households than fixed rooftop solar power systems, retailers like Lidl, B&Q, Currys and Amazon are among the companies that have been working with the Government on plans to bring plug-in solar to the British market.
However, shoppers may not find plug-in solar panels on shelves as soon as the regulations change. Retailers are in the process of sourcing products that meet the Government’s new safety requirements, and most of the companies involved have yet to announce a product range, price or firm launch date.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, explains what we know about plug-in solar panels so far, including how much you can expect to pay, how they work and how much you may be able to save on your electricity bill.
What exactly are plug-in solar panels, and how do they work?
Plug-in solar panels are small, portable solar kits that generate electricity and feed it into the home through a standard three-pin plug, rather than being wired in by an electrician. They are also referred to as balcony solar panels because they can be used on terraces, porches or in gardens.
Plug-in solar panels capture sunlight, convert it into usable electricity through a small attached microinverter, and feed that power backwards through a standard wall socket into your home’s electrical circuits to run your appliances and lower your grid energy use.
Gallizzi says: “The plug-in panels will be limited to 800 watts per household circuit, usually generated by a kit of two panels, each typically measuring roughly 170cm by 110cm, although larger single units may become available.”
To give you an idea of what that means for your household appliances, a standard microwave oven uses about 800W while it is on, a kettle 2,000W, a smart TV between 50W and 200W, and a modern LED bulb about 6W to 10W. The new plug-in solar panels might generate 500 to 800 kWh a year – enough to power a fridge and a few small devices during the day.
How much do plug-in solar panel systems typically cost and what’s included?
A plug-in solar kit is expected to cost around £400 and will typically include one or two solar panels, a matching microinverter to convert the DC power to AC, specialised cabling, an AC power cord with a standard 3-pin UK plug and mounting hardware tailored for a balcony, wall or flat roof.
According to Gallizzi, a standard rooftop solar system (eight panels, 3.29kW) could cost around £4,650, or £7,875 including battery storage, but prices vary depending on how many panels your roof needs.
How much will I save on my energy bills – and can I sell unused power?
Government figures suggest a typical plug-in solar kit could save a household £70 to £110 a year, which would mean it could take up to four years to break even after buying plug-in panels. As Gallizzi says: “That’s modest compared with rooftop solar, with Uswitch customers seeing average savings of around £877 a year with a system that includes a battery.”
To get the real benefits of the plug-in solar panels, you need to be at home and using your appliances, because, as Gallizzi explains, “the solar energy instantly powers whatever is running on your circuit, reducing the electricity you buy from the grid. But unlike conventional, professionally installed rooftop solar panels, for which any unused power can be sold back to the grid, it will be a case of ‘use it or lose it’ with the new plug-in panels. Any generated energy that is not used will flow back to the grid without you being compensated.”
‘The plug-in panels will be limited to 800 watts per household circuit, usually generated by a kit of two panels, each typically measuring roughly 170cm by 110cm, although larger single units may become available,’ says Ben GallizziDo I need permission from my electricity supplier?
Gallizzi says households don’t need permission from their supplier, but they do need to notify their Distribution Network Operator (DNO), the company that manages the electricity network in their area (found on your electricity bill). “It’s a straightforward step and isn’t likely to be refused,” says Gallizzi.
Anyone in a rented flat or leasehold property should check their tenancy agreement or lease, as balcony installations can still fall foul of rules on external alterations even once the wider law changes.
Are there any building regulations people need to be aware of?
Most plug-in solar kits don’t require planning permission, as they’re generally treated as temporary or removable. The main exception is listed buildings or conservation areas, where it’s worth checking with the local council first.
But as Gallizzi says: “Panels can’t be fixed to timber balconies, timber cladding, or other similar wall materials that might be a fire safety risk.”
Who would benefit most from plug-in solar panels?
Uswitch research shows plug-in solar is likely to appeal most to households who are locked out of rooftop solar, and can’t make structural adjustments to their homes, like renters. According to their research, one in five people (18 per cent) said needing their landlord’s permission was stopping them getting rooftop solar at home.
“They’re also well-suited to homes with a roof that isn’t right for solar, whether it’s the wrong orientation, has heavy shading or a structure that can’t take the weight of a rooftop system,” says Gallizzi.
Those with older homes should make sure that the electrical circuit they’re plugged into is in good, safe condition. Anyone with an older or unusual electrical installation should get it checked before connecting a kit.
Does the direction the panels face make a big difference?
“Orientation still matters, but it’s less critical than with rooftop solar,” says Gallizzi. “A south-facing balcony will generate more electricity over the year than a north-facing one, but because plug-in kits are small and portable, households can move them around for the best light more easily.”
Output naturally varies day to day and is highest in spring and summer, which is why most households will see the biggest savings during the lighter months.
What should consumers look for when choosing a system?
You may be able to find plug-in solar kits from Europe ahead of the UK roll-out, but that doesn’t mean they will be suitable for use in the UK. Gallizzi says to keep the following in mind when shopping for plug-in solar units:
Make sure the whole kit is certified, looking out for UKCA or CE marking on the complete product, not just the inverter. Check that the product has anti-islanding protection, which cuts power to the plug automatically if it’s disconnected. Ensure it has a UK-appropriate plug and cable length that is built for the specification and not adapted from a European kit. Look out for manufacturer support and a solid warranty – around 10 years on the inverter, 25 years on the panels – backed by UK or EU-based customer support. Check for clear installation and safety documentation, as it’s a red flag if it’s unclear how or where to install the kit safely.Hence then, the article about will 400 supermarket solar panels save you money the expert guide was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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