Plug-in solar panels are coming to a shop near you - here's what to know
The UK government claimes panels could help homes "significantly cut" energy bills.
Plug-in solar panels are set to become widely available in DIY stores and High Street shops following a government rule change that legalizes their sale in the UK.
These panels offer a more affordable alternative to traditional rooftop installations, do not require an electrician for setup, and are suitable for properties with outdoor space, including some balconies.
Argos is among the retailers that will begin stocking these products on Thursday, with other stores expected to follow. The government anticipates that these panels will help households reduce energy costs and lessen dependence on foreign fuel sources, whose prices have been volatile recently due to the Middle East conflict.
Experts advise customers to have their wiring professionally inspected for safety before purchasing. While plug-in panels offer a more accessible entry point into solar energy compared to roof installations, they generate less power, resulting in lower savings.
A single-panel kit will cost £699, and a two-panel kit will be £1,089, according to UK solar company UKSOL. The government projects that prices will stabilize between £400 and £600 as competition increases and more products enter the market.
Government research indicates that households could save between £70 and £110 annually on energy bills. The exact savings will depend on the panels' orientation and operating duration, with an unshaded, south-facing spot being ideal. Households that consume energy during daylight hours will benefit most, as the electricity must be used as it is generated. Any surplus power will flow back to the grid, though homes are unlikely to receive payment for it.
Unlike rooftop solar panels, these systems do not require certification under the official Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the UK's quality standard for small-scale renewable energy systems. However, this also means they typically won't qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, which compensates individuals for excess solar power.
For safety reasons, the panels' contribution to a household's power consumption is intentionally limited. Although kits may include panels capable of generating more power, the microinverter—which converts the panel's current into usable electricity—will cap the output to the home at 800 watts. This is sufficient to power "always-on" appliances like refrigerators and devices on standby, and the government estimates it can cover about a fifth of an average household's electricity usage during daylight hours. Other high-demand appliances, such as a kettle (which requires 3 kilowatts), will draw power from a combination of the 800 watts from the panel and the remainder from the national grid.
British Gas stated that while plug-in panels won't solely power a home, they can "meaningfully reduce how much electricity you need to buy during the daytime." Government tests confirmed that sample systems operated without unacceptable heating or unsafe energy flows. Each device includes a microinverter that continuously monitors the grid connection. In the event of a power cut or if the panel is unplugged, the microinverter detects this and shuts down within milliseconds, preventing live electricity from being fed into dead wiring.
For legal sale in Great Britain, new panels must meet the industry's G98 standard and the government's product specifications. Compliant panels will be listed on the Energy Networks Association's public register, which buyers should consult before purchasing.
Electrical Safety First, a consumer safety charity, advises buyers to purchase from established retailers and their official websites rather than third-party sellers on online marketplaces, as some platforms are not legally responsible for the safety of goods sold through them.
The charity's primary concern is the potential interaction between plug-in solar panels and older safety devices in some home electrical systems. It recommends having electrics checked by a registered electrician before buying panels, especially in older properties or where the wiring's age and condition are unknown. The charity also warns against connecting panels via extension leads, cable reels, or plug-in adaptors, as these can overheat. For now, it advises limiting households to a single plug-in device.
The panels come with a mounting kit and instructions, and while tools may be needed, professional installation is not required. Once mounted, users connect the microinverter and plug it into a mains socket, ideally a weatherproof external one. Since they are not permanently affixed, the panels can be moved to a different property.
Individuals may need permission from their landlord, freeholder, or building owner. Households must also inform their electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO)—the company owning the local cables, not the energy provider—within 28 days of plugging in the panel. The National Grid's postcode tool can help identify the relevant DNO.