From 27th August, easy-to-install plug-in solar panels have become legal across the country saving households up to £110 a year on their bills through clean, homegrown power.
Plug-in solar, sometimes referred to as balcony solar, will allow eligible households to generate their own electricity using specially designed plug-in solar products that meet new safety requirements. Initially, the products will be limited to solar-only systems, with battery-integrated products remaining outside the scope of the framework whilst further evidence is gathered.
Each plug-in solar kit produces up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This can run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S operating at once when the sun is shining. This all comes with no installation cost and without taking any electricity from the grid.
The legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring. The UK safety specification is more stringent than that of Germany, where the technology is already widely used and around half a million new devices were plugged in last year.
Whilst plug-in solar is now legal, it is important that consumers have clear information so they can make informed purchasing decisions and use these products safely.
“Plug-in solar has the potential to make renewable energy more accessible, particularly for people who may not previously have been able to install rooftop solar, such as those living in flats or rented accommodation” said Catherine Cousins, Interim Director of Consumer Codes at REAL. “As with any new technology entering the market, consumers should take the time to understand the product, check that it is suitable and permissible at their property and only purchase products that meet the Government's safety requirements. Clear information, realistic expectations and strong consumer protections will be essential to building confidence in this new market.”
REAL operates the Renewable Energy Consumer Codes (RECC) and based on RECC's share of the domestic market, it is estimated that to date close to one million households have purchased renewable energy systems from RECC members, benefiting from RECC's consumer protection standards and consumer guidance throughout their buying journey.
The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) delivered by REAL highlights top tips for consumers:
Buy from a reputable retailer or installer and check what consumer protections are available.
Ensure the product complies with the Government's safety requirements and is supplied as an approved complete system.
Read the product information carefully to understand what the system can realistically deliver.
Check whether your home is suitable, particularly if you live in a flat, leasehold property or rented accommodation, and obtain any necessary permissions.
Understand what is and isn't included, including warranties, guarantees and any maintenance requirements.
Be wary of exaggerated savings claims or pressure to buy immediately.
Keep all paperwork and proof of purchase in case you need support in the future.
Ask questions if anything is unclear before making your purchase.
REAL looks forward to working with Government, industry and consumer organisations to support the safe introduction of plug-in solar and to help consumers make informed choices now this exciting new technology is available
“Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away” added Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.”
Major retailers, such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.
The low-cost panels can be put in any outdoor space or on some balconies. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, people should check whether any permissions are required for the property. This may include permission from a landlord and/or building owner or freeholder permission, planning permission or listed building consent.
There is already record demand for solar power across the country. Figures released by MCS recently showed there were almost 150,000 solar panel certified installations in the first six months of 2026, up 17 percent on the previous highest start to a year in 2025. That is the equivalent to an installation every 74 seconds.
Battery installations have also risen significantly, with installations almost double the same period last year with 36,000 certified installations.
Legalising plug-in solar panels builds on savings homeowners can already make of up to £480 a year from rooftop solar, helping more people in a range of property types generate their own clean electricity and cut their energy bills.
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