Plug-in solar panel regulations are coming into force on 27 August 2026
What is Plug-in Solar
Solar panels are becoming an increasingly common sight, whether on the roof tops of homes or as solar farms in the landscape.
But a new form of DIY solar panels is about to enter the marketplace, known as ‘plug-in solar’. These can only be legally sold for DIY purposes from 27 August 2026, which is when new government regulations come into force.
Plug-in solar systems typically consist of one or two solar panels (which generate the electricity), a small piece of additional kit (a micro-inverter) to turn it into useable electricity in your home, some wiring cable and a standard plug for inserting in your socket.
Plug in solar panels do not require professional installation (though please read the safety advice below). You can simply buy the product and ‘plug and play’.
They will produce far less electricity than a professionally installed roof top system, but a major benefit is that they will cost a fraction of the price to purchase.
Plug-in solar could open up renewable energy generation to many households that have previously been excluded from traditional solar installations. However, like any emerging technology, buyers should focus on product quality, realistic savings, safety certification and suitability for their property rather than headline marketing claims.
Who are they best for
If you are looking to cut your electricity bills substantially, then plug-in solar panels are not for you. Instead, you will need to invest in the more substantial professional rooftop solar installations.
However, a plug-in system may be particularly attractive for:
- people wanting to reduce electricity bills without a major investment
- flat owners with no private roof but have a balcony
- renters (permission might be required from your landlord)
- households unable to install conventional rooftop solar
Things to check
Before purchasing, consider the following:
- check the product meets the UK safety and certification requirements. Not all products sold online will necessarily comply with UK standards, and could be a fire risk or invalidate your home insurance.
- check any property restrictions, particularly if you are renting, are a leasehold property or a Listed Building. Other property restrictions may apply.
- sunlight exposure – the panels must face towards the sun for at least a few hours a day. South-facing would likely be best, though east and west facing locations should provide benefits. Predominantly north facing should be avoided
- avoid shading from buildings or trees
Things to consider:
- how much sunshine your property receives
- when you use electricity. If mostly in the morning, south or east facing locations are best; if mostly afternoon into early evening, west or south facing would be better
- whether you're at home during the day – if you are, this is likely to generate the biggest savings because the peak electricity generated (around 10am-3pm) is likely used immediately in the home
What might a plug-in solar generate
In the UK, plug-in solar systems are limited to 800W of inverter output per household. A typical 800W system could generate between 500kWh and 800kWh of electricity per year, depending on factors such as location, panel orientation, angle, and shading.
At the higher end of this range, a system could produce around 2kWh of electricity per day on average, though this will likely be higher in summer and lower in winter. For comparison, the average UK household uses approximately 7.4kWh of electricity per day. While plug-in solar is therefore unlikely to meet all of a home's electricity needs, it could potentially provide around a quarter of a typical household's daily electricity consumption, helping to reduce reliance on grid electricity and lower energy bills.
Who do I need to notify
If you do get a plug-in solar panel, you'll need to let your electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) know within 28 days of connecting them. This will likely be under what is known as a G98 application which is a small renewable energy generation export form. The DNO for Cambridgeshire to contact is UK Power Networks.
According to recent press reports, Government will be creating a simple central registration website that will launch when plug-in solar becomes available on 27 August. This will hopefully make the notification process easier. We will provide a link here if such a central register is created.
Safety measures to consider
Most importantly, you should purchase your plug-in solar panel from a reputable company, and check the product meets all of the new safety requirements.
This may also be a good opportunity to have your home's electrical system checked to ensure it is up to date and no safety issues identified. This is particularly recommended if you live in an older property with no recent electricity upgrades, or perhaps your property has been subject to past DIY electricity upgrades by previous owners than you would like to get checked out first.
A qualified electrician can carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the condition of your wiring and identify any safety issues. Be sure to let them know you're considering plug-in solar panels, as this may influence any recommendations for upgrades or remedial work. According to Checkatrade, an EICR typically costs between £100 and £250, so this additional expense should be factored into the overall cost and payback period of a plug-in solar installation.
However, you are not required to have a EICR done first, or have an electrician install the plug-in solar panels. But if in any doubt, it is best to seek such advice.
Finally, always remember to check the instructions that come with your plug in solar equipment, as well as any warranty requirements to comply with.
What happens to electricity generated that I do not use
One important limitation of plug-in solar systems is that they are not currently covered by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). MCS certification is normally required to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows households to receive payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
As a result, while a plug-in solar system may generate more electricity than you are using at certain times of the day, any excess electricity exported to the grid will not qualify for SEG payments. This means you can benefit from using the electricity you generate yourself and reducing the amount you buy from your energy supplier, but you should not expect to earn an income from any electricity you generate but do not use.
For this reason, plug-in solar systems offer the greatest value when the electricity they generate is used within the home at the time it is produced, rather than being exported to the grid. If you are rarely at home during the day, a plug-in solar panel might not be good value for you.