Households across Great Britain will be able to buy and use plug-in solar panels from today, giving more people access to small-scale renewable energy without the need for
costly installation.
The government says compliant plug-in solar systems can generate up to 800 watts of electricity and potentially cut annual household energy bills by as much as £110. The systems could supply up to 20% of the electricity used by an average home.
The change follows independent safety testing designed to ensure the technology is compatible with UK electrical systems. The government says its safety requirements are stricter than those currently applied in Germany, where plug-in solar has already become widely popular.
Major retailers including Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes are preparing to sell the products online and in stores.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the technology would give households a simple way to generate their own electricity and reduce energy costs.
The panels can be installed in suitable outdoor spaces, including some balconies, but consumers may need permission from landlords, freeholders or local authorities, depending on their property.
The move comes as demand for solar power continues to grow. Nearly 150,000 certified solar installations were recorded in Great Britain during the first six months of 2026, up 17% from the previous record for the period. Battery installations also nearly doubled year-on-year.
The government says plug-in systems will broaden access to solar power beyond homeowners with suitable roofs, potentially allowing more renters and people living in flats to benefit from lower-cost, locally generated electricity. Photo by Pujanak, Wikimedia commons.
