Lidl is set to sell plug-in solar panels in its UK stores, following government plans to make the technology easier for households to adopt. The panels, which cost around £400, are designed to be connected via a standard mains socket, offering a cheaper and simpler alternative to full rooftop installations.
Plug-in solar kits typically include one or more panels and a microinverter, which converts the generated electricity for home use. They can be placed on balconies, patios, or garden walls, making them suitable for renters and flat owners. However, they generate far less electricity than rooftop systems and will not take a home off-grid.
The government estimates that households could save between £70 and £110 annually on energy bills, depending on factors like panel orientation and daytime electricity usage. With a kit costing £400 to £500, the payback period could be four to seven years under favourable conditions.
Consumers are advised to wait for UK-approved products rather than buying imported kits, as electrical rules differ. Lidl and Iceland are among retailers working with ministers to bring certified plug-in solar to the market, aiming to simplify small-scale solar adoption.
