Lidl is set to sell plug-in solar panels for around £400, as the UK government moves to make the technology easier to use in British homes. The budget-friendly solar kits, also known as balcony solar panels, are expected to appear in the supermarket's middle aisle alongside other special offers.
Retailers including Lidl and Iceland, along with solar brands such as EcoFlow, are working with ministers to bring approved plug-in solar kits to the UK market. The appeal is clear: unlike a full rooftop solar installation, plug-in panels require no scaffolding, major building work or a five-figure investment. They are designed to be plugged into a mains socket, making them accessible to renters, flat owners and households without a suitable roof.
However, experts caution that plug-in solar panels are not a like-for-like alternative to rooftop solar. They generate far less electricity and will not take a home off-grid. A typical kit includes one or more solar panels and a microinverter, which converts the generated electricity into a form the home can use. The electricity offsets power drawn from the grid, helping to run everyday appliances such as fridges, wifi routers and TVs while the sun shines.
The government estimates that some households could save around £70 to £110 a year on energy bills, though actual savings depend on factors such as panel positioning and daytime electricity use. At a cost of £400 to £500, the payback period could be roughly four to seven years under favourable conditions.
Consumers are urged to wait for UK-approved products rather than buying imported kits designed for different electrical rules. The safe and compliant route will depend on the product and connection method, and households should follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
