Lidl is set to sell plug-in solar panels for around £400, following government plans to make the technology easier to use in UK homes. The small balcony solar kits, already popular in Germany, are designed to generate modest amounts of electricity without the cost or disruption of a full rooftop installation.
Typical savings are estimated at £70 to £110 a year, depending on factors such as panel positioning, sunlight hours and daytime electricity use. A south-facing balcony or patio will perform best, while shaded or north-facing spaces will yield less. The payback period could be four to seven years in favourable conditions.
Plug-in solar kits include one or more panels and a microinverter, which converts the electricity for home use. The electricity generated offsets power drawn from the grid, helping to run appliances like fridges, WiFi routers and TVs during daylight hours. However, the systems are not a like-for-like alternative to rooftop solar and will not take a home off-grid.
The government is working with retailers including Lidl and Iceland, and brands such as EcoFlow, to bring approved plug-in solar kits to the UK market. Consumers are advised to wait for UK-certified products and follow manufacturer instructions, rather than buying imported kits designed for different electrical rules.
Plug-in solar is particularly appealing to renters, flat owners and households without a suitable roof, as it requires no scaffolding or major building work. However, it still needs to be connected, positioned and used safely.
