Households across the UK could save up to £110 annually on energy bills after the Government gave the green light for the sale and use of plug-in solar panels. From Thursday (27 August), retailers will begin selling the technology, enabling solar power to run into the home network using an ordinary plug.
How the panels work
Already common in places like Germany, where people hang them on balconies or fences, the panels can help cut the cost of living by reducing the amount of electricity a household draws from the grid. Each kit produces up to 800W of power, which is enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use when the sun is shining, according to officials.
Retailers and pricing
Argos has already begun selling the kits, with Amazon expected to follow in the coming weeks. Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes are also among retailers that have committed to stocking plug-in panels.
As they go on sale, ministers say prices could start off higher but they expect them to settle at around £400 to £600 – depending on the size and model – amid growing competition as more models come on to the market. Households should then be able to recoup this cost over a few years through their reduced bills, a spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said.
Safety and permissions
The sale of the technology was previously restricted in the UK because of safety and wiring standards. However, ministers say the legal change follows rigorous, independent safety testing.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away. From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability to power their homes with clean homegrown energy."
Energy minister Martin McCluskey said the technology "enables people who might otherwise not be able to get a rooftop solar array to take advantage of solar power". This includes renters, leaseholders and homes where installing rooftop solar remains untenable. However, many will still require consent from landlords, building owners, councils, freeholders or even planning permission or listed building consent. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, officials have urged people to check whether any permissions are required for the property.
Mr McCluskey said the Government has written to the National Landlords Association (NLA) to communicate the panels' benefits to tenants and encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits. Addressing concerns that some households will need to pay for advice from electricians on installations, Mr McCluskey said the independent safety testing "has given us the assurance that plug-in solar panels are safe and that they’re compatible with UK domestic electrical systems". He added consumer advice on installations will be published through the Energy Saving Trust.
Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget."
