Plug-in solar panels are set to hit UK shops from August 27, offering households a cheaper way to generate electricity, but safety warnings have been issued ahead of the launch.
New regulations allow plug-in solar
The Government has changed regulations to allow plug-in solar systems without batteries to connect directly to domestic mains sockets, provided they meet defined safety requirements. The new rules come into force on August 27.
The devices are expected to cost around £350 to £400, significantly less than conventional rooftop solar installations, which can cost thousands of pounds. Retailers including Lidl and Amazon are among those expected to stock the new systems.
Safety warnings from experts
Matt Parry, head of power and energy demand at the Renewable Energy Association, said plug-in solar could give households greater access to clean and cheap renewable electricity, but stressed that consumers needed to understand how to use the systems safely.
One key warning is not to connect a solar panel to an extension lead. Instead, consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a suitable outdoor socket, ideally with an IP66 rating or above.
Parry also warned against running solar-panel cables through open windows, where cables could be damaged by sharp edges or exposed to rain.
Government safety study
The Government's own electrical safety study found that tested plug-in solar systems could operate safely under the conditions assessed, with protective devices operating effectively and no evidence of sustained unsafe energisation or unacceptable thermal effects. However, the study also found differences between products and recommended a UK-specific product specification.
The new rules are designed to ensure that only products meeting defined safety requirements can be sold during the transition to longer-term standards. The Government has said it will publish consumer guidance alongside the regulations.
Who benefits from plug-in solar?
Plug-in solar is intended to make solar power more accessible to people who may not be able to install traditional rooftop panels, including renters and households without suitable roofs. The systems can be placed on balconies, gardens, terraces or other suitable outdoor areas.
Unlike conventional solar installations with batteries, plug-in systems generally do not store electricity. That means households can make the biggest savings when they are using electricity while the panels are generating power. Any electricity not consumed immediately may be exported to the grid rather than stored for later use.
Costs and savings
The systems will be limited to under 800 watts, and changes to electricity-network and wiring rules are being made to allow them to connect to domestic sockets without requiring an electrician, provided the relevant safety standards are met.
This represents a major change for British households, where feeding electricity back through an ordinary domestic socket has previously not been permitted under the existing regulatory framework.
For consumers considering buying one, experts say the key message is to use a compliant product exactly as instructed and avoid improvised connections. Households should check that the complete system meets the applicable UK requirements, inspect cables and equipment before use, and ensure that the proposed installation location and socket are suitable.
With the new panels expected to appear on supermarket and retail shelves from August 27, the technology could offer households a relatively inexpensive way to generate some of their own electricity. While the devices promise savings of up to around £100 a year for some users, the financial benefit will depend on factors including how much electricity the panels generate and how much of that power the household uses while the panels are producing it.
