Plug-in solar is coming
to the UK this summer.
How much will you save?

The UK government confirmed it in March 2026. Compliant kits are expected in shops around July 2026. No roof needed, no electrician, no landlord sign-off — just panels on your balcony or garden, plugged into a standard socket.

Read the gov.uk announcement →
✓Confirmed by government March 2026
✓Kits expected July 2026
✓PVGIS irradiance data
✓Live UK grid stats
Why now
22 Jul
Decision day
DESNZ consultation closed · government response expected 22 July 2026
800W
UK legal cap
Max 800VA via a standard 13A socket · no electrician · no wiring
£200+/yr
Typical saving
PVGIS-backed estimate · 800W system · Ofgem cap rate (24.5p/kWh)

Germany simplified its plug-in solar rules in 2024 — within 12 months, over 1.2 million households had a kit. The UK is right behind. DESNZ closed its consultation on 30 June and the government response is expected on 22 July 2026. Once the Interim Product Specification is finalised, compliant kits from EcoFlow, Anker, and others will start appearing in shops. Use the calculator now to know exactly what you’ll save before you buy.

Timeline

UK plug-in solar legal status

Where we are in the journey from announcement to available kits.

✓
Mar 2026DONE
Government confirms legalisation
DESNZ announces plug-in solar will be permitted under amended wiring regulations.
✓
Apr 2026DONE
BS 7671 Amendment 4 published
IET updates the wiring regulations to enable plug-in solar connections up to 800W.
✓
Jun 2026DONE
DESNZ consultation opens
Government publishes the proposed Interim Product Specification and PSSR amendment. Consultation closed 30 June.
22 Jul 2026WE ARE HERE
Government response expected
DESNZ will publish final policy decisions, including the Interim Product Specification for compliant plug-in kits. Legislation to follow.
Late 2026
First compliant kits on sale
EcoFlow STREAM and others launch kits certified to the Interim Product Spec. True plug-and-play into a 13A socket.
2027+
Mass adoption
Prices fall as competition grows. BSI publishes the full product standard, replacing the interim spec.
Who is this for
🏢
Renters
4.6 million privately rented households in England. Traditional solar needs a landlord, a roof, and £10,000+. Plug-in needs none of those. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 strengthens your position — and you take the kit when you move.
🏙️
Flat-dwellers
Clip panels to your balcony railings, plug into a standard 13A socket, start generating. No structural modifications, no planning permission. The DESNZ consultation specifies a maximum of 800W per household via a BS 1363 plug.
🏡
Homeowners
Garden, flat-roof extension, or south-facing wall — an 800W kit covers your base load (fridge, router, standby devices) and saves £200+ per year. No installer needed once compliant kits arrive later this year.
Find your kit

Not sure which kit is right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions about your space, orientation, and budget. We’ll recommend the best plug-in solar kit for your setup — with two alternatives to compare.

📍Installation location
🧭Panel orientation
📏Available space
🔋Battery preference
💷Budget range
Take the full quiz →
Step 1 of 5

Where will you install?

This affects how much sunlight your panels will receive.

Calculator

Calculate your savings before compliant kits arrive

Real PVGIS irradiance for your exact postcode · Live UK grid data · Shareable results link — know exactly what you’ll save when kits go on sale later this year

Your postcode
System size
Placement
Home during the day?
Supplier · Ofgem Q2 2026 · verify ↗
24.5p
10p50p/kWh
📍
Enter your postcode to see your estimate
Real PVGIS irradiance — no two postcodes are identical
How it works
01
Buy a compliant kit
Once the BSI product standard is published (expected July 2026), compliant kits will be available from EcoFlow, Amazon, Lidl, and others. Expect to pay £500–£750 for an 800W system.
02
Install it yourself
Mount on your balcony rail, flat roof, or garden. South-facing at ~35° is ideal, but east/west works well. No tools, no trades.
03
Plug in and notify your DNO
Connect the cable to a standard 13A socket. Notify your Distribution Network Operator within 28 days via a simple online form — G98 rules.
FAQ