Plug-in solar is legal
in the UK from 27 August.
How much will you save?

SI 2026 No. 848 comes into force on 27 August, making plug-in solar legal in the UK. EcoFlow STREAM kits launch in September. No roof needed, no electrician, no landlord sign-off — just panels on your balcony or garden, plugged into a standard 13A socket.

Read the gov.uk announcement →
✓Legal from 27 August 2026
✓EcoFlow STREAM kits September 2026
✓PVGIS irradiance data
✓Live UK grid stats
Why now
27 Aug
Law takes effect
SI 2026 No. 848 comes into force · plug-in solar legal in the UK
800W
UK legal cap
Max 800VA / 3.5A 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. On 16 July 2026, DESNZ published the Interim Product Specification v2 and made SI 2026 No. 848, which comes into force on 27 August. EcoFlow STREAM — the first UK-ready kit — launches in September, with retailers including B&Q, Currys, Amazon, and Screwfix expected to stock compliant kits. The government has also announced a £25m pilot to fund kits for low-income households.

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.
✓
16 Jul 2026DONE
Government responds — legislation made
DESNZ publishes Interim Product Specification v2 and makes SI 2026 No. 848, amending the Plugs and Sockets Regulations. The legal term is 'plug-in microgenerator'.
27 Aug 2026WE ARE HERE
Plug-in solar becomes legal
SI 2026 No. 848 comes into force. Compliant kits can legally be plugged into a standard 13A socket. Specs: 800VA / 3.5A max, BS 1363 plug, 5A fuse, no battery in the plug circuit, no extension leads.
Sep 2026
First compliant kits on sale
EcoFlow STREAM launches as the first UK-certified plug-in solar kit. Early-bird pre-orders open 12 Aug – 15 Sep. Retailers including B&Q, Currys, Amazon, and Screwfix expected to stock kits.
2027+
Mass adoption
Prices fall as competition grows. BSI publishes the full product standard, replacing the interim spec. £25m government pilot funds kits for low-income households.
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. Legal from 27 August 2026.
🏙️
Flat-dwellers
Clip panels to your balcony railings, plug into a standard 13A socket, start generating. No structural modifications, no planning permission. The Interim Product Specification allows up to 800VA per household via a BS 1363 plug with a 5A fuse.
🏡
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. EcoFlow STREAM kits launch September 2026, with B&Q, Currys, and Amazon expected to stock them.
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 — kits launch September 2026

Real PVGIS irradiance for your exact postcode · Live UK grid data · Shareable results link — plug-in solar is legal from 27 August, with EcoFlow STREAM kits available from September

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