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

SI 2026 No. 848 came into force this morning, making plug-in solar legal in the UK. EcoFlow STREAM kits are on sale from today at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix. No roof needed, no electrician, no landlord sign-off — just panels on your balcony or garden, plugged into a standard 13A socket.

Browse the UK compliant kits directory →
✓Now legal in the UK
✓EcoFlow STREAM kits on sale today
✓PVGIS irradiance data
✓Live UK grid stats
Shop plug-in solar kits on Amazon:Amazon UK →Amazon US →Amazon AU →(affiliate links)
Why now
Live
Legal in the UK
SI 2026 No. 848 in force · plug-in solar legal in UK homes as of 27 August 2026
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 caught up on 27 August 2026 when SI 2026 No. 848 came into force. EcoFlow STREAM kits are stocked at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix, with Wickes and Lidl following. The government’s £25m pilot to fund kits for low-income households opens this autumn.

Timeline

UK plug-in solar legal status

Plug-in solar became legal in the UK today, 27 August 2026. Here’s how we got here and what happens next.

✓
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 2026DONE
Plug-in solar became legal
SI 2026 No. 848 came into force. Compliant kits can now 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.
Today onwardsWE ARE HERE
Kits on sale in UK shops
EcoFlow STREAM, Anker SOLIX, Bright Saver and Craftstrom kits are stocked at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix from today. Wickes and Lidl to follow in September. Typical street price £600–£900 for a complete 800W kit.
2027+
Mass adoption
Prices fall as more brands complete UKCA certification. BSI expected to publish 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 in the UK as of 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 DESNZ 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 are stocked at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix.
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 on sale from today

Real PVGIS irradiance for your exact postcode · Live UK grid data · Shareable results link — plug-in solar is legal in the UK, with EcoFlow STREAM kits stocked at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix

Your postcode
System size
Placement
Home during the day?
Rate · 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
Compliant kits are on sale from today at B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Screwfix. Expect to pay £600–£900 for an 800W system, with prices likely to fall through 2027 as more brands complete UKCA certification.
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