UK government delivery partner; price is an estimate and may vary.
View at Amazon UKUK Plug-in Solar Guide
Daily-updated UK Status, Products & Costs
The 5-second verdict
Daily-refreshed- Solar only
- Battery only
- +Solar + battery
UK regulation timeline
past → futureAn impartial, daily-refreshed guide to plug-in solar in the UK: is it legal, what can you actually buy today, what will it cost, and can you pair (or replace) it with a battery on a smart tariff. Generated each day by AI from primary sources.
Where things stand today
BS 7671 Amendment 4 is live, BSI product standard expected July 2026.
Verified 2 May 2026
EcoFlow kits available, Lidl/Iceland/Amazon expected soon.
Verified 2 May 2026
Not yet available for DIY plug-in installs (MCS gap).
Verified 6 May 2026
G98 notification required within 28 days of commissioning.
Verified 2 May 2026
What is plug-in solar?
Plug-in solar - sometimes called balcony solar, DIY solar, or by its German name Balkonkraftwerk - is a small photovoltaic system you install yourself and plug into a regular three-pin socket. A typical kit is one or two solar panels, a micro-inverter that converts DC from the panels into 230 V AC, and a standard UK plug.
Once plugged in, the inverter pushes electricity into your home's wiring. Anything you happen to be using at that moment - the fridge, the router, the kettle, your laptop charger - takes that solar electricity first, and the grid only tops up what's left. It's not a backup battery: when the panels stop producing, the grid takes over invisibly.
The legal limit in the UK is 800 watts of AC output per circuit. That's roughly enough to run an always-on "base load" - fridge, freezer, internet kit, a few standby devices - on sunny days. Most kits use one or two panels of around 400-450 W each, so panel input can be slightly higher than 800 W (the inverter clips the excess).
Plug-in solar will not power your house in a power cut. The inverter is required to detect a grid outage and shut off automatically ("anti-islanding") to protect engineers working on the network. To run essentials in a blackout you need a separate battery system with off-grid mode.
Is it legal in the UK yet?
Is your setup legal?
self-check- Sub-800 W AC kit, sold by a UK retailerCompliant with BS 7671 Amendment 4 and the upcoming BSI product standard. Plug straight into a normal 13 A socket.
- You notify your DNO within 28 days (G98)Free online form, no approval required. We have a postcode → DNO finder lower down the page.
- You tell your home insurerA simple note on the policy. Most insurers add it for free; not telling them gives grounds to refuse a claim.
- Renting? Tell your landlord firstPlug-in solar is portable, so it usually falls outside "alterations" clauses, but the Renters' Rights Act 2025 expects written notice. Use our landlord letter template.
- Imported "Balkonkraftwerk" with no UK certificationAnti-islanding (EN 50549), earth bonding and BS 1363 plug compliance may not be guaranteed. Avoid generic Amazon/eBay listings without a UK importer.
- Hard-wired into a dedicated spurThat is no longer "plug-in" - it becomes notifiable electrical work and needs an electrician under Part P.
Plug-in solar is currently in a transitional phase regarding its legal status in the UK. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced the legalisation of plug-in solar on 16 March 2026. The crucial BS 7671 Amendment 4, which updates the UK's electrical wiring regulations to allow for connecting small generators to domestic circuits, was published and took effect on 15 April 2026. This amendment provides the foundational legal framework, making plug-in solar possible. However, it does not, by itself, authorise plugging small generating equipment into a standard 13A socket. A separate BSI product standard for plug-in solar devices, which will define approved product specifications and safety requirements, is expected around July 2026. Until this product standard is published, fully DIY self-installation via a standard wall socket is not yet compliant. Regardless, G98 notification to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is still required within 28 days of commissioning any small-scale generation system. The compliant route for installation today involves a CPS-registered electrician hardwiring the system to your consumer unit. The key thing to watch for in the next 1-3 months is the publication of the BSI product standard, which will pave the way for fully compliant DIY plug-in installations.
Regulations deep dive
BS 7671 Amendment 4
BS 7671 Amendment 4, published on 15 April 2026, is a significant update to the UK's electrical wiring regulations. It introduces new rules, particularly in Chapter 708, for connecting generation equipment to domestic circuits, which is directly relevant to plug-in solar. This amendment provides the regulatory basis that makes plug-in solar legally possible in the UK. The transition period for this amendment ends on 2 October 2026. While it lays the groundwork, it does not, on its own, authorise plugging small generating equipment into a standard 13A socket.
G98 connect-and-notify
The G98 notification process is a legal requirement for connecting small-scale renewable energy systems, including plug-in solar, to the grid. Systems with a rated output under 16A per phase (3.68 kW on a single-phase supply) fall under G98. This is typically a 'fit and notify' process, meaning the DNO is notified after the system has been commissioned, rather than requiring prior approval. The notification, which includes technical details and a declaration of compliance, must be submitted to the local DNO within 28 days of commissioning. While a homeowner may be able to submit the paperwork, the standard process assumes an installer provides the technical details.
BSI product standard
A dedicated BSI product standard for plug-in solar systems is expected around July 2026. This standard will define the specific safety requirements and product specifications that plug-in solar kits must meet to be certified for the UK market. Until this standard is published, no products are formally certified as UK-compliant for direct plug-in via a standard socket. European CE marks and German VDE certification will not automatically be sufficient for the UK market post-Brexit. The publication of this standard is a crucial step for widespread, fully compliant DIY plug-in solar installations.
How the UK compares to Europe
The UK's approach to plug-in solar is now aligning with other European countries, where these systems are already widely adopted. In Germany, for example, around 500,000 new plug-in solar devices were installed last year. The Netherlands and Belgium also have established frameworks for plug-and-play solar. While specific numbers for Belgium and the Netherlands are not immediately available, the general trend across Europe has seen hundreds of thousands of households installing small plug-and-play solar kits.
What can you buy in the UK today?
List auto-expands. Showing the 4 UK plug-in solar kits we know are on sale today. Each daily refresh asks Gemini (with Google Search grounding) to add new launches and drop discontinued models, so the table grows as the UK market does. Spotted a missing kit? let us know.
Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission - editorial choices are not influenced by it. See the disclosure at the foot of this page.
Be wary of imported kits sold on Amazon and eBay aimed at the German or Spanish market. Some have been tested and found to lack proper UK anti-islanding (EN 50549), earth bonding for the panel frames, or BS 1363 plug compliance. Look for an explicit statement of UK compliance with BS 7671 Amendment 4.
Announced for sale 'within months' of April 2026.
View at Coming soon (in-store)Price is an estimate and may vary. Often bundled with battery.
View at Amazon UKPortable power station with solar panels, expandable storage.
View at Jackery UK| Brand & model | Output | Price | UK compliant | Battery | Where sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EcoFlow STREAM Balcony Kit UK government delivery partner; price is an estimate and may vary. | 800 W AC | £499 | Pending | — | Amazon UK |
Lidl Plug-in Solar Kit Announced for sale 'within months' of April 2026. | 800 W AC | £500 | Pending | — | Coming soon (in-store) |
Anker SOLIX Solar Balcony System Price is an estimate and may vary. Often bundled with battery. | 800 W AC | £979 | Pending | Yes | Amazon UK |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Portable power station with solar panels, expandable storage. | 3000 W AC | £1819 | Pending | 2.042 kWh | Jackery UK |
Plug-in solar vs rooftop solar
Plug-in solar is a great fit for some households and the wrong choice for others. If you own your roof, have an unshaded south-facing pitch, and use a lot of electricity, full rooftop solar will pay back faster per pound spent. Plug-in solar is the right answer if you rent, live in a flat or balcony, can't afford a £6,000+ install, or just want to dip a toe in.
| Plug-in solar | Full rooftop solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Around £400-£800 for an 800 W kit | Around £6,000-£10,000 for a typical 4 kW system |
| Annual generation | 500-700 kWh in southern England | 3,500-4,200 kWh in southern England |
| Annual bill saving | £70-£175 | £600-£1,000 (with a battery and a smart export tariff) |
| Installation | You can do it yourself, no electrician required | MCS-certified installer, scaffolding, planning |
| Get paid for export? | Not yet - SEG simplification expected ~2027 | Yes, via the Smart Export Guarantee |
| Suitable for renters? | Yes - portable, no permanent fix needed | Almost never - landlord and roof access required |
| Suitable for flats / balconies | Yes - mounts on balcony rails or south-facing walls | No |
For full-roof solar costs, capacity, and SEG rates by country, see our energy dashboard and energy explainer.
Installation guide
- 1
Check your consumer unit
Your fuse board should be modern (RCD or RCBO protected). If you have an old re-wireable fuse board, ask an electrician to look at it before you plug in. Older houses with two-pin sockets won't work without an upgrade.
- 2
Pick a sunny location
South or south-west facing, unshaded between roughly 9 am and 4 pm in summer. A balcony rail, a south wall, a garden frame, a flat shed roof or a fence panel all work.
- 3
Mount the panels securely
Use the brackets supplied with your kit. Balcony rail brackets, ground frames and wall hooks are all available. Make sure the panels are tilted (typically 20-40 degrees) and cannot fall in high winds.
- 4
Connect the micro-inverter
The micro-inverter clips to the back of the panel or the mounting frame. Plug the panel DC cables into the inverter, then plug the inverter into a single dedicated 13 A socket. Do not daisy-chain through extension leads.
- 5
Plug in and check
Once plugged in the inverter takes ~60 seconds to detect the grid frequency, then begins exporting. Most kits include a Wi-Fi monitoring app showing live output.
- 6
Notify your DNO (G98)
Within 28 days you must tell your Distribution Network Operator that you have a generator under 16 A per phase. The form is free, online, and takes a few minutes. Use our DNO finder below.
- 7
Tell your home insurer
Most insurers will note the system on your policy at no extra cost. Don't skip this step: failing to declare a generator can give the insurer grounds to decline a claim.
Payback calculator
In the SW postcode area, an 816 kWh/year output (per our regional UK yield table) would save about £140 a year at today's 24.5 p/kWh unit rate, paying the system back in 3.6 years. Adjust the slider above to model how much of your generation you actually use during the day.
Estimates only. Real-world output depends on shading, panel tilt, season, and the electricity price you actually pay. The calculator assumes excess generation above your self-consumption is exported for free (plug-in solar cannot use the Smart Export Guarantee yet); update if a simplified SEG pathway opens.
Batteries: with or without solar
Batteries are interesting in the UK even without solar. With a time-of-use tariff like Octopus Flux you can charge cheaply overnight and either run your home from the battery during the peak window, or sell back to the grid at a much higher rate. Below are three worked examples - choose the one that matches your situation.
Solar + battery
A small battery captures sunshine you would otherwise have exported for free, and lets you use it in the evening - shifting up to twice as much of your generation into useful self-consumption.
Annual saving £98. Each kWh stored avoids paying 24.5 p/kWh from the grid in the evening (currently no SEG is paid for plug-in solar exports).
Worked example assumes Self-consumed instead of free export. Round-trip efficiency and battery degradation will reduce real-world figures by ~10-15%.
Battery-only on Octopus Flux
No solar panels at all. Charge the battery from the grid at the cheapest 5-hour window (around 9 p/kWh), then either run the house off it during the 4-7 pm peak (avoiding 41 p/kWh import) or sell it back to Flux at the peak export rate.
Annual saving £298. Half of each cycle assumed exported to grid at 29.3 p/kWh, half used in-home displacing 35.7 p/kWh peak imports - both bought at the 15.0 p/kWh off-peak rate.
Worked example assumes Avg of in-home displacement and Flux peak export. Round-trip efficiency and battery degradation will reduce real-world figures by ~10-15%.
Battery-only off-peak charging
Simpler still: any time-of-use tariff with a cheap overnight rate. Charge the battery during off-peak, run the house from it during the day. No export needed - the saving comes from displacing daytime peak imports.
Annual saving £162. Each kWh is bought at the 15.0 p/kWh off-peak rate, then used in the day instead of paying the 24.5 p/kWh standard tariff.
Worked example assumes Daytime peak avoided. Round-trip efficiency and battery degradation will reduce real-world figures by ~10-15%.
Smart Export Guarantee: will you get paid?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is not yet available for DIY plug-in solar installations. While the SEG scheme requires large energy suppliers to pay for exported low-carbon electricity, eligibility typically requires MCS certification for the installation. Plug-in solar systems, especially those installed by householders themselves, currently fall into a gap in this certification process. A simplified pathway for SEG access for plug-in solar is expected around 2027. Until then, any surplus electricity generated by plug-in solar systems will not earn export payments through the SEG.
Find your DNO
Within 28 days of installing your kit you must notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The form is free, online, and takes a few minutes - no approval is required for sub-800 W plug-in solar. Enter your postcode below to find the right DNO.
Don't know your DNO? It's NOT the same as your electricity supplier - they own the cables, your supplier just bills you.
Landlord letter template
If you rent, the simplest path is to write to your landlord before installing. The template below references BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026), explains that the kit is portable and reversible, and cites your right to request energy-efficiency improvements under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Edit the bracketed sections, then send.
Preview the letterShow
Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I am writing to let you know that I would like to install a small plug-in solar system at [PROPERTY ADDRESS]. I wanted to share the details with you so that you have everything you need on file. What is plug-in solar? A plug-in solar system is a small portable photovoltaic system - one or two panels (around 800 W AC output) that plug into a standard three-pin socket. It generates a small amount of electricity during daylight hours that the property uses directly. It does not require any new wiring, sockets, or alterations to the building. Legal status As of 15 April 2026, plug-in solar systems are recognised under BS 7671 Amendment 4 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and the G98 distribution code. The government formally announced legalisation on 16 March 2026. The system I am proposing falls under the 800 W AC output threshold and will be installed in line with the manufacturer's instructions and the new wiring regulations. What it means for the property - No drilling, no fixings to the structure - the panel(s) will be mounted on a free-standing frame / on the balcony rail using clip-on brackets / on a removable wall hook. (Pick whichever applies.) - The panels are easily removable at the end of the tenancy. - The system plugs into an existing socket; no electrical alterations are made. - The system has anti-islanding protection (it disconnects automatically in the event of a power cut), so there is no risk to anyone working on the property's electrics. - I will notify our Distribution Network Operator within 28 days of install (G98 form) and inform my contents insurer. - The system improves the energy performance of the property at no cost to you. This is consistent with the energy-efficiency improvements that tenants have a right to request under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you are happy for me to proceed. I am happy to send you a copy of the manufacturer's compliance documentation and the G98 notification on request. Many thanks, [YOUR NAME] [DATE]
Latest UK plug-in solar news
·PV Magazine UK Solar Installations Pass 2 Million Mark, Plug-in Solar Expected by Summer
The UK has reached over 2 million solar installations, with the government committing to legalising plug-in 'balcony solar' devices in time for summer 2026 to further boost renewable energy adoption.
Read at PV Magazine·Sun Hours Plug-in Solar Legality in UK: BS 7671 Amendment 4 Live, BSI Product Standard Expected July 2026
BS 7671 Amendment 4, updating UK electrical wiring regulations, is now in effect, making plug-in solar legal with conditions. The BSI product standard, crucial for fully compliant DIY installations, is anticipated in July 2026.
Read at Sun Hours·The Independent Lidl and Iceland to Start Selling Plug-in Solar Panels for £500, But There's a Catch
Lidl and Iceland are preparing to sell plug-in solar panels for around £500 in the coming months, but regulatory hurdles still need to be fully overcome before they become as easy to use as in other European countries.
Read at The Independent·PluginSolarHub UK Plug-In Solar Coming Within Months: Jackery's Role in the Evolving Landscape
With BS 7671 Amendment 4 in effect since April 15, 2026, plug-in solar is becoming a legal reality in the UK. Jackery highlights its portable solar generator systems as flexible options for early adopters.
Read at PluginSolarHub·Which? Plug-in Solar Panels to be Made Legal in UK Homes, Retailers Like Lidl and Amazon Expected to Stock
The government has announced plans to update regulations to allow plug-in solar panels, with retailers like Lidl and Amazon expected to sell low-cost kits within months.
Read at Which?·PluginSolarHub BS 7671 Amendment 4 Published, BSI Product Standard for Plug-in Solar Expected July 2026
The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671 Amendment 4) have been published, providing the framework for plug-in solar. A specific BSI product standard is still anticipated in July 2026 to certify kits for the UK market.
Read at PluginSolarHub·PV Magazine UK Opens Door to Plug-in Solar Boom, Systems Under 800W No Longer Need Electrician
The UK government is easing regulatory barriers for plug-in solar systems under 800W, allowing them to be installed without a qualified electrician, with legal sales expected by summer 2026.
Read at PV Magazine
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK in 2026?
Yes, in principle. The government announced legalisation on 16 March 2026 and BS 7671 Amendment 4 took effect on 15 April 2026, recognising small plug-connected PV sources. The full picture also depends on a separate BSI product standard expected in mid-2026 - until that publishes, kits sold as "compliant" are claiming compliance with a standard that is not yet finalised. The 800 W AC output limit applies, you must notify your Distribution Network Operator within 28 days (G98), and you should inform your home insurer.
Can renters install plug-in solar?
In most cases yes. Plug-in solar is portable and does not require permanent fixings to the building, which puts it outside the scope of most tenancy clauses on alterations. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 also gives tenants stronger rights to make energy-efficiency improvements, and we provide a downloadable letter template you can send your landlord. Always check your tenancy agreement and notify your landlord in writing before installing.
Will it void my home insurance?
Not if you tell your insurer. A non-compliant or undeclared electrical installation gives an insurer grounds to refuse a claim, but a sub-800 W plug-in solar system installed in line with BS 7671 Amendment 4 is now an accepted modification. Notify your insurer in writing - most will simply add a note to the policy at no extra cost.
Do I need an electrician?
No, not legally, for a sub-800 W kit. The whole point of the new framework is that plug-in solar can be installed without notifiable electrical work. That said, if your consumer unit is old (re-wireable fuses, no RCD), get an electrician to look at it before plugging anything in.
How much money will I save?
A typical 800 W kit in southern England generates roughly 500-700 kWh a year. At a unit rate around 24-27 p/kWh that's £130-£190 of self-consumed electricity. Real-world savings depend on how much you use during the day - households where someone is home, or where always-on appliances run continuously, see the highest payback. Government modelling suggested £70-£110 a year for an average household with a 4-year payback.
Can I get paid for excess solar I send to the grid?
Not yet, for plug-in solar. The Smart Export Guarantee currently requires MCS certification of the install, and DIY plug-in installs cannot be MCS-certified. Industry expects Ofgem to introduce a simplified SEG route for plug-in solar in 2027. Until then you only save on electricity you self-consume - which is fine, because self-consumed kWh are worth more than exported ones anyway.
Can I add a battery to a plug-in solar system?
Yes, and several kits now bundle one. A small (1-2 kWh) battery captures sunshine you would otherwise have exported for free, and lets you use it in the evening - shifting up to twice as much of your generation into useful self-consumption. With a time-of-use tariff like Octopus Flux a battery can also be charged from the grid overnight at low rates and discharged at peak: this works as a standalone strategy even without solar panels.
Do I need planning permission?
For panels mounted on a balcony rail, on a fence, in a garden, or on a wall in a non-conservation area, no - they are treated as portable equipment and fall under permitted development. For listed buildings, conservation areas, or panels mounted on the roof, check with your local authority.
What is the 800 W limit and why?
The 800 W refers to the maximum AC output of the micro-inverter. It is set conservatively so the system cannot overload the ring main if everything else on that circuit is also drawing power. You can have panels totalling more than 800 W of nominal DC output, as long as the inverter is clipped to 800 W AC - which all UK-aimed kits are.
What if my house has a power cut - can plug-in solar keep things running?
No. The micro-inverter has anti-islanding protection (required by EN 50549) which shuts the system off the instant it detects a grid outage. This is to protect engineers working on the network. To run essentials during a power cut you need a separate off-grid battery system with a transfer switch, which plug-in solar kits don't provide.
Will it work in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes, but at reduced output. UK plug-in solar typically generates 70-90% of its annual yield between April and September. On a bright winter day you might still see 100-300 W; on a heavily overcast day in December, output can drop to 20-50 W. The annual figures already account for this seasonality.
What about non-compliant kits sold on Amazon and eBay?
Imported kits aimed at the German or Spanish market and sold on UK marketplaces may not meet UK standards. Common issues include inverters that are not certified to EN 50549 (so anti-islanding behaviour is unverified), missing earth bonding for panel frames, and plug types other than BS 1363. Look for an explicit statement of UK compliance with BS 7671 Amendment 4 and, once published, the BSI product standard. Avoid generic listings without a UK importer.
Glossary
- Plug-in solar
- A small PV system - typically one or two panels and a micro-inverter - that connects to the home via a standard three-pin plug rather than a hard-wired spur. Also called balcony solar, DIY solar, or Balkonkraftwerk.
- Micro-inverter
- A small inverter, typically clipped to the back of a single panel, that converts the panel's DC output into 230 V AC. UK-aimed micro-inverters are clipped to 800 W AC output.
- Anti-islanding
- A safety feature, required by the EN 50549 standard, that automatically shuts the inverter off within ~200 ms if it detects the grid has gone down. Protects engineers working on the network during a fault.
- BS 7671
- The IET Wiring Regulations - the standard that all UK electrical installation work must follow. Amendment 4, effective 15 April 2026, updates Chapter 712 to permit small plug-connected PV.
- G98
- The Distribution Network Operator notification standard for generators under 16 A per phase. Plug-in solar must be notified to the local DNO within 28 days of install. Free online form, no approval required.
- DNO
- Distribution Network Operator - the company that owns and runs the lower-voltage cables that bring electricity to your home. There are six DNO regions in Great Britain. Different from your electricity supplier.
- MCS
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme - the consumer-facing certification scheme for renewables installs. Currently a gateway to the Smart Export Guarantee. Plug-in DIY installs are not MCS-certifiable.
- SEG
- Smart Export Guarantee - the framework that pays households for electricity they export to the grid. Currently requires MCS certification. A simplified pathway for plug-in solar is expected ~2027.
- kWh
- Kilowatt-hour - the unit your electricity bill is measured in. A typical UK home uses about 2,700 kWh a year. An 800 W plug-in solar system in southern England generates about 500-700 kWh a year.
- Self-consumption
- The share of your solar generation that is used inside the home rather than exported. Self-consumed kWh save you the import unit rate (around 25 p), while exported kWh earn the export rate (around 12-15 p), so self-consumption is worth roughly twice as much.
- Time-of-use tariff
- An electricity tariff with different rates at different times of day. Octopus Flux, for example, charges peak (4-7 pm) and pays a high export rate during the same window, with cheap import rates overnight - which makes a battery valuable even without solar panels.
Sources for today's update
Editorial independence
4 Billion Years On is impartial. We are not a manufacturer, retailer or installer. The products listed above are chosen for editorial reasons - because they are relevant to the UK market right now - not because anyone has paid us to feature them.
Some of the outbound links in our products table are affiliate links. If you click one and buy a product we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The choice of which products appear, and what we say about them, is never influenced by whether or not an affiliate program is available. Pages, paragraphs and rankings are not for sale.
Have a correction or want to suggest a kit we have missed? Email us at chris.4billionyears@gmail.com.
