The UK government has recently introduced new rules to allow easier access to plug-in solar panels.
Not only will more solar panels help remove some of the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets, but it also should help households to save money on energy bills. 
But how do plug-in solar panels work and where can you buy them? What should you look out for when buying plug-in solar panels to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck? 
We explain everything you need to know about plug-in solar panels below. 
Not sold on the merits of plug-in solar? Our Home Tech Editor Dave Ludlow has explained the costs and potential savings involved with plug-in solar panels.
Back in March 2026, the UK government oversaw the rolling out of plug-in solar panels across more accessible retailers. That means households won’t need to necessarily hire tradespeople to come and install complicated equipment, and instead can simply pick up low-cost, easy-to-install panels from retailers such as Lidl and Iceland. 
However, at the time of writing, DIY installation is still not fully compliant as the BSI product standard hasn’t been published yet. Until it is published, which is expected to happen this month (July), then an electrician will be required to connect solar systems. 
Previously, plug-in solar panels were somewhat of a grey area, with many users unsure whether their systems were technically compliant. However, the government brought in BS 7671 Amendment 4 which is the latest update to the UK’s IET Wiring Regulations. Here, systems under 800W can now plug safely into domestic outlets without needing an electrician to install it – naturally saving households money in set-up costs. 
BS 7671 Amendment 4 puts the UK in-line with other European countries which have been known to use plug-in solar panels for a while now. 
There are a few things to look out for when buying a plug-in solar kit. Firstly, and most importantly, you need to check whether your inverter appears on the ENA’s Type Test register. If it’s not, then you’ll likely need permission to approve the connection before you switch it on – something that’s not needed for the correct plug-in solar kits.
To do this, simply visit the ENA device database and search for your exact model. If it’s not listed then you should seek an alternative device.  
Remember that the system needs to be capped at 800W, as this is the amount that can plug safely into domestic outlets. Any higher and the panel is simply not legal to connect.
Plug-in solar panels are expected to roll out to retailers from summer 2026, which means we should expect shops to start selling them pretty soon. Alongside Lidl and Iceland, brands including Anker will start shipping their own plug-in solar products. In fact, it has the Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro that’s “coming soon”, which is a plug-in ready, solar battery. While, at the time of writing, we don’t know how much this system will cost, Anker claims it can save households up to a whopping £770 per year.
Otherwise, a big name in solar is undoubtedly EcoFlow, especially as the brand actually worked with the government to help bring plug-in panels to the UK. Its Stream balcony system, for example, is coming soon and promises to save households up to £115 a year on bills.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to be a homeowner to invest in plug-in solar panels. Thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords now cannot unreasonably refuse plug-in solar installation either. 
Once you have installed your plug-in solar panel, you must then notify your local DNO (Distribution Network Operator) within 28 days under G98 regulations. G98 is the Engineering Recommendation from the ENA that governs how small generators connect to the UK grid. All 800W plug-in solar kits qualify, so you’re not asking permission or anything of the sort, but you’re simply notifying them that you’ve installed one. 
Doing this is relatively straightforward, and can be done either directly through your DNO’s website or by emailing a completed G98 form.
You will need to collect some information beforehand, including your MPAN (the 13-digit number on your electricity bill), the make, model and serial number of your device, date you turned the panel on and your energy source code.
Jess joined the Trusted Reviews team early in 2024, after working for almost three years in lifestyle and technology PR. Using the skills gained from her previous role, Jess has taken on a new challenge, taking the plunge into writing and journalism, with a particular interest in smart home technology. She is also an English graduate from Goldsmiths College and when she’s not typing away at her desk, Jess loves to travel, with her favourite places being Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona and Rome.
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