We use cookies to improve your experience and for marketing. Read our cookie policy Manage cookies
Search across reports, market insights, and blog stories.
Plug-in solar panels have become legal for purchase and use across Great Britain as of 27 August, according to a government announcement. The source, published on 26 August 2026, states that households could save up to £110 annually, with each kit generating up to 800W of power, covering up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This output can simultaneously run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger, and an Xbox S when the sun is shining.
The legalisation follows independent safety testing that confirmed compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring. The UK safety specification is stricter than Germany’s, where the technology is already widely used, with around half a million new devices plugged in last year.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh commented that plug-in solar offers a simple, affordable way for households to manage energy bills and start saving immediately. She noted that from this summer, more families will be able to power their homes with clean, homegrown energy.
Major retailers, including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix, and Amazon, have collaborated with the government on the rollout and will soon stock the panels in stores and online. Other retailers such as Argos and Wickes have also committed to selling them. The low-cost panels can be placed in any outdoor space or on some balconies, but consumers should check for necessary permissions, such as landlord approval, planning permission, or listed building consent.
This initiative is part of broader government efforts to ease energy costs. In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills for winter relief, building on £150 taken off energy bills in the previous Budget and the expansion of the Warm Home Discount to around six million households.
Industry representatives expressed support. John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager at Amazon, said the company is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK and has invested in 50 solar and wind projects. He called the announcement a practical step for households to generate their own power and contribute to net zero goals. Graham Biggart, Managing Director for Argos, said the company is pleased to offer the panels, making the technology more accessible. Michelle Gorringe-Smith, Director of New Categories at Currys, highlighted the safe rollout as an important step in helping consumers save on energy bills. David Wood, CEO of Wickes, noted the potential to put solar within reach of more households, given the UK’s ageing housing stock. Joanna OLoan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said the arrival of plug-in solar is a significant milestone, though savings will vary. Chris Hewitt, CEO of Solar Energy UK, called it a great example of industry and government collaboration. Gary Booker, Managing Director of British Gas, said the innovation opens up solar benefits to more households. Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association, said it democratises renewable energy, with savings up to £100 a year. David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems at Energy Networks Association, said it is a major step for incorporating micro generation safely onto the grid.
Demand for solar power is already high, with MCS data showing almost 150,000 certified solar panel installations in the first six months of 2026, up 17% on the previous record start in 2025, equivalent to one installation every 74 seconds. Battery installations also nearly doubled year-on-year, with 36,000 certified installations. Legalising plug-in solar builds on existing savings of up to £480 a year from rooftop solar.
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
A Quick Overview of Market Performance
Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
The Largest Destinations for Exports
The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
The Largest Markets And Their Profiles
Instant access. No credit card needed.
Online access to 2M+ reports, dashboards, and tables. Trusted by Fortune 500 teams.
IndexBox, Inc.
2093 Philadelphia Pike #1441
Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Contact us
© 2026 IndexBox, Inc

source