Once installed, the solar panel systems will power appliances such as fridges and TVs before they need to pull energy from the grid.
September 2, 2026
Octopus Energy, a UK-based energy company, has begun to release plug-in solar systems – the first “major supplier” to roll out the new tech.
The news follows regulatory updates from the UK government on 27 August. Under the new rules, households are now able to plug solar panels into their homes via a three-pin plug, up to 800W in capacity. With rooftop solar accounting for seven out of ten installations in the UK during July, the government is pushing to increase the rollout of residential solar.
Plug-in solar systems, including the kits from Octopus, consist of one or several compact PV panels. Once set up in a sunny area of a residence (such as an outdoor garden or shed), the panels can be plugged into a weatherproof outdoor socket.
Once installed, household appliances and lights will use generated solar energy before pulling from the grid. These appliances include goods such as fridges, TVs, and WiFi routers. However, they will not be able to power heavy gear simultaneously, including electric showers, ovens, and EV chargers.
Related:Plug-in solar is legally available in major UK retail stores
As the panels are both mains-powered and portable, the plug-in systems allow renters, flat-owners, and households without suitable roofs to benefit from solar energy. The benefits could also include reduced costs. According to Octopus, households using plug-in kits could see savings of up to £150 – depending on sunlight levels and individual energy use.
The kits are fitted with a standard UK three-pin plug and a 5m cable. This will enable households to plug the panels into their pre-existing mains sockets, as an alternative to rooftop panels which require specialist installation.
“Britons love solar – generate your own green power, slash bills, and get energy independent, what’s not to love,” said Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product and marketing officer at Octopus.
“But you shouldn't need a roof to tap into the savings. Plug-in solar democratises cheaper energy, making sure everyone can shrink their bill while helping build a greener grid.”
The company’s system will start at £450 per solar kit, and customers will choose a setup that includes either one or two panels. Octopus additionally explained that customers with a two-panel system could pair it with a smart export tariff. In doing so, they could potentially repay the panels’ cost within five and a half years.
In its announcement, Octopus said that its plug-in solar panels will also be added to its upcoming Nook Cube plug-in home battery, which will be launching in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain in 2027.
Related:British households earn £100 million from solar in past year, Octopus says
Read more about:
Catie Owen
Contributing writer
Since 2019, Catie has been writing news, interviews, client content and editing magazines. In recent years, her interest in sustainability has led her to pursue renewable energy as her primary beat. Having written primarily about solar energy and storage, Catie also enjoys covering the positive human impact of renewable technology.
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