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A new plug-in solar panel kit designed for renters and households without traditional rooftop solar is launching in the UK, just weeks after the technology was legalised.
Energy technology company Zendure has announced its SolarFlow 800 system, becoming one of the latest manufacturers to enter Britain's emerging plug-in solar panel market.
The launch comes as households face higher energy bills, with Ofgem's energy price cap rising by 4 per cent on 1 October to £1,723 a year for a typical household paying by direct debit.
Unlike conventional rooftop solar installations, which generally require professional installation and a substantial upfront investment, plug-in solar systems are designed to be easier to install and remove.
Zendure's new kit includes two solar panels and an 800W microinverter, which converts the electricity generated by the panels into power that can be used by your household appliances. The system connects directly to a standard household socket, allowing the solar electricity to power appliances such as fridges, routers and televisions, reducing the amount of electricity you have to purchase from the grid.
Zendure says the panels can be mounted on the ground, a wall or certain balconies, potentially making the system suitable for renters and people living in properties without suitable roofs.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, the plug-in versions can also be disconnected and taken to another property when its owner moves.
The UK government legalised compliant plug-in solar systems in Great Britain on 27 August 2026, allowing households to generate up to 800W of electricity through systems connected to ordinary sockets.
According to government estimates, plug-in solar could provide up to 20 per cent of an average household's electricity consumption, potentially saving up to £110 a year on energy bills.
However, actual savings from plug-in solar panels will depend on factors including the panels' position, available sunlight and how much of the electricity generated is used in the home.
Plug-in systems also have a much lower maximum output than conventional rooftop solar installations, meaning they are intended to supplement grid electricity rather than replace it.
Households will need a suitable location for the panels, while renters may require their landlord's permission. Planning and installation restrictions can also apply, particularly to balcony-mounted systems.
Zendure has not yet confirmed a UK price for the SolarFlow 800. Pre-orders for the new plug-in kit are scheduled to open on 2 November.
Read more: Best solar panels, compared
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