For many people, installing solar panels on their roof simply isn’t possible. You may live in a flat, rent your home, have a listed building, or have a roof that isn’t suitable for solar panels.

That’s where plug-in solar could make a real difference.

Also known as balcony solar or plug-and-play solar, these smaller systems are designed to help more households generate some of their own electricity without the cost or complexity of a traditional rooftop solar installation.

What is plug-in solar?

A typical plug-in solar system consists of one or two solar panels connected to a small inverter. The inverter plugs into a standard household socket, allowing the electricity generated by the panels to be used by your home.

The electricity produced powers appliances that are already running, such as your fridge, freezer, broadband router, lighting and other everyday electrical items. This means you buy less electricity from the grid, helping to reduce your energy bills.

While these systems won’t generate as much electricity as a full rooftop solar installation, they offer a simple and affordable way for many households to start producing their own renewable energy.

Why is this important?

Until now, generating your own electricity has usually meant investing several thousand pounds in a rooftop solar PV system. That simply hasn’t been an option for many households.

Plug-in solar changes that by providing a lower-cost, easier-to-install alternative. While it won’t replace a full solar installation, it could help thousands of households take their first step towards lower energy bills and greater energy independence.

Who could benefit?

Plug-in solar may be suitable if you:

  • Live in a flat or apartment with a balcony.
  • Rent your home (subject to any permissions required).
  • Have a sunny garden, patio, shed or garage.
  • Cannot install traditional rooftop solar.
  • Want a lower-cost way to reduce your electricity bills.

How much does it cost?

Typical plug-in solar systems are expected to cost around £300–£600, making them much more affordable than a traditional rooftop solar installation.

Depending on your electricity use, where the panels are positioned and the amount of sunshine they receive, many households could save around £95–£155 per year on their electricity bills. For many people, this means the system could pay for itself within three to five years but only if you are at home during the day to use the electricity generated. If you are not usually at home during the day, see Looking ahead below.

Will I be paid for any excess energy I generate?

The short answer is ‘no’ you won’t. Energy suppliers make payments under the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, but generally only for MCS-certified installations. Octopus Energy does accept some non-MCS certified installations but it is not clear that this route will apply to plug-in systems. This situation may change in the future but, for now, it is best to assume that you will not be paid for any excess energy that you export. It is therefore important that you are able to use as much generated energy as possible, at least until plug-in battery systems are legalised (see Looking ahead below).

Is it safe and legal?

From 27 August 2026, new UK regulations will allow approved plug-in solar systems to be connected using a standard household socket, provided they meet the required safety standards.

There has been much debate online about the safety aspects of plug-in solar in UK homes, mainly focussed on the risks from overheating of wires, electrocution risks from plugs, interference with protection devices such as RCDs and RCBOs, and electrical interference with other devices. The government employed an independent test company to conduct a plug-in solar electrical safety study to better understand the risks.

The findings of the study showed that these systems are generally safe and informed the production of the Plug-in solar: interim product specification. All plug-in solar products sold in the UK must conform to this specification. They must also be sold as a complete system, so you should get everything you need with your purchase.

While the safety study confirmed that plug-in systems confirming to the standard are safe in most UK household settings we strongly recommend that you consult an electrician if:

  • The circuit that you intend to use is not protected by an RCD (Residual Current Device) or RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent), or if your consumer unit is of an old type that uses fuse wire rather than modern protection devices.
  • The circuit that you intend to use often trips the protection devices in the consumer unit.
  • Any protection devices trip after you have installed the system.
  • If you have any doubts whatsoever about the condition of the circuit that you intend to use.

If you live in rented or leasehold accommodation, you should always check whether you need permission before installing panels.

Do I have to notify anyone before I use the system?

You must inform your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) within 28 days of installing your plugin system. You do this by completing a G98 Engineering Recommendation Form. Your system should come with instructions as to how to do this.

You should not normally need planning permission for plug-in solar systems as they generally fall under ‘permitted development’. Note however that this may not be the case, especially if you live in a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty or in a listed or otherwise protected building.

If you live in rented accommodation you are likely to require the permission of your landlord before you install the system.

How Many Plug-in solar systems can I use?

At the moment the G98 connection rules only allow one system per household. This may change in future.

Note that you may be able to have one in addition to an existing fixed solar installation, but you will need permission from your DNO first, and it is likely that it will require G99 approval, which can take a long time.

Where should I put the panels?

You need to put your panels where they will be in the sun during the parts of the day that you are most likely to be using electricity. This is usually south facing, if possible, as they will then be in the sun for most of the day during the summer. If you don’t have a suitable south facing position then facing east or west may also work, depending on when you use the most electricity.

Some other things to consider:

  • The inverter must be plugged directly into a mains socket – extension leads cannot be used due to the risk of overheating. Carefully consider how long the mains cable for the inverter is and how long the cables for the solar panels are before deciding where to put the panels and inverter.
  • Check that your system has suitable stands / fixings or that you can buy them to fit the panels. Solar panels are heavy and need to be properly secured. Fixings should be available to hang them on balconies, or to stand them up on the ground on or flat roofs. Always ensure that you have fixings that have been made for the panels you have and that the panels are fixed securely in a level position.

Looking ahead: Plug-in Home Batteries

Plug-in solar is only part of the story.

A new generation of plug-in home batteries is expected to become available in the UK from 2027. These batteries can store electricity purchased overnight on cheaper smart tariffs, or electricity generated by solar panels, ready to use later when electricity prices are higher.

Industry experts believe this technology could become even more significant than plug-in solar for many households. Depending on electricity tariffs, battery size and household energy use, some households could save up to around £400 per year by making better use of lower-cost electricity.

Although these products are still emerging, they have the potential to make home energy savings accessible to many more people, including those who cannot install traditional rooftop solar.

How Energy Alton Can Help

At Energy Alton, we provide independent, impartial advice to help local residents understand the options available for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy bills.

As plug-in solar and home battery technology develops, we’ll continue to provide up-to-date information on how these systems work, who they’re suitable for, and what to consider before investing.

If you’d like to find out whether plug-in solar could be suitable for your home, we’d be happy to help you understand your options.

Where can I get further information

There are some useful FAQs for plug-in solar:

The government publications are: