Plug-in solar · 25 September 2026
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in the UK? (2026)
Short answer: yes. Compliant solar-only plug-in kits of up to 800 W can now be bought and used in Great Britain. Here is what the rules cover and what to check before you plug one in.
What changed
The 2026 change created a route for solar-only plug-in microgeneration in Great Britain. A qualifying product must meet the UK safety requirements and limit AC output into the home to 800 W. This solar route does not extend to batteries.
What the rules mean for you
- Kits are limited to 800W of output into your home.
- The kit plugs into a standard 13 A wall socket — never an extension lead.
- Check the kit's documented connection, mounting and notification route before setting it up; ask an electrician if your socket or wiring condition is uncertain.
- Buy a kit designed for the UK market, with the right safety protection built in.
Where can I put the panels?
On a balcony railing, a wall, a flat roof, a shed or free-standing in the garden. If you rent or live in a flat, check your tenancy or lease and ask the landlord or management company first. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have extra planning rules for anything fixed to the front of the building.
Do I need to tell anyone?
Follow the setup instructions supplied with the kit and complete the required notification to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), the company responsible for the local electricity network. See our UK compliance guide for more detail.
How much will it save?
An 800W kit typically produces around 680 kWh a year in the UK. Our 800W savings guide works through the numbers.
Balcony Solar Kit — £599 inc. VAT
800W plug-in solar, free UK delivery, plugs into a standard socket.
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