More families are set to save money on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal across Great Britain.
The easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes across the country, saving households up to £110 a year on their bills through clean, homegrown power.
Each plug-in solar kit produces up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This can run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S operating at once when the sun is shining.
This all comes with no installation cost and without taking any electricity from the grid.
The legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring.
The UK safety specification is more stringent than that of Germany, where the technology is already widely used and around half a million new devices were plugged in last year.
Homegrown power is the only way to deliver energy security for the country and financial security for families and businesses.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.
“From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.”
But some in the industry have raised serious concerns at this element of the Future Homes Standard.
The ECA previously welcomed the FHS and speeding up lower bills, but the trade body, which has advocated for safe and reliable electrical installation for over a century, has significant concerns about ‘plug-in solar panels’. Many of these products available internationally are poorly manufactured, inadequately tested and are not designed for the UK electrical environment. This means variable build quality, no consistent UK safety standards, questionable long-term reliability, and connectors and cabling that are not designed for prolonged outdoor exposure in UK conditions.
Currently, solar panels are designed to integrate with a local electrical system. They require installation by a qualified electrician to maximise efficiency and cost savings. Without this degree of technical knowledge, a DIY install of a safety critical product could overload the system and cause fire and electrocution.
Speaking about the Future Homes Standards, Gary Parker, Head of Technical at ECA, said: “I’m delighted to see a fabric-first approach and energy efficiency mandated in new builds from next year. ECA is a strong advocate for the transition to net zero and the deployment of well-designed, professionally installed low-carbon technologies.
“However, support for decarbonisation must never come at the expense of electrical safety, fire safety, or public confidence in the built environment.
“‘Plug-in solar’ products, are not fit for purpose within the UK’s safety-led electrical framework and should not be encouraged."
Major retailers, such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.
The low-cost panels can be put in any outdoor space or on some balconies. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, people should check whether any permissions are required for the property. This may include permission from a landlord and/or building owner or freeholder permission, planning permission or listed building consent.
Decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils, but we encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits.
Enabling these easy-to-install panels is just one of the ways the government is giving people breathing space to help tackle bills.
In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills to give families breathing space this winter. This builds on the £150 of costs taken off energy bills in the Budget last year and the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households.
Following today’s announcement, Gary Parker, Deputy Director of Technical at ECA (Electrical Contractors' Association), said: "Plug-in solar has the potential to help more households engage positively with low-carbon energy, but it is important that consumers understand these systems are not suitable for every home.
“Getting an installation assessed by a competent electrician before buying, avoiding unsafe connections through extension leads or adapters, and purchasing only from reputable retailers are sensible steps that will support safe and confident uptake.
"As this market develops, clear guidance and competent advice will be key to helping consumers benefit from these products safely and with confidence."
Retailers including Amazon, Argos, Curry’s and Wickes have all committed to stocking plug-in solar panels.
