Regulations
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Northern Ireland?
Is plug-in solar legal in Northern Ireland? Learn why the new Great Britain rules do not currently apply, how NI differs and what to check before buying.
3 Oct 2026 · 10 min read
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Find the right plug-in solar kit for your home
Compare plug-in solar panels in the UK, estimate your potential savings and understand what you need before buying.
Plug-in solar is not suitable for every property. Positioning, mounting, electrical condition, permissions, fire safety and insurance all need to be considered before you buy.
Independent comparisons
UK-focused guidance
Prices regularly checked
Clear safety information
Where things stand. Plug-in solar became available to buy and use in Great Britain on 27 August 2026. Systems sold for plug-in use in Great Britain are limited to a maximum output of 800W. Northern Ireland is treated separately because availability and requirements may differ. Read the regulations page.
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Is plug-in solar right for your home?
Answer five questions for a preliminary view on whether a plug-in system is worth considering at your property, or whether a full roof installation makes more sense.
- • No email address required to see your result.
- • Covers tenure, permissions and daylight exposure.
- • Points you to the right next step, not a sales call.
Quick suitability check
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This is preliminary guidance only, based on the answers you gave. It is not a survey, a safety assessment or advice. Always confirm suitability, permissions and compliance before buying or installing anything.
Comparison
Featured plug-in solar kits
Recorded specifications, prices and compliance status for the kits currently in our database.
Demonstration data
The catalogue currently contains demonstration records. Prices, ratings and compliance values are placeholders until verified entries are added.
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Savings
How much could plug-in solar save you?
Enter three quick details for an immediate estimated range, then open the full calculator for scenarios, payback and a transparent breakdown.
Estimated annual saving
£79 – £114
Estimate only, based on a south-facing position with light shading and a 26p/kWh tariff. Your result will differ.
Get My Full EstimateHow it works
Four steps, plainly explained
Plug-in solar is simple in principle, but the detail matters — especially the electrical and mounting side.
- 1
Panels capture daylight
One or two panels on a balcony, wall, frame or outbuilding convert daylight into direct current.
- 2
A microinverter converts it
The microinverter turns that direct current into alternating current at mains voltage and frequency.
- 3
It connects through an approved setup
The system connects through the approved arrangement supplied with a compliant product. Follow the manufacturer's documentation and check your electrical installation is in good condition.
- 4
Your home uses it first
Appliances that are running draw the available solar electricity before the same amount is taken from the grid, so your metered import falls.
This is a simplified explanation, not an installation guide. Always follow the documentation supplied with a compliant product and get professional help if you are unsure about your electrical installation.
Suitability
Who plug-in solar may suit
It is a good fit for some households and a poor fit for others. Here's where it tends to work.
Renters with permission
Portable systems can move with you, but you will normally need your landlord's written agreement first.
Flat owners with outdoor space
A balcony railing can work well, subject to your lease, building rules and safe fixing.
Homeowners testing solar affordably
A low-cost way to see how much daytime electricity you can genuinely displace.
Homes with unsuitable roofs
Shaded, north-facing, listed or structurally awkward roofs may rule out a full installation.
People home during daylight
The more you use while the sun is up, the more of the generation you actually save on.
Households wanting portability
Freestanding and ground-mounted kits can be repositioned or taken with you when you move.
Honest comparison
Plug-in solar versus rooftop solar
Plug-in solar is a small, low-cost system. It is not a replacement for a full roof installation.
| Factor | Plug-in solar | Rooftop solar |
|---|---|---|
| Typical starting cost | From around £450 | Usually several thousand pounds |
| Maximum system size | Up to 800W in Great Britain | Limited mainly by roof area |
| Installation complexity | Usually self-set-up following the supplied documentation | Professional installation required |
| Portability | Often portable | Permanent |
| Potential generation | Modest — a few hundred kWh a year | Typically several thousand kWh a year |
| Export potential | Generally not intended for export | Export tariffs usually available |
| Suitability | Balconies, gardens, walls, outbuildings | Suitable, unshaded roof space |
| Permissions | Landlord, freeholder or building rules may apply | Installer handles notification; planning may apply |
| Best use case | Cutting daytime baseload cheaply | Covering a large share of household use |
Need more power? Compare rooftop solar quotes.
If a plug-in system won't cover enough of your usage, a full installation may be the better option.
Guides
Latest plug-in solar guidance
Practical, UK-specific explanations of the rules, the costs and the checks.
Regulations
Do You Need a Special Socket for Plug-In Solar?
Can plug-in solar use a normal UK socket? Learn the socket, RCD, outdoor connection and extension-lead requirements before installing a system.
3 Oct 2026 · 11 min read
Regulations
Does Plug-In Solar Work With a Smart Meter?
Does plug-in solar work with a smart meter? Learn how solar affects import and export readings, what your display may show, and what matters for SEG payments.
3 Oct 2026 · 10 min read
Regulations
What Happens to Excess Electricity From Plug-In Solar?
What happens when plug-in solar produces more electricity than your home is using? Learn where surplus power goes and whether you can be paid for exporting it.
3 Oct 2026 · 9 min read
Regulations
Can You Use a Battery With Plug-In Solar in the UK?
Whether you can pair a battery with plug-in solar in the UK: what the current rules cover, why batteries sit outside the simplified framework, and what to check before buying.
3 Oct 2026 · 8 min read
Regulations
Do You Need to Notify Your DNO About Plug-In Solar?
When and how to notify your Distribution Network Operator about plug-in solar in Great Britain, including G98, the 28-day connect-and-notify process, and what information you may need.
5 Sept 2026 · 9 min read
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