Back in March, you may have heard about plans to make plug-in solar available in the UK. Now that the summer is in full swing, you might be thinking 'when can I get solar panels from the middle of Lidl'? The situation is evolving fairly rapidly, so let's have a look at the latest developments and see what the future may hold for plug-in solar.

What is plug-in solar?

It's a solar PV system that you plug straight into a normal 13A socket in your house. Also known as 'balcony solar', it's quite common in parts of Europe including Germany.

Sounds great. Why is it taking so long to arrive in the UK?

Plug-in solar is not compatible with current UK electrical regulations and British Standards, which are in place to keep electrical installations safe. These regulations and standards are being updated to make plug-in solar legal in the UK, with the first truly plug-in versions available in late July 2026.

So plug-in solar will be completely safe by then?

Note that it's the regulations that are changing to make this legal, not necessarily the products themselves or the condition of our nation's wiring. This has led some UK electrical bodies to raise concerns over the safety of plug-in solar.

You would say that! You'd rather I pay more for a proper rooftop array than get the benefits of solar for the price of a new TV.

It depends on your circumstances and your energy needs. Safety concerns aside, plug-in solar has the potential to be great for renters, those in smaller properties or even those looking to try out solar power for the first time. But it's important to remember a couple of caveats:

1. You won't be eligible for export payments (at least to begin with) - so you won't get the full financial benefits that a conventional array brings

2. Your system size will be limited to 800W

3. You still need to notify your DNO and your insurer when you plug in.