What is plug-in solar?
A complete beginner's guide to the solar panels you can plug into a normal wall socket.
In one sentence
Plug-in solar - also called balcony solar - is a small solar panel system that connects to a standard UK wall socket through a microinverter, with no professional installation and no rewiring.
How it works
- Panels sit on a balcony, in a garden, or on a window mount
- A microinverter converts the DC power into grid-compatible AC
- You plug it into a standard socket using the included cable (BS 1363 for the UK)
- Power you generate is used first in your home, reducing what you draw from the grid
Why it just became legal
On 27 August 2026, the UK government legalised plug-in solar under SI 2026 No. 848. Before that, the way UK wiring regulations were written made off-the-shelf plug-in kits hard to use legally. The change means households can now buy a kit and plug it in, the same way people have done in Germany since 2024.
Is it right for you?
Good fit:
- You rent or live in a flat - no structural changes needed
- You use electricity during the day (working from home, laundry, cooking)
- You want a low-cost entry into solar, without a £5,000 roof install
Less ideal:
- You have no outdoor space or window with decent sun exposure
- You are rarely home during daylight hours and don't plan to add a battery
- You need to power heavy appliances - plug-in solar is for offsetting, not full supply
What you need to buy
A typical kit includes panels, a microinverter, and the plug-in cable. Many kits are expandable with a battery later. Prices start around £400-£800 for popular UK-market kits.
Ready to compare? See the best plug-in solar kits →