Plug-in solar panels will become legal in Great Britain from Thursday 27 August, following a rule change by the Labour Party government. The move opens the way for major high street retailers to begin selling the self-install technology, with Lidl, B&Q, Currys and Amazon among the household names that have been working with the government on plans to bring plug-in solar to the British market.
Retailers preparing for plug-in solar rollout
Asda, Screwfix and Wickes have also taken part in talks about the technology, according to a government roundtable. B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said the retailer was working with the government and suppliers to ensure any products it offered were safe, compliant and straightforward to install. “We look forward to making plug-in solar available to our customers as soon as possible,” he said following the roundtable.
Michelle Gorringe-Smith, director of new categories at Currys, said the company was “delighted to be working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to bring plug-in solar panels to the market.” Amazon has publicly welcomed the introduction of self-installed plug-in solar systems. “This is a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible to people around the UK,” John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK and Ireland country manager, said in the government’s announcement following the retailer roundtable. “Enabling households to generate their own power with self-install plug-in solar panels is a practical step that supports household budgets and delivering against net zero goals.”
Households urged to set realistic expectations
Rob Hallifax, a co-founder of Windfall Energy, told The Guardian that households should set “realistic expectations” when considering plug-in solar panels. “You still need access to a sunlit balcony, terrace or suitable outdoor area. And you may need permission from a landlord or freeholder to put panels in place,” he said.
Experts estimate that plug-in solar panels could help to reduce household energy bills by up to £70 to £110 a year. The technology is designed for self-installation, making it more accessible to a wider range of households without the need for professional installation services.
