Plug-in solar panels – what are they and how could they help cut your energy bills?

Updated on 27th August 2026 by:

John Evans, Commercial Director, British Gas Energy

Plug-in solar panels are one of the simplest ways for households to cut their energy bills. They’re now available to buy and self-install in the UK.

We’ll soon be offering easy-to-use plug-in solar kits to help customers start generating their own energy at home. We’ll also make our SEG tariff compatible with plug-in solar, so any spare energy can be sold back to the grid.

Register your interest below and we’ll let you know when we have more details to share.

Register before 16th September and you’ll be automatically entered into our prize draw to win one of 30 plug-in solar kits.
Register your interest

In this article:

What are plug-in solar panels – and how do they work?

Plug-in solar panels – also known as plug and play solar or balcony solar – are small solar kits designed to be incredibly easy to use:

  • Place them on a sunny balcony, terrace, shed roof or outdoor space
  • Connect the plug-in solar inverter into a standard 3-pin socket
  • Don’t use an extension lead - only the cables supplied by the manufacturer
  • Start generating your own electricity to reduce the amount you buy from the grid

Before buying, check that you have a suitable, unshaded location and can secure the panels safely. If you rent, live in a leasehold property or share responsibility for the building exterior, check whether you need permission from your landlord, freeholder or building manager.

The government has greenlit some changes to wiring regulations, which means that systems under 800W can plug safely into domestic sockets without needing an electrician.

You should always follow the product instructions. And if you’re unsure about the socket or home wiring, ask a qualified electrician.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

How much could plug-in solar panels save you?

The amount you could save depends on factors such as:

  • The size of your plug-in solar system
  • How much sunlight your home receives
  • How much electricity you use during daylight hours
  • Whether you export spare electricity through a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff

Plug-in solar panels won't replace a full rooftop solar installation, but they can help reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid during the day.

Homes that use appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, computers and televisions during daylight hours are likely to get the greatest benefit from the electricity generated.

Why introduce plug-in solar panels in the UK?

Plug‑in solar panels are a low‑cost, flexible way to start generating renewable electricity. And they’re already popular across Europe – over 426,000 balcony solar systems were registered in Germany alone in 2025.1

The UK Government sees plug-in solar panels as key to:

  • Reducing our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and helping protect households from energy market fluctuations
  • Increasing the UK’s energy security
  • Cutting household energy bills
  • Accelerating clean, homegrown power

Is plug‑in solar worth it?

Plug‑in solar panels can be a great option if you want to:

  • Cut energy bills without spending too much
  • Start generating electricity without a complex installation process
  • Avoid long term commitment
  • Complement existing smart home or renewable tech
  • Start small and upgrade over time

Plug-in panels won’t normally power a home on their own, but they can reduce the electricity you buy from the grid. Generation and savings vary with panel size, orientation, shading, weather, electricity prices and how much power you use while the panels are generating.

They can also work alongside home battery storage systems.

Want easy tips to save energy at home now? Read our energy saving guide

How British Gas is supporting the move to plug‑in solar panels

British Gas will be selling plug-in solar panels that are super easy to install and use. We'll also make it simple to sell any spare electricity back to the grid with our SEG tariff.

Interested in becoming among the first to hear when British Gas plug-in solar kits become available?

Register your interest today and we'll keep you updated on launch plans, pricing and product availability.

Register before 16th September and you’ll be automatically entered into our prize draw to win one of 30 plug-in solar kits.

Register your interest

Plug-in solar and home batteries are a real breakthrough for customers – making greener, cheaper energy something you can simply plug-in and start benefiting from straight away.

Simple, low‑cost plug-in panels are a huge opportunity for people to take more control of their energy bills.

At British Gas, we’re already building the compatible tariffs and smart services that make this effortless. We’re helping customers use more of their own clean solar power, store it intelligently, and cut their grid use at the most expensive times.

And it fits perfectly with our PeakSave tariffs, giving customers even more ways to lower their bills by shifting usage and making the most of cheap, clean power.

This is exactly the kind of practical, affordable progress we believe in: helping people save money today while supporting the UK’s move to clean, home‑grown energy.

Related government energy announcements

The Future Homes Standard (FHS)

The FHS is one of the biggest changes to home energy in over a decade. Under current proposals, most new homes are expected to be built with:

  • Solar panels as standard
  • Low‑carbon heating, such as a heat pump as well as proper home insulation
  • At least 75% lower predicted carbon emissions compared to 2013 standards1
  • Significant energy savings, expected to save families up to £830 per year compared to a typical EPC C home1

As a result, most new build homes will generate their own electricity, use clean heating, and be designed for smart optimisation from day one.

As the UK’s biggest installer of low‑carbon heating, we welcome these announcements, including the Future Homes Standard.

It’s a chance to ensure new homes come ready for the full benefits of modern energy systems - where low‑carbon heating, solar and smart technology are designed to work together from the start and reduce energy consumption. Our army of engineers stand ready to continue to keep Britain's homes warm.

Windy day discounts on electricity

Alongside the introduction of plug-in solar panels and the Future Homes Standard, the government has announced plans to let energy suppliers offer discounted electricity during periods of high wind generation.

Rather than paying wind farms to switch off when the grid is congested, surplus renewable electricity could be passed on to households at lower prices.

The scheme is expected to benefit customers most in Scotland and the East of England, where wind generation often exceeds local grid capacity.

This mirrors the wider shift towards smarter, more flexible energy use, rewarding customers for using electricity when renewable power is abundant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are plug-in solar panels?

Plug‑in solar panels are small solar systems that generate electricity and plug directly into a home’s mains socket. They’re a simple, low‑cost way to reduce grid electricity use during daytime.

How do plug-in solar panels work?

They generate electricity from sunlight, convert it into usable power via a built‑in microinverter, and feed it into your home’s circuits through a mains plug. Any appliances running at the time use that free solar energy first.

When will plug-in solar panels be available in the UK shops?

Plug-in solar panels are now available to buy in the UK after the government published changes to existing plug and electrical safety regulations. This means that systems under 800W can plug safely into domestic sockets without needing an electrician and major retailers will be selling them soon.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

Are plug-in solar panels legal in the UK?

The UK government has published updated regulations allowing compliant plug-in solar panels to be used in homes along with changes to existing plug and electrical safety regulations and Ofgem-approved G98 modification. This means that systems under 800W can plug safely into domestic sockets without needing an electrician – you’ll just need to notify your local electricity network when it’s installed. They’re now available to buy in the UK and major retailers will be selling them soon.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

Do I need an electrician to install plug-in solar panels?

No. Plug‑in solar panels are designed for DIY installation and simply plug into a standard socket. Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidance. We're about to launch our own plug-in products. Register your interest today and we’ll let you know when we have more details to share.

Do plug-in solar panels really save money?

Yes, plug‑in solar panels can help lower energy bills by reducing the amount of daytime electricity you buy from the grid. Savings are highest for homes using more power during daylight hours.Actual savings depend on home type, usage patterns and installation conditions.

Can I export excess electricity back to the grid?

British Gas already offers Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs that let customers with solar panels sell spare energy back to the grid.

We’re working hard in the background to offer SEG tariffs to customers with plug-in solar too – and we expect to have good news soon. In the meantime, register your interest in our plug-in solar panels and we’ll let you know when we have more details.

How do plug-in solar panels differ from rooftop solar?

They’re smaller, cheaper and plug directly into a socket. Rooftop solar produces more power but requires professional installation.

Do you need smart meters for plug-in solar panels?

While not strictly mandatory for plug-in solar panels to function, a smart meter (specifically an import/export meter) is highly recommended for plug-in solar panels. Smart meters accurately measure exported energy for payments, ensure safe grid compliance, and allow you to take advantage of time-of-use tariffs and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs.

How much energy can plug-in solar panels produce?

An 800W kit can typically generate a meaningful amount of electricity across the year - enough to reduce bills, but not equivalent to a full rooftop system. Output depends on panel size, orientation, weather and shading.

Are plug-in solar panels safe?

Yes, plug-in solar panels that meet the UK’s safety requirements are designed to be safely connected to a standard household socket.

The government has carried out independent testing and found that compliant plug-in solar systems can be used safely in UK homes.

When buying plug-in solar, always choose a product that meets the UK plug-in solar requirements and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and using it safely.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

Can I add a battery to my plug-in solar panels?

Not yet. The new rules for plug-in solar don’t currently include plug-in batteries, so you shouldn’t connect a battery to your plug-in solar system.

The government is continuing to develop rules and standards for plug-in energy products, so this may change in the future. If you’d like to store solar energy in a battery today, you’ll need to look at a separately installed solar panel and battery system.

Do I need permission to use plug-in solar panels?

You don’t usually need permission to install plug-in solar panels, but it’s worth checking before you get started.

If you own your home, you can usually install solar panels without applying for planning permission, as long as they meet the relevant planning rules. If you rent your home or live in a flat, you might need permission from your landlord, freeholder or building manager.

You might also need additional permission if you live in a listed building.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

Do I need to register my plug-in solar panels? 

If you buy plug-in solar from 27th August, you’ll need to let your local electricity network know that you’ve installed it. This is known as a G98 notification.

Don’t worry, it’s free to do and you can start using your panels straight away. You don’t need to wait for approval – just need to notify them within 28 days of installation. It’s simply a way of telling the company that manages the electricity network in your area that your home is now generating electricity.

Already bought plug-in solar panels? Register your device with the Energy Saving Trust.

What should I check before buying plug-in solar panels? 

Before buying, there are a few simple things worth checking:

  • Is it suitable for use in the UK? Look for kit that meets UK safety and technical requirements. It should clearly state it meets UK plug-in solar requirements. Plug-in solar kits bought through British Gas will meet UK safety and technical requirements.
  • Where you can safely position the panels and whether they’ll get enough sunlight.
  • If you need permission. If you rent, live in a flat or plan to attach panels to your building, check with your landlord, freeholder or local council.
  • What’s included in the kit - including solar panels, a built-in microinverter, connection cables and a standard UK plug - so you have everything you need to safely plug-in and start generating.

What is DC blinding – and is it a safety risk for plug-in solar?

DC blinding can occur when DC leakage from a solar microinverter affects a Type AC RCCB, which is designed to detect AC fault currents only. Leakage can desensitise or “blind” the device, preventing it from tripping during a dangerous fault and reducing protection against electric shock or fire. Type A or Type B RCCBs/RCBOs are designed to operate correctly with AC and DC residual currents and may therefore be required for solar installations. If you’re unsure, a qualified electrician should confirm that the consumer unit and protection devices are suitable before installation.

Can renters use plug-in solar panels?

Yes. Because they're not permanently fixed to a property, plug-in solar systems may suit renters, balconies and temporary installations, subject to landlord permissions where required.

Can I use a battery with plug-in solar?

Some plug-in solar systems can work alongside home battery storage, allowing you to store excess electricity for later use.

Do plug-in solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, although output is lower than on bright sunny days.

Do plug-in solar panels work in winter?

Yes. Plug-in solar panels generate electricity whenever there is daylight, although output will typically be lower during winter due to shorter days and lower sunlight levels.

Want to know more?

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Additional information

  1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-make-plug-in-solar-available-within-months