The cost of plug-in solar panels in the UK is anticipated to fall below £600 in the near future, following recent regulatory changes that have allowed their broader sale. British company UKSOL has become the first supplier to meet the new compliance standards, offering its 460W single-panel kit for £699. These kits are currently available for delivery through Argos and City Plumbing, a builders’ merchant with a network of 350 branches.

The regulatory adjustments, which came into effect yesterday, have opened the market to additional retailers, many of which are preparing to introduce plug-in solar products soon. Wickes has announced plans to offer these kits in the coming weeks, while Currys is working to make them available through its website and larger store locations. Other major retailers including Lidl, Asda, B&Q, Screwfix, and Amazon have expressed interest in the self-install solar kits but have not yet provided specific timelines for their rollouts.

UKSOL chief executive Andrew Moore reported receiving "low thousands" in pre-orders for its single-panel kit priced at £699, as well as a two-panel option at £999. These prices include VAT but exclude home delivery costs. Moore noted strong consumer interest and emphasized the company’s readiness to scale up production quickly, forecasting that demand could increase rapidly. Furthermore, UKSOL plans to expand its product range in October, introducing four new models, including a lower-priced single-panel kit starting at £599.

Energy Minister Martin McCluskey commented that the government expects the price of single-panel solar kits to stabilize between £400 and £600. He highlighted that similar price reductions have been seen in the broader solar market over the past decade and anticipates a similar trend for these more accessible consumer products.

This move reflects growing efforts in the UK to promote renewable energy adoption at the household level by making solar technology more affordable and easier to install. The expanded availability of plug-in solar panels could contribute to wider use of home-generated clean energy, supporting national climate and energy goals.