Starting August 27, households in the UK will be able to purchase plug-in solar panels for use on balconies, terraces, and other outdoor spaces, following a recent change in legislation. The new rules legalize the sale and use of these DIY solar systems by major retailers such as Currys, B&Q, and Asda, expanding access to renewable energy for those living in flats or rented homes without traditional rooftop solar options.
Plug-in solar panels, commonly seen across Europe in countries like Spain and Germany—where they are known as balkonkraftwerk—differ from conventional rooftop installations in that they can be connected directly to a standard three-prong wall socket. This allows solar-generated electricity to flow straight into a home’s electrical system, reducing the need to draw power from the grid during daylight hours without the requirement of professional installation.
Typically, these systems offer a capacity of around 800 watts, approximately one-fifth the size of a standard residential solar array. While they cannot power an entire household independently, they are expected to reduce electricity bills by £70 to £110 annually. Given that the panels are anticipated to sell for around £400, the upfront cost could be recouped over a four- to seven-year period.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, described the move as a step toward providing “cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before.” He emphasized ongoing collaboration between the solar industry and the government to ensure customers can trust the safety and reliability of these new products.
The easing of regulations arrives amid growing interest in green energy solutions in the UK, where record numbers of solar installations have been completed—in 2025, installations surged to 269,000, marking a more than one-third increase over the previous year. This uptake comes as global energy prices remain volatile, in part due to conflict in Iran.
Rob Hallifax, co-founder of Windfall Energy, welcomed the legislative change as a significant advancement in consumer energy independence, particularly for renters and those on tight budgets who previously lacked access to solar options. He noted that the government is reportedly considering buying plug-in batteries in bulk for distribution to low-income households, which could further support energy self-sufficiency.
Hallifax also cautioned consumers to maintain realistic expectations, pointing out that solar generation will decline as the UK moves into autumn and winter months and that adequate sunlight exposure remains essential. Furthermore, some users may need to obtain permission from landlords or freeholders before installing the panels.
The new regulations mark a notable development in widening access to renewable energy technologies, enabling a broader segment of the population to participate in the transition toward cleaner power sources through relatively low-cost, user-friendly solar solutions.