PlugSolar Guide

Plug-in solar in the UK: the 2026 rules

Short answer · In force in Great Britain

Yes, since 27 August 2026 in England, Wales and Scotland: one plug-in solar device per household, up to 800 W, plugged into a normal socket, if the product complies with the government's Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification. You must notify your distribution network operator (DNO).

Last checked: · Law: SI 2026/848

What the law says

The lawThe Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026, SI 2026/848. Made 16 July 2026, in force 27 August 2026 law text
WhereThe ESQCR change (regulation 3) extends to England, Wales and Scotland only. The plug rule (regulation 2) also extends to Northern Ireland law text
Power limit"Maximum rated alternating current output not exceeding 800 watts". The product specification says maximum apparent power not exceeding 800 VA law text
How it connectsA standard plug and socket. The kit's lead must have a BS 1363 plug supplied by the manufacturer law text
Product ruleThe device must comply with the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification (version 2, published 16 July 2026). Only compliant devices can be sold and plugged in law text
How manyThe specification allows one device per final ring circuit, but network rules (G98 Issue 2 Amendment 1, 2026) currently restrict this to one device per household law text
G98 and the registerManufacturers must type-test the device to Engineering Recommendation G98 and register it on the ENA Type Test Register before selling it law text
Telling your DNOThe product must carry a statement that notifying the DNO about connection and disconnection is mandatory, with a link to instructions law text
BatteriesNot covered: the specification does not extend to plug-in batteries, and the definition excludes devices designed to import power for storage law text
Planning (England)Under SI 2026/896, permitted development does not cover plug-in solar on a wooden wall, balcony or enclosure, on timber-clad walls, or on a wooden fence or gate law text

law text = read in legislation.gov.uk or a gov.uk publication.

Where sources disagree

  • Which SI? Some articles cite SI 2026/896. That is the England planning order; the plug-in solar regulations are SI 2026/848.
  • Notification deadline. Some retailers say you must notify the DNO "within 28 days". We have not found that deadline in the official texts we read; follow the instructions that come with your device.
  • Panel size. One retailer says up to 2,000 W of panels (DC) may sit behind the 800 W inverter. The SI limits the AC output; it says nothing about panel wattage.
  • Planning. One news report says planning permission was "removed" in England. SI 2026/896 sets conditions on permitted development, including the timber rules above.
  • Savings. The government figure reported in the press is "up to £110" a year; one supplier says £130-£200. Our calculator shows its working so you can judge.

Sources

All sources read on 2026-11-03.

Step by step

  1. Pick a compliant kit. The box or listing should say it complies with the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, and the maker should be able to show its ENA Type Test Register entry. See certified kits (UK).
  2. One per household. Under current network rules you can use one device, up to 800 W.
  3. Choose the spot. In England, permitted development doesn't cover fixing it to a wooden balcony, wall, fence or timber cladding. Flats, listed buildings and leaseholds can have extra rules: ask your council, landlord or freeholder first.
  4. Plug it in with the manufacturer's own BS 1363 plug and lead.
  5. Notify your DNO using the link in the product's instructions, and again when you disconnect it.

We quote the rules; this is not electrical advice. If your wiring is old or you're unsure, ask a registered electrician.

Common questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Northern Ireland?

Not under these rules. SI 2026/848's change to the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations extends only to England, Wales and Scotland.

Can I add a plug-in battery?

Not under these rules. The government says the interim product specification does not extend to plug-in batteries, and the legal definition excludes devices designed to import power for storage.

Can I use two 800 W kits?

No, not for now. G98 Issue 2 Amendment 1 (2026) limits plug-in solar to one device per household, even though the product specification would allow one per ring circuit.

What does electricity cost under the price cap?

From 1 October to 31 December 2026 the Ofgem cap for electricity paid by direct debit is 26.32p per kWh on average in England, Scotland and Wales, plus a 54.83p daily standing charge (Ofgem, read 2026-11-03).