The government has recently announced that "plug-in solar" panels will be available for householders to buy and install in their own homes.
Solar panels convert the suns energy into electricity. The inverter part of the system then converts this from direct current ‘DC’, to alternating current ‘AC’, which is what we use in our homes.
These systems are already popular across Europe, where many people install them on balconies, in gardens, or on sheds and outbuildings.
Plug-in solar systems are typically smaller than traditional roof-mounted solar arrays and do not require the same level of installation work. Instead of needing specialist installers and electricians, most systems are designed to be plugged into a standard household socket, or an outdoor socket if you have one. They are capped at the inverter at 800 Watts, so smaller than a typical rooftop array.
The clean electricity generated is used directly within the home, helping to reduce the amount of that needs to be bought from the grid. If you’re using more electricity than the panels are producing, your house will draw it from the national grid as normal. If you’re not using all the electricity which is being produced, it will be fed back into the grid.
Retailers such as Argos, Amazon, Wickes and B&Q are already selling plug-in solar panels, with prices expected to fall as they become more popular. It’s estimated that a system could save a household around £100-150 per year on their electricity bills.
Check with Coastline before you buy or connect
CORGI Technical Services, a recognised safety and compliance organisation, advises customers to check before using plug-in solar panels. These systems are not suitable for every home and are not the same as plugging in a normal appliance.
Please speak to Coastline before buying, installing or connecting one. Never use extension leads or adaptors, and do not connect more than one system.
Plug-in solar best practice
- It’s important that the panels are south facing, at a tilted angle to maximise the amount of sun they’ll get, therefore maximising the amount of electricity they’ll produce.
- Plug-in solar kits cannot be installed on wooden walls, timber balconies, or timber-clad exteriors due to fire safety restrictions.
- Don’t leave cables trailing across communal areas inside or outside, or obstructing your neighbour's property in any way.
- Use it or lose it! As your solar panels are not linked to a battery, you should maximise the amount of the electricity it’s generating in the day. So put on energy hungry appliances (like tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers) on during the day, charge your phones and tablets.
- If you're thinking of buying plug-in solar panels, it's important to choose a reputable supplier. This helps to ensure the system complies with UK safety standards and is safe to use in your home. Coastline also requests that you inform us if you buy a plug-in solar system so we have a record of it.