PluginSolarCalculator.com

Update: New UK plug-in solar rules start 27 Aug 2026

The independent guide to UK plug-in solar

Guides, resources and tools to help you understand plug-in solar, estimate realistic generation, savings and payback, and find a kit that meets the UK rules.

  • Aligned with UK rules

    Every guide, tool and product listing is built around the official UK plug-in solar rules.

  • Realistic savings modelling

    Estimates reflect your postcode, panel setup, electricity use and UK system limits.

  • Trusted kit listings

    Every listed kit must have credible evidence of UK compliance.

Calculate your savings

What is plug-in solar?

  • New UK rules allow households to install plug-in solar kits that can supply up to 800W of power directly into the home via a standard plug socket.
  • Compliant systems are designed for safe DIY installation on a balcony, wall, shed roof or in the garden, with no electrician required.
  • Kits are expected to start at around £400 and can reduce electricity bills by £95–£155 a year, depending on location, setup and electricity use.
  • For renters, flat residents and homes without suitable roof space, plug-in solar offers a simpler, more affordable route into home solar.
Read the full guide

How to get started with UK plug-in solar

Not sure where to begin with plug-in solar? Follow these six steps to estimate your savings, understand the UK rules and get a compliant kit up and running at home.

Lower upfront costPlug-in solar kits are expected to start from around £400 — far less than a typical rooftop solar installation.
Realistic savings estimateMany suitable 800W setups could save around £95–£155 per year, depending on location, setup and electricity use.
Long system lifespanWith an expected lifespan of up to 20 years, even a small system can deliver long-term savings.
Easy to install and moveDesigned for DIY setup using a standard UK socket, with the flexibility to reposition or take with you if you move.

Free plug-in solar calculator

Estimate realistic plug-in solar savings & payback

Our free calculator is built specifically around the official UK plug-in solar rules. It models systems with an 800VA output limit, up to four solar panels with a combined capacity of up to 2,000W, and no integrated battery storage.

Enter your postcode, panel setup and a few details about your household and electricity use. The calculator creates a realistic estimate for your home, using postcode-level PVGIS solar data and cautious assumptions.

Use the free calculator
See realistic annual savings and payback period
Illustration of a freestanding two-panel plug-in solar kit alongside example annual savings, payback and 10-year net savings

Grounded estimates for annual bill savings, payback and long-term net savings, based on your location, household electricity use and setup.

Understand your plug-in solar generation and usage
Example annual solar generation and usage results showing baseload, other appliance use and unused solar energy

See annual and monthly generation estimates, with a breakdown of how much solar electricity is used at home and how much is exported to the grid.

See when solar power may be available
Example seasonal hourly solar output chart showing baseload usage and available solar

See how solar output changes through the day and across the seasons, including when spare power may be available beyond your baseload electricity use.

Compare plug-in solar kit sizes
Example comparison of estimated generation, savings and payback for 400W, 800W and 900W solar kits

Compare estimated generation, savings and payback across compliant plug-in solar kits from 400W to 1,200W, and see how each system size performs.

  • European Commission data

    Uses postcode-level solar radiation data from the European Commission’s PVGIS 5.3 dataset.

  • Free and private

    No email or sign-up required. Your estimate is calculated securely in your browser.

  • Realistic assumptions

    Uses cautious real-world assumptions rather than optimistic best-case scenarios.

Explore our calculator methodology

Official UK rules

UK plug-in solar rules and requirements

The UK government has published new rules for plug-in solar, which come into force on 27 August 2026. From that date, households will be able to buy complete kits designed to connect safely through a standard UK socket and install them without an electrician.

To use this self-install route, the kit must comply with the new UK requirements and be installed exactly as the manufacturer specifies.

Explore the rules in more detail

Renting your home?

You should get permission from your landlord or property owner before installing a kit.

Read the plug-in solar guide for renters

Key UK plug-in solar requirements

  • Inverter must be limited to a maximum output of 800VA (~800W)
  • Up to four solar panels with combined capacity of 2,000W
  • Must be supplied as a complete kit (panels, inverter, cables & mounts)
  • Must notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) after installing
  • Compliant kits cannot include integrated battery storage
  • Must not use extension leads or multi-way adaptors
  • No installation on timber balconies or prohibited cladding systems

Based on the UK Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, version 2.0 (opens in a new tab).

Plug-in solar products

Find UK-compliant plug-in solar kits

Our independent product tracker follows the brands, retailers and complete plug-in solar kits entering the UK market.

We monitor the official ENA Type Test Register and only identify a kit as compliant where there is credible evidence that the complete supplied configuration meets the UK requirements.

Explore the product tracker

Tips & guides

Helpful plug-in solar guides

Practical guides to help you understand plug-in solar generation, setup choices and likely savings.

Browse all guides