Equipment guide
What Is Included in a Plug-in Solar Kit?
This guide explains what is usually included in a plug-in solar kit, how the panels, microinverter, cables, plug and mounting system work together, and what to check before buying so you know whether the setup is complete, compatible and suitable for your home.
Most plug-in solar equipment arrives as a ready-to-connect kit, so you should not need to design the system from scratch. Even so, it helps to understand what each component does, especially when comparing kits with different panel sizes, microinverter limits, cable lengths and mounting options.
If you are new to plug-in solar, you may also want to start with our complete guide to plug-in solar panels in the UK.
In this article
Key takeaways
A complete plug-in solar kit is really a group of parts that need to work together: panels, microinverter, cables, plug, instructions, labels and a suitable way to mount everything safely.
- A plug-in solar kit is more than panels and a plug. The core setup includes the panels, microinverter, cables, plug, labels and instructions, while manufacturer-approved mounting brackets or frames may be supplied in the box or offered as an approved kit option.
- Panel capacity and microinverter output are different numbers. The published interim specification allows an approved kit to include up to four panels with a combined rated capacity of up to 2,000W, while the microinverter output remains capped at 800VA.
- Extra panel capacity can still help. It will not increase the output limit, but it can help the system reach that limit more often and produce stronger output in weaker sunlight.
- Solar panels are bigger than many people expect. A full-size rigid panel can be roughly the size of a tall internal door and weigh more than 20kg.
- Independent MPPT channels are useful. They allow panels to be managed separately, which helps if panels face different directions or receive different amounts of shade.
- The mounting system is part of the setup, not an optional afterthought. Brackets, frames, fixings and ballast need to suit the panel, the location and the likely wind exposure.
- Check exactly what is in the box. A low advertised price may exclude mounting brackets, cables, fixings, monitoring accessories or clear instructions for registering the installation.
Overview of a plug-in solar kit
A typical plug-in solar kit has five main parts:
- One or more solar panels
- A microinverter
- DC cables to connect the panels to the microinverter
- An AC cable with 5 amp UK plug to connect the microinverter to a household socket
- A manufacturer-approved mounting system, which may be supplied in the box or offered as an approved kit option.
The journey from sunlight to usable household electricity is fairly straightforward. The panels generate DC electricity and pass it to the microinverter via the DC cables. The microinverter converts it into AC electricity, and an AC cable carries it to a household socket via a standard 5-amp UK plug. Appliances in the home can then use that electricity, reducing the amount drawn from the grid.
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Solar panel or panels | Convert sunlight into DC electricity. |
| Microinverter | Converts the panels’ DC electricity into AC electricity used by the home. |
| DC cables | Carry electricity from the panels to the microinverter. |
| AC connection cable and plug | Carry converted electricity from the microinverter to a household socket. |
| Mounting system | Secures the panels in the intended position and at the required angle. |
| Instructions and labels | Explain assembly, safe use, compatibility, monitoring, fault information and the DNO notification or registration steps needed after installation. |
Panel size and microinverter output are not always the same
Product names usually refer to the total panel capacity in the kit. For example, a 900W plug-in solar kit may include two 450W panels, while a 1200W kit may include two 600W panels.
The important extra detail is the microinverter output limit. Under the published interim specification, the microinverter output is limited to 800VA, even where the panels connected to it have a higher combined rating.
That does not mean the extra panel capacity is wasted. Larger panel capacity can help the system reach its output limit more often, and maintain stronger output during cloudy weather, winter, or the earlier and later parts of the day.
So when comparing kits, look at both numbers: the total panel capacity, such as 900W or 1200W, and the maximum AC output from the microinverter.
DNO notification and registration
The kit instructions should also explain how the installation needs to be notified to the local Distribution Network Operator, or DNO. The published interim specification says notification for connection and disconnection would be mandatory, and that product documentation should give clear registration and deregistration information, including a link or QR code to the relevant process.
This is connected to the G98 rules used for small generators connected to the low-voltage electricity network. For a buyer, the practical point is simple: the kit should not leave you guessing how to register it, what information is needed, or what to do if the system is removed later.
Solar panels
What do the solar panels do?
The panels are the most visible part of the kit. Their job is to convert sunlight into DC electricity, which is then sent to the microinverter.
Most current plug-in solar systems use rigid monocrystalline panels. These are similar in appearance to conventional rooftop solar panels, with dark solar cells behind a glass surface and an aluminium frame around the outside.
You may also see flexible or lightweight panels, particularly in systems designed for balconies with tighter weight limits. Bifacial panels are another option. These can collect some additional light through the rear, although the benefit depends on the mounting position, the clearance behind the panel and how reflective the surrounding surface is.
Typical plug-in solar panel sizes
An 800W plug-in solar setup will typically use two panels, often around 400W each. Larger panels are becoming increasingly common, so you may also see kits using one or two panels rated at 450W, 500W, 520W or even 600W.
| Panel configuration | Total panel capacity | Typical dimensions per panel | Typical weight per panel | Combined panel weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 400W | 400W | Around 1.7m × 1.1m | About 22kg | About 22kg |
| 1 × 500–600W | 500–600W | Around 2.1m × 1.1m | About 25–30kg | About 25–30kg |
| 2 × 400W | 800W | Around 1.7m × 1.1m | About 22kg each | About 44kg |
| 2 × 450W | 900W | Around 1.9m × 1.1m | About 23kg each | About 46kg |
| 2 × 500–600W | 1,000–1,200W | Around 2.1m × 1.1m or larger | About 25–30kg each | About 50–60kg |
One thing that often surprises people is just how large and heavy full-size solar panels are. A single rigid panel can be roughly the size of a tall internal door and weigh more than 20kg, so two-panel kits are not small accessories you can casually move around. Before buying, it is worth checking the panel dimensions, the weight of each panel and whether the mounting position can safely support the full setup.
The combined panel weight shown here is for the solar panels only. Mounting brackets, fixings, cables and any ballast can add more, so the final installed weight may be higher.
Panel efficiency and technology
Panel efficiency tells you how much of the sunlight falling on the panel is converted into electricity. For current rigid monocrystalline panels, an efficiency of around 22% is respectable, while around 23% or more is strong.
Higher efficiency can be useful where mounting space is limited, because it allows more power to be generated from a smaller surface area. But it should not be the only number you compare.
A slightly less efficient panel could still be the better choice if it offers a lower price, a more useful size, a lighter frame, stronger warranty cover or better compatibility with the rest of the kit.
You may also see terms such as TOPCon, half-cut cells or bifacial. These describe aspects of the panel technology, but most users do not need to choose a kit based on cell technology alone. The overall panel rating, dimensions, weight and compatibility are usually more useful starting points.
Panel cables and connectors
On the back of a rigid panel, you will normally find a junction box with a short positive cable and a short negative cable. These connect the panel to the microinverter, either directly or through an approved extension cable.
The cables usually end in locking weather-resistant solar connectors, commonly described as MC4, MC4-compatible or MC4-style connectors.
Although different connectors can look almost identical, that does not mean they are safe to mix. Matching connector halves should come from the same approved connector family and be used in line with the kit manufacturer’s instructions.
Matching panel wattage alone is not enough. The panel’s voltage, current and connector type must also fall within the microinverter’s supported limits.
Other panel specifications worth checking
A panel specification sheet can look intimidating, but most buyers only need to focus on a few important details:
- Rated power: the headline panel wattage, such as 400W or 500W.
- Voltage and current: these must be compatible with the microinverter’s input range.
- Dimensions and weight: particularly important for balconies, roofs and moveable frames.
- Connector type: this must match the supplied cables and microinverter.
- Weather protection: including the junction box, cables and connectors.
- Wind and snow loading: the forces the panel and mounting system are designed to withstand.
- Mounting holes and clamp zones: the approved places where brackets can attach to the frame.
The microinverter
What does a microinverter do?
Solar panels generate DC electricity, but homes use AC electricity. The microinverter sits between the panels and the household plug, converting the electricity into the correct form and synchronising it with the mains supply.
It also monitors the grid and stops supplying electricity if the mains supply is lost. This automatic shutdown, usually known as anti-islanding, is important because the solar system must not continue energising household wiring during a power cut.
Unlike the larger central inverter used by many rooftop arrays, a plug-in solar microinverter is a small outdoor-rated box designed to sit close to the panels.
Current two-panel models are typically around 25cm wide, 18 to 22cm tall and 3 to 4cm deep, with a weight of roughly 3kg. They are normally fanless and designed to cope with outdoor conditions.
The published 800VA output limit
At the time of writing, the published interim specification limits the microinverter to a maximum AC output of 800VA and a maximum operating current of 3.5A.
For ordinary users, 800VA will generally be described as an 800W system, although the two terms are not technically identical.
This output limit applies to the electricity supplied by the microinverter, not necessarily to the combined wattage of the panels connected to it.
Why can an 800W microinverter accept more than 800W of panels?
Many current 800VA microinverters can accept a higher DC input from the panels. The EcoFlow example above supports two panel inputs of up to 600W each, giving a maximum combined panel input of 1,200W while still limiting AC output to 800VA.
This is sometimes called oversizing the panel array.
If the panels briefly produce more power than the microinverter can output, the excess is limited or “clipped”. But during weaker sunlight, the extra panel capacity can help the inverter produce more electricity than it would with a smaller panel array.
MPPT channels and panels facing different directions
MPPT stands for maximum power point tracking. It is the part of the microinverter that continually adjusts how electricity is drawn from the panel as sunlight and temperature change.
An 800W plug-in solar setup will typically use two panels. If the microinverter has two independent MPPT channels, it can manage those panels separately. This is particularly useful if one panel faces east and another faces west, or if one receives different levels of shade.
Look for terms such as:
- dual MPPT;
- two MPPT channels;
- independent MPPT inputs;
- one MPPT per panel.
If the microinverter only has a single shared MPPT channel, both panels will normally need to face the same direction and experience similar conditions.
You can read more about split east-west setups in our guide to panel direction and plug-in solar generation.
Microinverter features to look for
Even simple microinverters can include a useful range of features. Some are important for safe operation, while others are mainly about convenience and monitoring.
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Independent MPPT channels | Allow each connected panel to be managed separately, which is especially useful if the panels face different directions or receive different amounts of shade. |
| Anti-islanding protection | Stops the system supplying electricity during a power cut. |
| Outdoor protection rating | Shows the enclosure is designed to withstand dust and water exposure. |
| Bluetooth | Allows local setup and monitoring from a nearby phone. |
| Wi-Fi | Allows remote monitoring and historical data through an app or online account. |
| Status light | Provides a simple visual indication of normal operation or faults. |
| Generation monitoring | Shows current power, daily generation and longer-term performance. |
| Firmware updates | Allow the manufacturer to provide software improvements or updates. |
How much does a microinverter cost?
The UK market is still developing, so there is not yet a reliable long-term average price.
Early official manufacturer listings suggest that a standalone two-panel 800VA microinverter may cost roughly £150 to £200. The exact price will depend on its input capacity, MPPT channels, monitoring features, warranty and whether panel or AC cables are included.
Prices should always be checked carefully when comparing products. A cheaper listing may exclude cables or accessories that are included with another model.
Cables, connectors and the UK plug
A plug-in solar kit uses two different types of electrical cable: DC cables between the panels and microinverter, and an AC cable between the microinverter and the household socket.
DC cables from the panels
Each panel normally has one positive and one negative DC lead attached to its rear junction box. These leads connect to the microinverter, either directly or through matching extension cables.
In many kits, the microinverter is mounted close to the panels. This keeps the DC cable run relatively short and leaves the longer distance to the household socket on the 230V AC side.
Current product examples include panel extension cables of around 3 metres, although the length supplied will vary between kits.
DC cables used outdoors need to be suitable for solar use, weather exposure and the voltage and current carried by the panels.
The AC connection cable
The AC cable connects the output of the microinverter to the household plug.
This cable normally has a product-specific connector at the microinverter end and a factory-fitted UK plug at the other. It should be supplied or approved by the system manufacturer rather than treated as a generic household cable.
Current plug-in solar product ranges offer AC connection leads in lengths such as 5 metres and 15 metres. That gives households some flexibility where the panels are positioned away from the chosen socket.
The UK three-pin plug
Under the published interim specification, a compliant plug-in solar device would use a factory-fitted, non-rewireable plug based on the familiar BS 1363 UK three-pin format.
The interim specification limits the plug fuse to no more than 5A. This is separate from the system’s maximum operating current, which is limited to 3.5A.
The plug may look familiar, but it is still part of a purpose-designed generating system. The microinverter, connection lead, plug and internal safety features all need to work together as part of the approved product.
Are solar connectors universal?
No. Solar connectors can look very similar without being tested or approved for use together.
A complete kit should arrive with matching, pre-assembled connectors. If additional cables are needed, they should use the connector family and specifications approved by the kit manufacturer.
This is particularly important outdoors, where a poor connection could be exposed to rain, temperature changes and movement over many years.
Typical cable prices
Cables are not normally the most expensive part of the system, but missing cables can still change the real cost of a kit.
Current branded examples include:
- around £20 for a 5-metre microinverter AC cable;
- around £30 for a 15-metre microinverter AC cable;
- around £40 to £50 for a branded pair of 3-metre solar extension leads.
These are illustrative retail examples rather than fixed market prices. The more important question is whether the kit already includes cables of a suitable length.
Panel mounts and frames
A mounting system is not just a convenient accessory. It holds a large, heavy panel securely and keeps it stable in wind and bad weather.
The right mounting system depends on where the panels will sit. A balcony railing needs a different bracket from a garden, wall, shed roof or flat roof.
| Mounting type | Typical use | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony brackets | Lattice, glass-fronted, metal or concrete balconies | Railing type, panel weight, wind exposure and whether the panel projects beyond the balcony. |
| Garden or ground frame | Lawns, patios, terraces and other low surfaces | Panel angle, stability, anchoring or ballast and protection from being knocked. |
| Wall or façade bracket | Vertical or tilted installation against a wall | Wall construction, fixing type, ventilation clearance and panel projection. |
| Flat-roof frame | Flat roofs, garages, sheds and outbuildings | Ballast, roof loading, waterproofing, wind exposure and safe access. |
| Shed or pitched-roof brackets | Angled shed roofs and other suitable roof surfaces | Roof condition, approved fixing points, weight, planning and whether the installation remains within the product rules. |
How does the mount attach to the solar panel?
Rigid solar panels usually have an aluminium frame with pre-drilled mounting holes and defined areas where clamps or brackets can be fitted.
A mounting system may use:
- bolts through the panel’s mounting holes;
- approved clamps around the panel frame;
- rails attached to the frame;
- retaining blocks or clips;
- hooks or brackets connected to the supporting structure;
- ballast to hold a freestanding frame in place.
There is no single universal bolt size or hole pattern used by every solar panel. The bracket needs to match the panel’s dimensions, frame thickness, mounting holes and approved clamp zones.
This is one reason a complete kit can be easier to buy than mixing panels and brackets from different suppliers.
Mounting-system weight
The brackets themselves may only weigh a few kilograms. Current examples range from around 2kg for a lightweight balcony bracket to around 5kg for larger balcony or flat-roof frames.
But that is not necessarily the full added weight. A freestanding or flat-roof frame may also need ballast, which can add considerably more.
For example, two rigid 400W panels could weigh about 44kg. Add a 3kg bracket, and the mounted panel setup is already around 47kg before cables, fasteners or any ballast are included.
This makes total system weight an important consideration for balconies, shed roofs, outbuildings and any structure with limited load capacity.
Wind loading and secure mounting
Solar panels have a large surface area and can catch the wind. A panel that feels heavy and stable on a calm day may experience much stronger forces during a storm.
The published interim specification does not allow unsecured mounting arrangements. Manufacturers are expected to define the permitted installation environments, required fixings, ventilation clearances and structural limits for their mounting systems.
The practical rule is simple: use a mounting system designed for the panel and location, follow the supplied instructions, and do not assume that the panel’s own weight is enough to hold it safely in place.
How much do mounting systems cost?
Mounting prices vary because the systems are designed for different surfaces and structures.
Current official product examples range from around:
- £50 to £60 for a basic balcony or adjustable wall bracket;
- £70 to £80 for a garden or flat-roof frame;
- £90 to £130 for more specialised balcony or roof brackets.
Some complete kits may include the mount, while others may offer manufacturer-approved mounting options separately so the buyer can choose the right option for their home. Always check whether the displayed kit price includes approved brackets, panel fixings and any required ballast.
Smaller parts and optional extras
The panels, microinverter, cables and mounting system do most of the work, but a complete kit may also include a number of smaller parts.
Parts that may be included
- panel bolts, clamps or retaining clips;
- a small bracket for attaching the microinverter to the panel frame;
- caps for unused electrical connectors;
- cable clips or ties;
- assembly tools;
- installation and operating instructions;
- warranty documents;
- component and safety labels;
- a warning label for placement near the consumer unit.
Optional extras
Depending on the kit and installation, you may also need or be offered:
- longer approved DC extension leads;
- a longer approved AC connection cable;
- adjustable mounting brackets;
- additional ballast;
- a smart meter or household consumption sensor;
- smart plugs that work with the manufacturer’s app;
- a Wi-Fi extender if the microinverter is far from the router.
What may not be included
A product image showing panels and an inverter does not necessarily mean everything required for installation is included.
Check carefully for:
- the mounting brackets or frame;
- the AC cable and UK plug;
- DC extension cables;
- wall, roof or balcony fixings;
- ballast;
- monitoring accessories.
Batteries are not included in the current compliant plug-in solar route. A manufacturer may offer battery products elsewhere in its range, but battery-based systems sit outside the published interim specification for standard plug-in solar devices.
What should you check before buying a plug-in solar kit?
Most buyers will not need to compare every electrical number in detail. But there are a few basic questions that can quickly reveal whether a kit is complete and suitable for the intended space.
| What to check | What this tells you |
|---|---|
| Total panel capacity | Shows how much DC panel power is included in the kit. |
| Microinverter AC output | Shows the maximum amount of power that can be supplied to the home. |
| Number of MPPT channels | Important if two panels may face different directions or receive different levels of sunlight. |
| Panel voltage and current | Must fall within the microinverter’s supported input limits. |
| Panel dimensions and weight | Determines whether the panels fit and whether the mounting position can support them. |
| Cable lengths | Confirms whether the panels can reach the microinverter and the microinverter can reach the socket. |
| Connector compatibility | Similar-looking solar connectors are not necessarily interchangeable. |
| Mounting system | Must match the panel, surface, location and expected wind exposure. |
| What is included | Check whether approved brackets, cables, fixings and monitoring equipment are included or offered as manufacturer-approved options. |
| UK product compliance | The complete system should meet the published interim specification, relevant grid requirements and manufacturer instructions. |
| Monitoring and fault information | Shows how you will check generation and identify problems. |
Can I buy plug-in solar parts separately?
Buying the panels, microinverter, cables and mounting system separately can give you more choice and may sometimes cost less than buying a complete package. It can also make sense if you already own a suitable panel or want a particular microinverter or mounting system.
The drawback is that you become responsible for checking that everything works together. Panel voltage and current must suit the microinverter, connectors and cables must match, and the mounting system must be suitable for the panel and installation position. Once the correct cables, brackets, fixings and delivery costs are included, buying the parts separately may not save as much as it first appears.
There is also an important UK compliance question. The published interim specification treats plug-in solar as a complete product made up of compatible panels, a microinverter, connection lead, plug and mounting system. It describes multi-component systems as being supplied as a kit and connected in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
This suggests that simply combining individually compliant components may not be enough. The exact combination of panels, microinverter, cables and mounting equipment should be covered by the manufacturer's instructions and the published interim specification.
For now, the safest route is likely to be buying a complete plug-in solar kit, or a set of components that the manufacturer explicitly says are designed to work together as a UK plug-in solar system.
The practical takeaway
A good plug-in solar kit is more than a pair of panels and a plug. The panels, microinverter, cables, UK plug, mounting system, documentation and registration process all need to work together as one compliant product. Before buying, check what is included, what mounting options are approved, whether the supplied cables suit your layout and whether the complete kit is designed for the UK plug-in solar route.
Estimate plug-in solar savings for your home
Once you know what equipment is included, the next question is how much electricity the kit could generate and whether it could save you money.
Use our free calculator to compare different kit sizes based on your postcode, panel placement and household electricity use.
Try the Plug-in Solar CalculatorSources and methodology
About the specifications in this guide
The sizes, weights, prices and features in this article are representative examples from current products designed for balcony, garden and plug-in solar systems. They are intended to show what buyers are likely to encounter, not to define a universal standard.
Product prices and availability can change. Any price examples should therefore be treated as snapshots rather than fixed market averages.
Sources
- Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, Version 2.0 for the product, output, plug, cable and mounting requirements.
- EcoFlow STREAM microinverter specifications for example dimensions, weight, panel input capacity, MPPT channels and monitoring features.
- EcoFlow rigid solar panel specifications for representative panel dimensions, weight, efficiency and electrical specifications.
- EcoFlow plug-in solar mounting systems for representative balcony, garden, wall and roof bracket types, weights and prices.
- EcoFlow STREAM AC connection cable for current examples of microinverter cable lengths and prices.
Update history
- 24 July 2026: Moved the key takeaways higher in the guide and added a clearer closing summary of the main kit-content and buying-check points.
- 20 July 2026: Updated availability wording to reflect the 27 August 2026 start date.
- 17 July 2026: Aligned product-compliance, kit-content and specification wording with the published interim specification.
- 10 July 2026: First published as a guide to the panels, microinverter, plug, cables, mounting equipment and documentation included in a plug-in solar kit.