Plug-in solar panels: Checks to make before you buy

Don’t buy plug-in solar panels before getting relevant permissions.

If you buy and install a plug-in solar panel without relevant permission, you may be required to remove the panels and pay for any damage caused. This is the same as with satellite dishes, EV charge points and air conditioning units.

Get permission from whoever’s responsible for the building before buying. This could be your landlord, freeholder or building manager (property manager in Scotland). It’s worth getting explicit permission if you:

• Plan on drilling into walls to install brackets.
• Need to install an external mains socket for your plug in-solar panel device.

If you own your own flat, check your lease agreement for:

• Needing permission to fix equipment to your balcony, external walls, roof, railings or communal areas.
• Restrictions that could impact the building’s fire safety or insurance.
• Restrictions on making alterations to the outside of the building or communal areas.

Depending on where you live, you may need planning permission before installing:

• England: Planning Portal
• Scotland: ePlanning Scotland
• Wales: Planning Portal

For England – the UK Government has introduced a Permitted Development Right to make it easier to install plug-in solar panels on houses.

For Scotland – check the requirements that apply in your area before installing.

For Wales – check the requirements that apply in your area before installing.

For Northern Ireland – Plug-in solar panels aren’t currently permitted for use.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area, check with your local authority or planning office to see if you need planning permission.

Check with your local authority about any building, fire or electrical safety concerns or legal requirements before you buy.

You should also contact your buildings and contents insurance provider to see how plug-in solar panels might affect your policy. Check whether your policy includes outdoor installations.

These are some essential questions before installing any plug-in solar panels:

Plug-in solar panels work best on an unshaded, south-facing spot.

Panels facing east or west still work but will generate less electricity. We don’t recommend installing panels that face north or are in a shaded space.

Flats, apartments and ‘higher-risk buildings’ may have other rules due to fire safety concerns. They may need to consider how the installation affects the building’s fire risk assessment.

The definition of a higher-risk building varies across UK nations. If you’re not sure whether your building qualifies, check with your local authority or building manager (property manager in Scotland).

Speak to your building manager (property manager in Scotland) before installing plug-in solar panels, as these could impact fire safety. This is particularly important if your building has combustible cladding or has undergone remediation work.

Plug-in solar panels need to be plugged in directly to a mains socket. This is ideally an outside socket, but it could be inside.

You can’t use an extension lead, so your choice of location is important. The length of the cable is also important as you need to make sure it will reach directly into a socket. The socket has to be in a circuit that doesn’t have lighting or hardwired appliances e.g. a boiler or cooker.

Outdoor sockets need to be weatherproof and installed by a qualified electrician.

You should have your electrical system inspected every 10 years (every five years for tenants) to make sure it’s modern and safe.

Speak to a qualified electrician if:

• Your electrical consumer (fuse box) unit has older, rewireable fuses.
• You’re not sure about the condition of your wiring.
• You need to move or install a new socket.
• If the total power of the solar panels is more than 960W.

You can find local, qualified electricians using Trustmark – a government-endorsed quality scheme.

Make sure the specific model you’re looking at is on the list of devices that meet UK standards. You can look for your model on the ENA Connect Direct LCT Device Register.

Make sure you’re aware of any specific considerations regarding your plug-in solar panels, including:

• warranties
• insurance
• repairs
• theft
• disposal and recycling

For more information, check the product information on the panels you want to buy.

Make sure you install your plug-in solar panels in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are also several safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Use an appropriate frame, fixing or anchors so the panels are secure and can’t move or blow over during strong winds. Don’t install plug-in solar panels on wooden fences unless you get advice from a professional to ensure that it’s safe.
• If you’re installing panels on a garage or outbuilding, make sure the roof is strong enough to take the weight of the panels. If you’re unsure, get professional roofing advice.
• Take care when drilling into walls to install brackets. Be aware of pipes or cables in the walls, and suitable seals where needed to prevent damp and mould.
• Any fixtures should be non-permanent and shouldn’t damage the building, affect fire safety or damage any weatherproofing. If installing the panels does impact these areas, it may be classed as ‘building work’. This means you’ll need to adhere to Building Regulations, even if formal consent is not required. This varies across UK nations. Check with your local building control before installation for advice.
• Make sure you keep all cables tidy and secure to avoid trip hazards or accidental disconnection.

• Only connect one plug-in solar panel device per property.
• Use a socket that’s connected to a circuit that doesn’t also control lighting or hardwired appliances e.g. a boiler or cooker. To find out which circuits are suitable, switch off one circuit breaker at a time and check which appliances are affected. If you’re unsure, speak to a certified electrician.
• Plug the panels directly into a suitable socket (indoor or outdoor). Don’t use extension leads, international adaptors or altered plugs.
• If your socket is outdoors, make sure the socket is suitable for outdoors and installed by a qualified electrician. A rating of at least IP65 means that it’s adequately protected against water and dust.
• Don’t modify the device or link multiple devices together. You might read this being called ‘daisy-chaining’.
• Test your circuit breaker protection every six months by pressing the ‘test’ button on your electrical consumer unit, if you have one. Do this during the daytime while the panels are generating electricity. If the circuit breaker doesn’t trip, unplug the device and speak to a qualified electrician.

It’s important to register your device using the UK Plug-In Solar Registration website.

Registering your plug-in solar panels is a legal requirement. It also ensures the energy network can handle the extra electricity flowing into the system.

To register your device, you’ll need:

• your name
• your postcode
• the make and model of the device

Register your plug-in solar panels

Get in touch. We’ll collect all questions and update this guide as we get more information.