Plug-in solar is now a real Great Britain route, but suitability depends on the complete product, your property, electrical installation, mounting location, permissions and network requirements. Use the checks below before buying.
What changed in August 2026
From 27 August 2026, a new Great Britain route allows compliant plug-in solar devices to be supplied and used under defined technical, product-safety and network conditions. The government says a kit can provide up to 800W of power, but the legal route is not a blanket approval for every product or every property.
What counts as a plug-in solar device
The DESNZ interim specification describes a device that includes at least one PV module, a grid-following inverter, manufacturer-supplied cabling and a BS 1363 plug, together with a mounting system. The inverter output is limited to a maximum apparent power of 800VA and 3.5A.
How much solar can be connected
The specification allows up to 2,000W of PV module DC capacity while keeping AC output at no more than 800VA. For systems above 960W of PV module capacity, manufacturers must advise consumers to consider a professional assessment of the existing electrical installation.
Your property still matters
A compliant product can still be unsuitable for a particular property. Ownership, landlord or freeholder permission, planning constraints, mounting material, electrical protection and the proposed socket can all affect the route.
Network requirements
The product specification must be read alongside Engineering Recommendation G98. The July 2026 specification notes that current GB network requirements restrict use to one plug-in solar device per household unless those network requirements are amended.
Check your actual property
Plug in Solar Ready combines your address, property questions, panel area, consumer-unit and socket evidence into one guided pre-screen.
Start the free Plug in Solar Ready check →This guide is general consumer information, not electrical, legal or planning approval. Requirements can depend on the property, proposal, product and current rules. Where the result is uncertain, confirm with the relevant professional, local planning authority, landlord/freeholder or network operator.