How it works
How plug-in solar works.
A small solar kit, an ordinary socket and a sunny spot. Here’s everything you need to know.
A small solar kit, an ordinary socket and a sunny spot. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is it?
What is it?
A plug-in solar kit is one or two solar panels, a small box called a microinverter and a mount, all in one box. The panels turn sunlight into electricity, the microinverter makes it the same kind of electricity your home uses, and you plug it into a socket. Your home then uses that free solar power first, before it buys any from the grid.
A plug-in solar kit is one or two solar panels, a small box called a microinverter and a mount, all in one box. The panels turn sunlight into electricity, the microinverter makes it the same kind of electricity your home uses, and you plug it into a socket. Your home then uses that free solar power first, before it buys any from the grid.
Is it legal?
Is it legal?
Yes. Since 27 August 2026, plug-in solar kits are legal in England, Scotland and Wales, as long as the complete kit is listed as compliant on the official UK register run by the Energy Networks Association. Every kit on Plug In Eco is on that list. Northern Ireland isn’t covered yet.
Yes. Since 27 August 2026, plug-in solar kits are legal in England, Scotland and Wales, as long as the complete kit is listed as compliant on the official UK register run by the Energy Networks Association. Every kit on Plug In Eco is on that list. Northern Ireland isn’t covered yet.
Three simple steps
1
Choose
Pick the kit that fits your space. Everything you need comes in one box.
1
Choose
Pick the kit that fits your space. Everything you need comes in one box.
2
Clip on
Fix the panels to your balcony, wall, fence or garden stand. No scaffolding, no roofers.
2
Clip on
Fix the panels to your balcony, wall, fence or garden stand. No scaffolding, no roofers.
3
Plug in
Plug into a socket, register it online in minutes, and start making your own electricity.
3
Plug in
Plug into a socket, register it online in minutes, and start making your own electricity.
Your 60-second setup check
Your 60-second setup check
Look at your fuse board. The RCD switch should say Type A, F or B. If it says Type AC, an electrician can swap it for you.
Look at your fuse board. The RCD switch should say Type A, F or B. If it says Type AC, an electrician can swap it for you.
One kit per home is allowed, so choose the size that suits you best.
One kit per home is allowed, so choose the size that suits you best.
Make sure the kit’s cable reaches your socket directly, without an extension lead.
Make sure the kit’s cable reaches your socket directly, without an extension lead.
Registering your kit
Registering your kit
Once it’s plugged in, register it online through the official Energy Networks Association portal. It’s free and takes about five minutes. If you ever take it down or move house, you just update your registration.
Once it’s plugged in, register it online through the official Energy Networks Association portal. It’s free and takes about five minutes. If you ever take it down or move house, you just update your registration.