Plug-in solar panels available in UK shops from Thursday
The UK government claims that plug-in solar panels could help households significantly reduce energy bills.
By BBC News
Plug-in solar panels will be available for purchase in UK shops starting Thursday, following a government rule change that allows their sale through mainstream retailers such as Argos. The government asserts that these panels could assist households in significantly reducing their energy bills.
Under the new regulations, households in Great Britain can buy and install these panels without the need for a certified installer. The government anticipates that the systems will help families save money and contribute to their electricity needs.
Retailers are expected to begin selling the panels this week, although specific Cheshire locations have not been identified at this time.
The government hopes that these plug-in solar panels will provide a more affordable entry point into solar energy compared to traditional roof installations. However, it notes that the savings may be lower due to the reduced power generation capacity of these systems.
According to UK solar company UKSOL, a one-panel kit will retail for £699, while a two-panel kit will cost £1,089. The government projects that prices may eventually settle between £400 and £600 as market competition increases.
Research indicates that households could save between £70 and £110 annually on energy bills, depending on factors such as panel orientation and usage patterns. Optimal savings are expected for households that consume energy during daylight hours, as any excess power generated will return to the grid without compensation.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, plug-in systems do not require certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which typically qualifies systems for the Smart Export Guarantee that pays for excess solar power.
The panels are designed to generate a modest amount of power for safety reasons, with a microinverter limiting output to 800 watts. This is sufficient to cover essential appliances but may not fully power high-demand devices.
Safety tests conducted by the government have indicated that the systems can operate without unacceptable heating or unsafe energy flows. Each panel includes a microinverter that monitors the connection to the grid and shuts down if necessary to prevent any unsafe conditions.
Consumers are advised to purchase from established retailers and to have their electrical systems checked by a qualified electrician, especially in older homes. The devices should not be connected through extension leads or adaptors, and it is recommended that only one plug-in device be used per household.
Installation of the panels is straightforward, requiring only a mounting kit and basic tools. Once installed, the microinverter can be connected to a mains socket, ideally an outdoor weatherproof socket. Households must inform their local electricity Distribution Network Operator within 28 days of installation.
The introduction of plug-in solar panels marks a significant step in making solar energy more accessible to UK households, although further details regarding local availability in Cheshire are yet to be confirmed.