In the first monthly column for pv magazineExperts from British consultancy Ricardo, part of the WSP Group, explain how Britain will soon allow cheap plug-in solar panels of less than 800W to be installed without a qualified electrician, making home solar more affordable and accessible. Expected to hit the market in summer 2026, these portable systems could significantly boost household solar adoption while complementing the country’s broader renewable energy growth.
Cheap plug-in solar panels will soon be legal in Britain as the government moves to increase access to renewable energy. Systems under 800W no longer needs to be installed by a qualified electrician, easing regulatory barriers for households.
The government is reportedly in talks with retailers including Lidl and Amazon, and legal sales of plug-in solar panels are expected to begin in summer 2026.
Home solar energy has grown rapidly in Britain. Government data shows that 2.2 GW of solar capacity was installed in the 12 months to February 2025, including 233,000 new systems of less than 10 kW. There are currently 1.9 million less than 10 kW systems in use, with domestic solar of all sizes accounting for 6.5 GW of Britain’s total 22 GW solar capacity.
Traditional home solar systems must be installed by a qualified electrician. The UK Energy Savings Trust estimates that a typical 3.7kW system in London costs around £6,300 ($8,443) to install, and could save the household around £560 a year, with a payback period of eleven years. For many people this is unaffordable and unattractive. In contrast, an 800W plug-in solar system costs around €280 in Germany. Prices in Britain are currently around £400, but there are suggestions that a more mainstream offering could see prices fall below. Such systems can provide a payback period within four years.
The new systems are completely portable, making them suitable for renters and homeowners who move frequently. They can be installed on balconies, placed against walls or placed on gazebos.
The affordability and accessibility of plug-in solar could make it an impulse purchase for the first time. In combination with rising energy costs and concerns about the climate, market conditions are favorable. With effective marketing and attractive pricing, annual sales could reach 450,000 units – three times the current number of traditional home solar installations – mirroring the rise in Germany. This would amount to 360 MW of new solar capacity per year.
Plug-in systems under 800W can be plugged directly into a standard household socket and can power any appliance in the home. Excess electricity is exported to the electricity grid.
It remains unclear how energy suppliers will treat exports if wholesale electricity prices are negative. Modeling by the Electricity Market Outlook, using the price-induced market equilibrium system – the Internal Energy Market Model (PRIMES-IEM), estimates that by 2030 up to 25% of UK solar generation could occur during periods of negative prices. This is caused by the midday peak in solar energy generation, combined with high wind energy generation, causing prices to drop.
If consumers have to pay to export power during these periods, the financial benefits of plug-in solar may diminish, potentially limiting adoption. Linking plug-in solar energy to battery energy storage systems (BESS) could limit this risk. Otherwise, a rapid increase in plug-in solar could further depress electricity prices, posing challenges for both consumers and the broader system.
Plug-in solar promises to make renewable energy ownership more affordable and accessible across the UK. With the rapid growth of offshore wind, solar and battery storage, Britain may now be ready to accelerate the adoption of small-scale solar for home use.
Author: Sarah Merrick, industry leader for Great Britain and Ireland for electricity market prospects from Ricardo, member of WSP.
Ricardo is a member of the professional services firm WSP Group, which unites technical, consulting and scientific expertise to shape communities and advance humanity. From local beginnings to a global presence today, it operates in more than 50 countries, providing solutions and delivering innovative projects in various sectors: Transport & Infrastructure, Real Estate & Buildings, Earth & Environment, Water, Energy & Energy and Mining & Metals.
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