Plug-In Solar

Traditional solar PV normally involves a larger, permanently installed roof or ground-mounted system. Plug-in solar is smaller and designed to provide a simpler, more accessible way of generating some of your own electricity.

The panels generate DC electricity, which a microinverter converts into AC electricity for your home. That electricity then helps supply whatever electrical loads are being used while the panels are generating.

Under the current Great Britain Interim Product Specification, plug-in solar is limited to a maximum 800W AC output into the home's electrical installation.

This doesn't mean you're limited to 800W of solar panels. The panels can have a higher combined capacity, helping the system produce closer to its maximum output across a wider range of daylight and weather conditions.

It doesn't normally power one particular appliance unless that is all you have on. The electricity contributes towards whatever your home is using at that time, such as your fridge, Wi-Fi, lights, TV or computer.

Generally, no. Plug-in solar is designed to contribute towards your home's electricity use, helping reduce the amount you import from the grid while the panels are generating.

Your home uses the available solar electricity live as it is generated. If generation exceeds your electricity use at that moment, surplus electricity may flow back to the grid, subject to the applicable UK arrangements.

Yes. Like traditional solar PV, the panels generate electricity from daylight rather than requiring direct sunshine. Generation will simply be lower during darker or heavily overcast conditions.

No. A southerly orientation can provide strong generation, but other orientations can also generate useful electricity. Direction, angle and shading will all affect performance.

Yes. Trees, buildings, balcony structures and other objects can reduce the daylight reaching your panels. A well-positioned and largely unshaded location can improve generation.

Depending on the product and property, suitable locations could include gardens, balconies, terraces or other appropriate outdoor spaces. The location and mounting arrangement must be suitable for the particular product and property.

Yes. The panels should be securely positioned using a suitable mounting system designed for their location, with factors such as wind and the risk of movement or falling considered.

Potentially. Plug-in solar could provide access to solar for households where a traditional rooftop installation isn't practical. Suitable outdoor space, permissions, panel positioning and electrical suitability still need to be considered.

One of the attractions of plug-in solar is that it may make renewable generation more accessible to people who don't own their roof. However, permission may still be required depending on where and how the equipment is positioned or attached.

Yes. Unlike permanently installed rooftop solar, some plug-in systems may be relocated, provided the new property, electrical installation and panel location are suitable.

Depending on the product, yes. Many modern microinverters can provide app or online monitoring, allowing you to see how much electricity your panels are generating and track performance over time.

Not under the current Great Britain plug-in solar specification. It specifically does not cover plug-in battery systems or plug-in solar products integrated with batteries. If storing electricity is important to you, a conventional battery storage system may be more appropriate.

No. The current specification uses a grid-following microinverter, so plug-in solar isn't designed to provide standalone backup electricity when the grid is unavailable. 

The UK is introducing specific product, electrical, mounting and safety requirements for plug-in solar. Using compliant equipment correctly and ensuring the property is suitable are important parts of using the technology safely. 

No. A product being sold online or being suitable in another country doesn't automatically mean it complies with Great Britain requirements. Products intended for the GB market will need to meet the applicable UK requirements.

Yes. Plug-in solar supplies electricity into an existing electrical circuit, so the condition and suitability of your home's electrical installation is important.