Plug‑in solar panels could save you £100+ a year — and they’re coming to the UK soon

Plug‑in solar panels will soon be sold in UK shops for the first time, with retailers including Amazon and Lidl working with the Government to bring them to market “within months”. The move is part of a wider plan to help households cut their energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels after the conflict in the Middle East pushed up global energy prices.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Whether through solar panels fitted as standard on new homes or making it possible for people to purchase plug-in solar in shops, we are determined to roll out clean power so we can give our country energy sovereignty."

These simple, self‑install solar kits are already popular in Europe, especially in Germany, where around half a million are plugged in every year. Soon, people in the UK, including renters, could buy them straight from supermarkets and plug them into a normal socket at home.

How do plug‑in solar panels work?

Plug-in solar panels are simple to use. You place the panels outside, on a balcony, wall or in the garden, and connect the kit’s cable to a normal socket. Once it’s plugged in, the panels make electricity from sunlight, and the built‑in microinverter turns that power into the same type your home uses. This free solar power reduces how much electricity you need to buy from the grid, saving you money in the process.

How much could I save with a plug‑in solar panel?

The government says these kits could help “significantly” reduce household energy bills by providing free solar power that goes straight into your home supply. Government estimates suggests you could save between £70 to £110 a year by using a plug-in solar panel. EcoFlow, a manufacturer the government is working with, is even more optimistic. The company suggests savings up to £115 are possible based on figures from Germany where this tech is popular.

They might appeal to renters and those living in flats who can’t benefit from rooftop solar systems.

When will plug‑in solar panels be available to buy?

The government says they will be in UK shops within months as the government has vowed to “go further and faster” on clear energy in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Where will I be able to buy them?

Retailers including Lidl and Amazon are working with the government to bring plug‑in solar kits to the UK market. These are expected to be widely available and sold in supermarkets and online once regulations are complete.

How much will plug‑in solar panels cost?

Plug-in solar panels aren’t on the UK market yet, so we don’t have exact costs. However, to give you an idea, small models in Germany cost around EUR 200 (around £170) while large ones with storage capacity can be found for under EUR 1,000 (around £850). It’s likely costs in the UK will be similar, with sources suggesting costs from £400.

Will I need an electrician to install plug in solar panels?

You won’t need an electrician to install plug in solar panels. The government is updating wiring rules and safety standards so that households can use these kits without needing an electrician. They will plug into a normal socket like any other device.