Does an approved kit automatically have planning permission?

No. Product compliance does not remove planning, property, lease or landlord obligations. Requirements depend on the property, mounting position and UK nation.

New GB route from 27 August 2026

Plug-in solar made simple

Q: What is plug-in solar or balcony solar?

Plug-in solar, commonly called balcony solar, is a small grid-connected photovoltaic system supplied as a complete compliant kit. It uses solar modules and a grid-following inverter to supply AC electricity to the home through the manufacturer-supplied connection.

Q: Does an 800W microinverter make any solar kit compliant?

No. An 800W claim alone does not make a system compliant. The exact complete product must meet the government product specification and appear as Compliant on the ENA Plug-in Solar Type Test Register.

Q: Can I install a plug-in solar kit myself?

Yes, if it is a complete compliant product intended for assembly and use by an ordinary person, the manufacturer’s instructions are followed and the socket, circuit and mounting location are suitable. Professional electrical advice may be required in some homes.

Q: Do I need to notify my electricity network operator?

Yes. The local Distribution Network Operator must be notified in accordance with the applicable network process. The manufacturer’s documentation should provide the required product and notification information.

Q: Can plug-in solar use an outdoor socket?

Only where the manufacturer permits it and the socket, plug and other components are suitable for the location. Extension leads, multi-way adaptors, travel adaptors and plug-in RCD adaptors are not permitted.

Q: Will plug-in solar work during a power cut?

No. A compliant grid-following inverter must disconnect when the electricity network supply fails, so an ordinary plug-in solar kit does not provide backup power.

Q: Are plug-in batteries covered by the new rules?

No. Plug-in battery systems and plug-in solar devices integrated with batteries are expressly outside the initial product specification.

Understand how plug-in solar- commonly called balcony solar – works, what the new route permits and how to identify a genuinely compliant complete product.

Understand the rules Approved kits

Great Britain guidance · complete solar-only products · plug-in batteries excluded

Watch: plug-in solar explained in 45 seconds

800VAmaximum AC output

3.5Amaximum connection current

One per homeunder current GB network rules

Compliantexact ENA status required

How it works

A small solar system that works alongside the grid

Plug-in solar performs the same basic job as a conventional grid-connected solar PV system, but it is supplied as a defined complete product intended for a simpler connection route.

Generate

Solar PV modules convert daylight into DC electricity.

Convert

A grid-following microinverter changes the DC electricity into AC power suitable for the home.

Use

Your home uses the available solar generation while the grid automatically supplies the balance.

Plug-in solar is designed to reduce the electricity drawn from the grid. It is not a backup supply and will shut down during a power cut.

The essentials

The main rules in plain English

The word compliant matters. Approval applies to the complete product and its declared components – not simply to an inverter with an 800W label.

01Buy the complete product

The manufacturer must demonstrate compliance for the complete plug-in solar device. Loose panels and a generic microinverter are not automatically an approved kit.

02Check the exact ENA entry

The precise complete model should appear as Compliant on the ENA Plug-in Solar Type Test Register. Submitted or Non-compliant entries do not qualify.

03Stay within the limits

AC output must not exceed 800VA or 3.5A. Total PV module capacity may be up to 2,000W DC; above 960W, the manufacturer must advise considering a professional electrical assessment.

04One device per home

Current Great Britain network requirements restrict the connection route to one plug-in solar device per household.

05Notify the DNO

The customer must follow the applicable Distribution Network Operator notification process. The manufacturer’s documentation should provide the necessary system information.

06Use the correct socket

The socket and circuit must be suitable and in good condition. Extension leads, multi-way adaptors, travel adaptors and plug-in RCD adaptors are not permitted.

07Use the supplied mounting

Fit the declared mounting system exactly as instructed. It must be suitable for the location and expected UK wind and snow loads.

08Follow the instructions

Use only the supplied components in the stated configuration and follow the manufacturer’s English assembly, warning, connection and maintenance information.

Before you buy

Installation, permissions, batteries and export

The new product route does not override the condition of the property, planning requirements or the rules applying to other technologies.

Can I install it myself?

Self-installation is the purpose of the route, but only for a complete compliant product and a suitable property, circuit, socket and mounting location. Seek qualified electrical advice if the installation is unclear, damaged or lacks suitable modern protection.

Planning and landlord consent

Electrical product compliance does not automatically grant planning permission. Rules differ across the UK, and tenants or leaseholders should obtain any required landlord, freeholder or managing-agent consent.

Plug-in batteries are excluded

The government specification does not cover plug-in battery systems or plug-in solar products integrated with batteries. Battery storage requires a separate lawful UK connection and installation route.

Export payments are not automatic

A self-installed kit may reduce imported electricity without automatically qualifying for Smart Export Guarantee payments. Check the chosen supplier’s metering, installer and evidence requirements.

Approved plug-in solar kits

We are checking complete products against the live ENA register, manufacturer evidence and UK stock availability before publishing exact models and prices.

That means we will not describe a collection of individually compatible components as an approved plug-in solar kit.

Range coming soon

Want to know when compliant kits arrive?

Ask about availability

Plug-in and balcony solar FAQs

Quick answers to the most common questions about the new Great Britain connection route.

What is plug-in solar or balcony solar?

It is a small grid-connected solar PV product supplied as a complete compliant kit. Solar modules generate DC electricity and a grid-following inverter converts it into AC electricity used within the home.

When do the new plug-in solar rules begin?

The new rules come into force in Great Britain on Thursday 27 August 2026. Northern Ireland has separate electricity network and product requirements.

Does an 800W microinverter make any solar kit compliant?

No. The exact complete product must meet the government specification and appear as Compliant on the ENA Plug-in Solar Type Test Register. An inverter power claim alone is not sufficient.

Can I install a plug-in solar kit myself?

Yes, where the complete compliant product is intended for assembly by an ordinary person and the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. The socket, circuit and mounting position must still be suitable.

How many plug-in solar systems can I connect?

Current Great Britain network requirements restrict the route to one plug-in solar device per household.

Do I need to notify my electricity network operator?

Yes. Follow the applicable DNO notification process using the product and connection information supplied by the manufacturer.

Can plug-in solar use an outdoor socket?

Only where the manufacturer permits it and every relevant component is suitable for the location. Do not use extension leads, multi-way adaptors, travel adaptors or separate plug-in RCD adaptors.

Will plug-in solar work during a power cut?

No. The grid-following inverter must disconnect when the network supply fails, so the ordinary system does not provide backup power.

Are plug-in batteries covered by the new rules?

No. Plug-in batteries and plug-in solar products integrated with batteries are expressly excluded from the initial product specification.

Does a compliant kit automatically have planning permission?

No. Product compliance does not remove planning, property, lease or landlord obligations. Check the rules applicable to the property and mounting location.

Official sources

This guide uses the following government, Ofgem and Energy Networks Association material:

Page updated 20 August 2026. Regulations, product approvals and guidance may change. Always check the live ENA register and the manufacturer’s current instructions before purchasing, assembling or connecting a system.

Need help choosing a compliant kit?

Ask us about expected products, suitable mounting options and what to check before buying.

02475 426 626 · info@theecosupermarket.co.uk