Plug-in solar panels can now be used legally across Great Britain, with the government estimating the technology could save households up to £110 a year on their energy bills.

The changes, which come into effect today (27 August), mean households can use easy-to-install solar panels that plug directly into their homes to generate electricity.

Each plug-in solar kit can produce up to 800W of power, which the government says is enough to provide up to 20% of an average household’s electricity use.

When sufficient sunlight is available, the panels could generate enough power to simultaneously run appliances and devices including a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and Xbox Series S without drawing electricity from the grid.

Unlike conventional rooftop solar systems, the plug-in devices do not require professional installation and can be positioned in outdoor spaces or on some balconies.

The legal changes follow independent safety testing covering the key electrical elements of the technology. According to the government, compliant systems are safe and compatible with UK household wiring.

The UK safety specification is also said to be more stringent than the requirements in Germany, where plug-in solar is already widely used and around half a million new devices were installed last year.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.

“From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.”

Retailers including Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes are expected to stock plug-in solar products both online and in stores.

People considering installing the devices have been advised to check whether permission is required for their property beforehand. Depending on the property, this could include approval from a landlord, building owner or freeholder, as well as planning permission or listed building consent.

Decisions over individual requests will remain a matter for landlords, freeholders and local councils.

The move comes amid growing demand for household solar power across Britain. Recent MCS figures showed almost 150,000 certified solar panel installations were completed during the first six months of 2026, representing a 17% increase on the previous record start to a year in 2025.

That equates to approximately one solar installation every 74 seconds.

Battery uptake has also increased, with 36,000 certified installations recorded over the same period, almost double the figure from the corresponding period last year.

The government said legalising plug-in solar would broaden access to domestic renewable energy, including for people living in flats or rented properties where conventional rooftop systems may be less practical.

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Homeowners with conventional rooftop solar can already make estimated savings of up to £480 per year.

The change also forms part of wider government efforts aimed at reducing household energy costs. In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills this winter, following £150 of costs being removed from energy bills in last year’s Budget and the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households.

Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association, said: “From today, with little more than a trip to the shops, people in Britain will be able to harness the energy of the sun to power their households.

“The arrival of plug-in solar is a huge step forward in democratising renewable energy and giving everyone the access they deserve to clean, cheap, homegrown power. Plug-in solar saves money – up to £100 a year – and it’s only right that this benefit should be felt by renters and flat-owners as well.

“Our electricity prices are some of the highest because of our exposure to volatile international gas markets. Innovations like plug-in solar and the wider renewables roll out will help us bring down bills and strengthen our energy sovereignty.”