Landlords face plug-in solar panel requests

Landlords may now be asked to approve plug-in solar panels at rented homes after the devices became legal across Great Britain this week.

The government says the panels can be used from 27 August and could cut household electricity bills by up to £110 a year.

The devices can be placed in outdoor areas or on some balconies and plugged directly into a home.

Depending on the property, landlord, building owner or freeholder approval may be required, along with planning permission or listed building consent.

Clean energy savings

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.”

Energy Saving Trust knowledge manager Joanna O’Loan said: “The arrival of plug-in solar panels represents a significant milestone in expanding access to clean energy for households across Great Britain.

She added: “While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs.

“As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget.”

Solar panel output

Each plug-in kit can produce up to 800W, providing as much as 20% of an average home’s electricity use.

When the sun is shining, that could power a fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S at the same time.

The government says the panels require no installation cost and generate electricity without drawing power from the grid.

Their introduction follows independent safety testing covering the main electrical components and compatibility with UK wiring.

Retailers prepare stocks

Amazon, Argos, Currys and Wickes have committed to stocking plug-in solar panels, while B&Q and Screwfix have also worked with the government on the rollout.

The UK safety specification is more stringent than Germany’s, where about half a million new devices were plugged in last year.

Almost 150,000 certified solar panel installations across the country were recorded during the first half of 2026, up 17% on the previous record set in 2025.

Certified battery installations reached 36,000 during the same period, almost double the number recorded a year earlier.