Landlords face plug-in solar panel requests

The one pictured looks like it would “go missing” too easily. Or get damaged easily. Hope there is some way of fitting them more securely?
We once had a very heavy manhole cover in an enclosed courtyard which very mysteriously went missing!

Like the the unauthorised satellite dishes that tenants install, that have to removed at the landlord’s expense.Enough of this nonsense. How much do these things weigh?

If the tenant doesn’t pay for professional installation and amendment to the property’s EICR then why would any landlord agree?

If the tenant installs without professional installation and amendment to the property’s EICR this could be classified as a Hazard under HSSE and Grade 1 hazard fines imposed on the landlord by the Local Authority.

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 28/08/2026 – 10:40
Great advise, as always.Problem is some tenants will just install and with this anti landlord government/council wanting to fine everybody for the slightest honest mistake I fear this is exactly what could happen.

Expect more house fires due to old wiring and letters from the Council about, ahem, unauthorised erections.

They are a false economy. For the government to say no installation is required is scandalous. The wiring needs to be checked and an outside socket fitted. Where would they be fitted in a flat? On a balcony if available? What if it isn’t secured properly (up to 25kg) and falls off and kills someone? The lease would prohibit it, in any case. They don’t work with batteries, so you can’t store electricity for when you need it throughout the day/nightn(unless you are home all day on benefits). They would need to be serviced to check for damage. How long do they last? Insurance premiums would probably increase….

Why are we committing ourselves to even more Chinese crap?

Plugging in one 800W to ring is fine but what happens when someone starts plugging in 3 or 4 on the same circuit? Reverse feeding non bidirectional fuse is bad, also overloading the ring especially on older domestic wiring and knowing tenants using extension leads too. And to NewYork point Cheaply made knock offs too.

So let’s see..government says a saving of £110 a year..then quotes UPTO 20% savings…a guess based on maximum output all year?
Multiply that figure by 5 to get actual electric cost for the household so the average electric bill is £550 per year, really ????
If the panel generates maximum of 800 watts, using the 20% savings figure, then the average housold use per day THROUGH the entire year is 4kw…not happening in winter and very minimal gain anywhere..plus the average cost is 600 quid per unit, so six years just to offset the panels cost…negating the so called 20% maximum saving in electric costs.
Will the landlord be responsible for any hazards created, almost certainly when the Stasi council arrive for an inspection.
It’s just a scam.

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 28/08/2026 – 10:40
It is s plug in device so will not be part if an EICR as this is for the electrical installation. It may come under PAT testing which the owner will have the expense of doing, so if it is owned by the tenant then they will have to have it PAT tested if the law requires.Landlords responsibility is the property, fixed installation and any equipment or appliances provided and owned by the landlord.

Reply to the comment left by Stuart Goodwin at 18:48
But requires a waterproof outside socket which then becomes part of the electrical circuit under ECIR? Holes drilled through the outside wall would breach Lease terms if done without the freeholders written permission never mind the landlords.