You can now legally buy and install plug-in solar panels in British homes as part of the government’s plans to help reduce electricity costs.
Unlike roof arrays, which are expensive and require professional installation, these new compliant kits are plug-and-play systems that come complete and are designed to be easily fitted. Simply unpack the kit, mount the solar panel (up to 2,000W) on a ground-mounting system or suitable fixing, position the small microinverter box near an AC wall socket, and plug it in.
They promise to make it simple to turn sunlight into electricity and feed it straight into your home through a standard wall socket – with no additional wiring required.
The government has also been working closely with retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes and Amazon, who have committed to stocking these systems. But it’s Argos that has become the first UK retailer to stock plug-in solar systems. Here’s everything you need to know.
Read more: Where to buy plug-in solar in the UK
UKSOL plug-in solar pro compact 460W
The UKSOL plug-in solar pro compact 460W is a single solar panel system. “ It offers a 460W single solar panel system that can be secured with a ground stand and ballast, essentially something to weigh it down,” explained tech writer Alastair Jennings in his first look at plug-in solar panels.
Once it’s set up, you can refer to the app to see how much electricity the panels are generating. The small microinverter is IP67-rated, so you can leave it outside and run the supplied 4m cable into the house or apartment to plug in.
Buy now £679, Argos.co.uk
Read more: How do plug-in solar panels work?
UKSOL plug-in solar pro duo 890W
If you’re after a larger solar solution, this one offers two 445W panels. Much like the above system, you can monitor your energy generation live with the smartphone app. “Ballast is not included, and the two 25.5kg panels require careful handling,” explained expert Alastair Jennings. He also recommends “plugging it into a professionally installed exterior plug”.
Buy now £849, Argos.co.uk
Read more: Plug-in vs installed solar panels
UKSOL 515W pro compact plug in solar
The cheapest in Argos’s lineup of UKSOL plug-in solar panels is this kit, which has an estimated delivery of late October. It offers a 515W single solar panel system with adjustable mounting options.
The panel then plugs into the 800W microinverter, which can connect via wifi or Bluetooth to the monitoring app on a mobile device. The small microinverter is IP67-rated, so you can leave it outside and run the supplied 4m cable into the house or apartment to plug in.
Buy now £599, Argos.co.uk
