- The UK government is considering introducing affordable plug-in solar panels for balconies, sheds, and terraces to help Britons reduce their energy bills.
- These portable solar modules are a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional rooftop installations, making solar power accessible to renters and eliminating the need for expensive specialist fitting.
- Already common in Germany, where 1.5 million homes use the technology known as 'Balkonkraftwerk,' these panels typically cut electricity bills by 30 percent.
- While not designed to sell power back to the grid, the panels can substantially lower daytime electricity costs for household appliances, with potential annual savings of €120-€240 (£102 - £205) for a pair of panels.
- Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband emphasised solar as one of the cheapest and quickest power sources, supporting a 'rooftop revolution' and addressing barriers to its wider adoption.
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