UK legalises plug‑in balcony solar panels for households

From 27 August 2026 the United Kingdom will allow households to purchase and use plug‑in balcony solar panels after a statutory amendment to the Plug‑and‑Socket Safety Regulations. The new interim product specification caps the output at 800 watts, bans batteries and requires compliance with defined electrical safety standards. Panels can be plugged directly into a standard socket, enabling owners of flats or rented homes to generate up to £70–£110 of annual electricity savings. Major retailers including Currys, B&Q, Asda, Screwfix, Wickes and Amazon have prepared stock of the low‑cost kits, which are expected to retail from about £400. Industry leaders praised the change: Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said the move will bring “cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before”. The government expects the legal change to boost consumer access to renewable energy and reduce domestic energy bills.