Households across Great Britain can now generate their own solar power using a standard three-pin wall socket, under new rules designed to cut energy bills and make clean electricity more accessible. The legal change, which came into force on 27 August 2026, allows people in England, Scotland and Wales to buy portable solar panel kits rated up to 800 watts and plug them directly into their home electricity supply without hiring an electrician.

Plug-in solar panels can legally go on sale in Great Britain from 27 August – and the first compliant systems are now appearing at UK retailers

Regulations come into force allowing 800 W plug-in solar kits to be installed in England, Wales and Scotland. Plug-in batteries currently excluded, but under investigation.

Plug-in solar panels can legally go on sale in the UK from today