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UK to allow retailers to sell plug-in balcony solar panels from Aug 27
The law change will let renters and flat owners buy DIY balcony systems starting Aug 27, with expected retail prices of at least 400 pounds and potential savings up to 110 pounds per year on energy bills.
The UK government has passed legislation allowing plug-in balcony solar panels to be sold nationwide from 27 August, expanding access for renters and flat owners who lack rooftop space. The change is expected to make it easier for households to generate their own electricity using small DIY systems plugged into a standard three-prong wall socket.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar, the balcony installations do not require professional installation, because they can be connected to an electrical circuit through a plug. When the panels are producing power, the electricity flows directly to appliances, reducing how much customers need to buy from the grid.
Retailers including Currys, B&Q and Asda will be able to sell the DIY solar setups, after the government met with major sellers including Screwfix, Wickes and Amazon to discuss sale guidelines. According to the report, the panels are expected to retail for at least 400 pounds, and could shave up to 110 pounds a year off energy bills, as high energy costs drive interest.
Solar Energy UK CEO Chris Hewett said the move is intended to bring cheaper, cleaner power to households that previously could not access rooftop solar benefits, and that the industry is working with government on safety and reliability for customers. The article also notes that plug-in balcony solar is already common in countries such as Spain and Germany, where it is known as Balkonkraftwerk or balcony power plant.