Products & compliance
How we assess plug-in solar products
We track plug-in solar products but don't sell or install them, and we won't publish ratings we haven't earned. This guide explains how we assess a product and where we draw the line.It sits alongside the products tracker and the compliance checklist.
Written and edited by Christopher Panteli
Christopher is the founder and editor of MyPlugInSolar. He oversees the site’s research standards, data tools and editorial process. He is not an electrician or solar installer, and specialist technical claims are sourced from official documentation or reviewed by appropriately qualified professionals.
What we weigh up
When a product can be assessed properly, these are the factors we consider — the same criteria summarised on the products page.
- Output and size: panel count, DC wattage and AC inverter output, and whether the size fits any UK limit once set — see the wattage guide.
- Microinverter quality: a reputable, properly certified microinverter with mains protection like anti-islanding.
- Mounting and suitability: whether the included mounting suits balconies, walls, gardens or flat roofs.
- Monitoring: how you can see generation, and whether per-panel data is available.
- Documentation and certification: clear manuals, declarations of conformity and relevant certifications.
- Warranty and support: length, terms and whether UK support exists — see lifespan and warranties.
- Value: price against output and quality, judged on evidence rather than headline figures.
Where the evidence comes from
We take specifications from each manufacturer's published documentation and link to it, so anyone can check. Where a figure isn't stated or we can't verify it, we leave it blank rather than guess — that's why some specs show as "—" on the products tracker. We don't fill gaps with estimates dressed up as facts.
What we won't do
We don't publish user reviews or star ratings, and we haven't hands-on tested systems for UK plug-in use, so we can't responsibly publish hands-on verdicts on it. We won't invent ratings to fill a page. And we never label a product "UK compliant" until there's a legal basis and recorded, dated evidence behind it.
Independence first
Frequently asked questions
- Do you review plug-in solar products?
- We assess them against clear criteria using the manufacturer's published documentation, but we don't publish user reviews or star ratings, and we haven't hands-on tested systems for real-world UK plug-in use. We won't invent ratings.
- Why are some product specifications blank?
- Because we only publish figures we can source from the manufacturer's documentation. Where a spec isn't stated or we can't verify it, we leave it blank rather than estimate, so you can trust what is shown.
Sources
- 1. Microgeneration Certification Scheme — MCS
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Related news
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- ProductsLevocell joins ENA register; 3 entries removedLevocell appears on the register for the first time, Non-compliant, while three entries were removed. The compliant total is unchanged at 120 kits from 26 suppliers.Read update
- ProductsThunder Bolt kits now Compliant on ENA registerThunder Energy now has six Compliant register entries, up from two on Sunday. An entry was also removed. A status can change in days, in either direction.Read update