UK legal status
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
Not yet legal — consultation open
Not yet legal — consultation open
Last reviewed:
Under the existing framework, plug-in solar microgenerators — small solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK mains socket — cannot currently be legally sold, supplied or used in the UK. On 16 June 2026 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) opened a consultation on whether and how to permit them. The consultation closes on 30 June 2026, with a summary and policy response expected by 22 July 2026, subject to approvals. Battery storage and other plug-in microgeneration technologies are outside this consultation. G98 notification, product safety standards, electrical regulations, planning, tenancy rights and consumer guidance are still being developed or assessed.
- Consultation opened
- 16 June 2026
- Consultation closes
- 30 June 2026
- Response expected
- 22 July 2026
What the current rules mean
“Plug-in solar” usually means one or two small panels paired with a microinverter that connect to your home through a standard mains socket. This is popular in parts of Europe, but the UK has not permitted it under the existing electrical and energy framework.
In practical terms, that means you should not buy a system today expecting to plug it into a socket and use it legally. This page tracks the position and is dated so you can see how current it is.
What is being decided
On 16 June 2026 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) opened a consultation on whether and how to permit plug-in solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK socket. The consultation closes on 30 June 2026.
We don't claim it's already legal
What is still undecided
- Whether a maximum system size (for example an 800W limit) will be set, and at what level.
- Whether DNO notification under G98 will be required, simplified or waived for plug-in systems.
- Which product safety standards and certification marks will be mandated for UK sale.
- How tenancy, leaseholder and freeholder permissions will be treated.
- Whether planning permission will be required for particular mounting types or locations.
- How home insurance providers will treat plug-in solar installations.
- Whether exported electricity will be eligible for payment under the Smart Export Guarantee.
- How and when any new rules will apply across all UK nations.
Regulatory timeline
Before 2026
Plug-in solar not permitted
Under existing UK rules, plug-in solar microgenerators cannot be legally sold, supplied or used.
16 June 2026
DESNZ consultation opens
The Government opens a consultation on plug-in solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK socket.
30 June 2026Now
Consultation closes
The deadline for responses to the DESNZ consultation.
By 22 July 2026
Summary and policy response expected
A summary of responses and the Government's policy direction are expected, subject to approvals.
To be confirmed
Any new framework and standards
Product safety, electrical, notification and consumer rules would follow before compliant products could be sold for plug-in use.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I legally buy and use plug-in solar in the UK right now?
- No. Under the existing framework, plug-in solar microgenerators cannot currently be legally sold, supplied or used in the UK. A Government consultation that could change this is open until 30 June 2026.
- Is there an 800W limit?
- An 800W limit has been discussed internationally and is one of the options being considered, but no maximum system size is confirmed as UK law. We will update this page if a limit is set.
- Does this include solar batteries?
- No. Battery storage and other plug-in microgeneration technologies are outside the current consultation, which concerns plug-in solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK socket.
- When will we know more?
- The consultation closes on 30 June 2026, with a summary and policy response expected by 22 July 2026, subject to approvals.
Sources
We cite official bodies. Where a precise document link has not been independently verified in this build, it is marked accordingly.
Consultation opened 16 June 2026 and closes 30 June 2026. Direct document link to be confirmed.
UK wiring regulations relevant to any electrical connection in the home.
Engineering recommendations for connecting small generation to the network.
Scheme under which some suppliers pay for exported electricity.
Last reviewed:
Get told when the rules change
We'll email you when the consultation outcome is published or the legal position changes.