UK legal status
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
Not yet legal to use — rules made, in force 27 August 2026
Not yet legal to use — rules made, in force 27 August 2026
Last reviewed:
Under the framework that still applies today, plug-in solar microgenerators — small solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK mains socket — cannot yet be legally used in the UK. That is changing. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) ran a consultation, 'Plug-in solar: Regulatory amendment and interim product specification', from 16 June to 30 June 2026, and published its response on 16 July 2026 alongside an interim product specification (version 2). On the same day it made The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/848), which permit a compliant plug-in solar device — with a maximum rated AC output not exceeding 800W — to be connected to a domestic socket. Those regulations were laid before Parliament on 17 July 2026 and come into force on 27 August 2026. Even then, full everyday use depends on further steps the Government has said it will take with the Energy Networks Association, DNOs and Ofgem — updating the G98 connection code and the BS 7671 wiring regulations. Battery storage remains outside these changes. Until the regulations are in force and the connection standards are updated, plug-in solar is not yet legal to use.
- Consultation closed
- 30 June 2026
- Government response
- 16 July 2026
- Regulations in force
- 27 August 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. It is popular in parts of Europe; this page tracks where the UK's own rules stand, and is dated so you can see how current it is.
Plug-in solar is not yet legal to use in the UK — the enabling regulations come into force on 27 August 2026, with connection standards still to follow.
What has been 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. It closed on 30 June 2026, and on 16 July 2026 the Government published its response, an impact assessment and version 2 of an interim product specification.
On the same day it made SI 2026/848, which permits a compliant plug-in solar device — one meeting the interim specification, with a maximum rated AC output not exceeding 800W — to be connected to a standard domestic socket. The regulations were laid before Parliament on 17 July 2026, with an in-force date of 27 August 2026. Everyday use also depends on further steps the Government has said it will take with the Energy Networks Association, DNOs and Ofgem to update the G98 connection code and the BS 7671 wiring regulations.
We still don't claim it's legal to use yet
What is still undecided
- When the updated G98 connection code and BS 7671 wiring regulations that govern everyday use will take effect.
- How the interim product specification will transition to enduring product standards.
- Whether DNO notification under G98 will be required, simplified or waived for compliant plug-in systems in practice.
- 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.
- Whether Northern Ireland will follow with equivalent rules, and the timing across the UK.
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 2026
Consultation closes
The consultation closed at 11:59pm on 30 June 2026.
16 July 2026
Government response and regulations made
DESNZ publishes its consultation response and interim product specification (v2), and makes SI 2026/848 permitting compliant plug-in solar with a maximum 800W AC output.
Now — interim periodNow
Made, but not yet in force
The regulations have been made but do not take effect until 27 August 2026, and connection standards (G98, BS 7671) are still being updated, so plug-in solar cannot yet be legally used.
27 August 2026
Regulations come into force
SI 2026/848 takes effect, allowing compliant plug-in solar devices (maximum 800W AC) to be placed on the UK market.
To be confirmed
Connection standards updated
Updates to the G98 connection code and BS 7671 wiring regulations — and any Smart Export Guarantee treatment — would follow before plug-in solar can be routinely connected and used.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I legally buy and use plug-in solar in the UK right now?
- Not yet. The Government published its consultation response on 16 July 2026 and made enabling regulations (SI 2026/848), but they do not come into force until 27 August 2026, and connection standards (G98, BS 7671) are still to be updated. So plug-in solar is not yet legal to use — the position is expected to change from late August 2026 onwards.
- Is there an 800W limit?
- Yes, for now. The interim product specification given legal effect by SI 2026/848 sets a maximum rated AC output not exceeding 800W for a compliant plug-in solar device. This is an interim standard that applies while enduring product standards are developed; it is given legal effect by SI 2026/848, in force from 27 August 2026.
- Does this include solar batteries?
- No. Battery storage and other plug-in microgeneration technologies are outside these changes, which concern plug-in solar systems without batteries that connect to a standard UK socket.
- When does this take effect?
- The consultation closed on 30 June 2026; the Government response and interim product specification were published on 16 July 2026; and SI 2026/848 has an in-force date of 27 August 2026. Everyday use also depends on updates to the G98 connection code and BS 7671 wiring regulations, which are still to follow.
Sources
We cite official bodies. Where a precise document link has not been independently verified in this build, it is marked accordingly.
- Plug-in solar: Regulatory amendment and interim product specification (consultation and government response)— Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ)Verified
Consultation ran 16–30 June 2026; government response, impact assessment and interim product specification (v2) published 16 July 2026. Re-verified against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 3 August 2026 — the 27 August 2026 in-force date is unchanged.
- The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/848)— legislation.gov.ukVerified
Made 16 July 2026, laid before Parliament 17 July 2026, coming into force 27 August 2026. Permits a compliant plug-in solar device with maximum 800W AC output.
- Government to make 'plug-in solar' available within months— Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ)Verified
Announcement setting out the rollout and the further work on G98 and BS 7671.
UK wiring regulations relevant to any electrical connection in the home; being updated for plug-in solar.
Engineering recommendations for connecting small generation to the network; being updated for plug-in solar.
Scheme under which some suppliers pay for exported electricity.
Last reviewed:
Get told when the rules change
We'll email you when the connection standards are updated or the legal position changes.