Plug-in solar panels will become legal in Britain from 27 August but households have been warned not to treat the technology as a risk-free replacement for professionally installed rooftop systems.
The new regulations will allow approved solar devices to feed electricity into a home through a standard three-pin socket, opening the market to renters, flat owners and households without suitable roof space.
Systems covered by the rules must meet the Government’s interim product specification, including an 800W output limit, anti-islanding protection and safeguards preventing live plug pins.
An independent safety study found appropriately designed devices could operate safely on protected UK household circuits. However, the Government acknowledged concerns around older wiring, unsuitable protective equipment, online sales of non-compliant products and installations on higher-risk buildings.
But solar industry specialist Rhys Phillips at Next Energy, said there were potential risks to the public: “On the surface, it all sounds very simple and convenient, and a bit of a no-brainer.
“But from an electrical installation viewpoint, there can be serious concerns, from circuit protection and reverse power flow, to the very real risk of encouraging the wider use of plug-based generation equipment, in homes that were never built or designed to cope with it.”
Households will need to buy products listed as compliant on the Energy Networks Association’s G98 Type Test Register and notify their local distribution network operator.
Extension leads will not be permitted and consumers will need to identify a suitable circuit protected by the correct circuit breaker and residual current device.
Government guidance will also advise when an electrician should inspect older or potentially unsuitable installations.
Renters and leaseholders may need permission from landlords or freeholders before fitting panels, particularly on balconies or the exterior of managed buildings.
The systems are intended to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the grid rather than provide full energy independence.
They will not normally power a home during a blackout because anti-islanding protection disconnects the device when the grid goes down. Battery-integrated plug-in systems are also excluded from the new legal framework.
Without storage, electricity generated when household demand is low may be exported to the grid, potentially reducing the savings available to the owner.
The Government said testing found no safety concerns preventing compliant 800W devices being used on appropriately protected ring circuits but warned product standards and installation guidance must be followed.
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