Plug-in solar microgenerators have become a legally recognised product across the UK, following new DESNZ safety regulations.
This means they can now be used across England, Scotland and Wales as households can install the easy-to-use systems without traditional solar installation.
The panels can generate up to 800W of electricity, potentially supplying up to 20% of an average household’s electricity demand. When sunlight is available, the power could be used for appliances including fridges, televisions, laptops and Wi-Fi routers.
The government says the change follows independent safety testing designed to ensure compliant systems are compatible with UK electrical wiring.
Households will still need to check whether permissions are required before installing the panels, particularly those renting or living in properties with freeholders. Planning permission or listed building consent may also be needed in some cases.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils, but we encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits.
“Enabling these easy-to-install panels is just one of the ways the government is giving people breathing space to help tackle bills.”
The move comes as demand for solar continues to grow. Figures show almost 150,000 certified solar installations were completed during the first six months of 2026, which is 17% higher than the previous record for the start of a year.
Battery installations also nearly doubled year-on-year, reaching around 36,000 certified installations during the same period.
However, research by solar company Allume Energy suggests just 3% of flats in London are fitted with solar.
The study says that equipping the blocks with shared solar and battery storage could cut the electricity residents draw from the grid by around 60%, worth up to £490 per flat a year.
Collectively, the buildings could save up to £652 million across London annually.
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