UK Plug-In Solar Rules and Regulations

The regulatory picture for plug-in solar in the UK changed significantly in early 2026. If you want a clear picture of what is legal now, what changes in July, and what you actually need to do to stay compliant, this page covers it all without the jargon.

The short version

Plug-in solar is legal in the UK as of 15 April 2026. Systems up to 800W are permitted under updated wiring regulations. You must notify your local network operator before connecting. Until a product safety standard is published in July 2026, the fully compliant installation route requires a registered electrician. After July, certified DIY kits will be available to install yourself.

What changed in March and April 2026

On 24 March 2026, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced that plug-in solar would be made available in UK shops within months, naming Lidl, Amazon, Iceland and EcoFlow as partners. The full government announcement is on GOV.UK.

On 15 April 2026, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution jointly published BS 7671 Amendment 4, updating the UK’s wiring regulations to create a legal framework for small plug-in solar systems in domestic properties. This is the document electricians and installers certify work against.

BS 7671 Amendment 4: what it does

BS 7671 is the UK wiring regulations, the rulebook that governs all electrical installation work in homes and buildings. Amendment 4 is the 2026 update. It introduced Chapter 708, which specifically covers small plug-in generator systems connected to a domestic supply. The key provisions for plug-in solar are:

  • Systems must not exceed 800W peak output. This is the safety threshold for a standard UK ring main circuit.
  • The system must include a compliant microinverter with anti-islanding protection, which shuts the system down if mains power fails.
  • The circuit the system connects to must have Type A RCD protection or better. Most consumer units installed in the last fifteen years already have this.
  • The installation must be notified to the local DNO under G98 regulations.

The transition period for Amendment 4 ends on 15 October 2026. From that date, all new electrical installation work must comply with the updated regulations.

The BSI product standard: expected July 2026

Amendment 4 updated the installation rules. A separate BSI product safety standard is being developed that will define exactly what a compliant plug-in solar product looks like. This covers the microinverter specifications, connection requirements for a standard UK 13A socket, safety testing and labelling.

Until this standard is published, no kit has formal UK certification for DIY plug-and-play installation. Kits can still be purchased and installed before July, but the fully compliant route during this period is connection by a CPS-registered electrician rather than self-installation via a standard socket.

Once the BSI standard is published, certified kits can be self-installed by connecting to a standard socket, with no electrician required.

The G98 notification requirement

G98 is the engineering recommendation that governs how small electricity generators connect to the UK distribution grid. Any plug-in solar system must be notified to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before or immediately after connection. This is a free online process that takes around 15 minutes.

To find your DNO, use the postcode lookup at Energy Networks Association. The six main DNOs are UK Power Networks (London and South East), National Grid Electricity Distribution (Midlands, South West and South Wales), Northern Powergrid (North East), Electricity North West, SP Energy Networks (Scotland and North West England) and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (North of Scotland and South of England).

Failure to notify is a breach of grid connection conditions. The process is quick and free, so there is no reason to skip it.

Planning permission

Plug-in solar panels do not require planning permission in the UK. They are treated as temporary or removable installations rather than permanent structures. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local planning authority, but for the vast majority of homes this is not a consideration.

What about renters and leaseholders?

The regulations do not override your tenancy agreement. If your tenancy requires you to seek permission before making changes to the property, that still applies. You need your landlord’s written consent before installing a system.

The Renters Rights Act 2025 provides a framework under which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse reasonable home improvement requests. A portable, removable solar system is a strong candidate for approval under this provision. Climate Minister Katie White has said the government will consider law changes if landlord refusals become a significant obstacle.

Leaseholders in flats may also need consent from their freeholder or building management company, depending on what their lease allows. Check your lease before purchasing a kit.

RCD requirements: check your fuse box

Amendment 4 confirms that circuits with plug-in solar must have Type A RCD protection. Most consumer units installed or upgraded in the last 15 years already contain Type A RCDs. Older units may contain Type AC RCDs, which are not designed for bidirectional power flow.

If you are unsure what type of RCD is in your fuse box, look at the markings on the switches. If you cannot identify them or are not comfortable doing so, ask a registered electrician to check when they connect your system. An RCD upgrade is not expensive and improves the general electrical safety of your home.

Does plug-in solar affect your home insurance?

Most home insurance policies do not automatically cover solar installations. Notify your insurer before connecting a plug-in system. In most cases the additional premium, if any, is minimal, and many insurers treat portable systems as contents rather than a structural change. Check your policy documents and contact your insurer if in doubt.

Key dates at a glance

  • 24 March 2026: Government confirms plug-in solar legalisation
  • 15 April 2026: BS 7671 Amendment 4 published and in force
  • July 2026 (expected): BSI product standard published, certified DIY kits available
  • 15 October 2026: Transition period ends, full Amendment 4 compliance mandatory

Where to find the official documents

This page is updated as regulations develop. The plug-in solar regulatory landscape is still evolving, and we will reflect any changes as they are confirmed.