The UK plug-in solar market is new and most buyers are doing it for the first time. A handful of mistakes come up repeatedly. None of them are catastrophic, but all of them are worth knowing about in advance so you can avoid them entirely.
Mistake 1: Buying a cheap uncertified microinverter
The microinverter is the most safety-critical component in your system. There are cheap, uncertified microinverters on eBay and Amazon marketplace from unknown brands that cost half the price of certified alternatives. The saving is not worth it. An uncertified microinverter may lack proper anti-islanding protection, may not handle the UK’s 230V supply correctly, and may void your home insurance if it causes a problem.
Buy a microinverter with CE and UKCA marking from a brand with a verifiable UK presence and proper documentation. EcoFlow, Hoymiles and Anker SOLIX are the main reputable options currently available. Check our Best Kits page for current recommendations.
Mistake 2: Skipping the G98 notification
The G98 notification to your DNO is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. It is free, takes 15 minutes and leaves you with a paper trail that is useful for home insurance, property sales and any future questions about your installation. Skipping it is a breach of grid connection conditions with no good reason to take the risk. Our G98 guide explains exactly how to do it.
Mistake 3: Choosing the mounting position based on convenience rather than orientation
The temptation to mount panels wherever is easiest — the nearest fence, the most accessible part of the garden — can significantly reduce output if that location faces east, west or somewhere in between. Always confirm the compass bearing of your intended panel position before buying mounting hardware. A south-facing position that requires a slightly longer cable run will outperform a more convenient east-facing spot for the entire life of the system.
Mistake 4: Not checking the RCD type in the consumer unit
Connecting a plug-in solar system to a circuit with an old Type AC RCD does not provide the level of fault protection required under BS 7671 Amendment 4. Most modern consumer units are fine, but older properties may need attention. Ask your electrician to check the RCD type when they connect the system. Our consumer unit guide explains what to look for.
Mistake 5: Expecting instant payback in winter
Buyers who install a plug-in solar system in October or November sometimes feel underwhelmed by early performance. UK solar generation in the winter quarter is roughly 15 to 25 percent of annual output. This is normal, not a sign that the system is faulty or the investment was a mistake. The real payback comes from April through September. If you start a system in winter, mentally account for the seasonal variation and compare your generation to the winter predictions in our winter performance guide rather than to summer figures.