Households across Scotland now have a new and potentially cheaper way to generate their own electricity, with plug-in solar panels legally available to buy in the UK from this week.
New rules mean compliant systems producing up to 800W AC can be connected directly to a suitable household socket, providing an alternative to spending thousands of pounds on a traditional rooftop solar installation.
The smaller systems don’t necessarily require an electrician to install and could be positioned in suitable sunny locations such as gardens, balconies or walls, subject to the relevant rules.
There are strict safety requirements, with approved systems needing compliant inverters, plugs, cables, electrical protection, labelling and instructions. Installation of these systems could significantly bring down your electricity bills, but of course there is an initial outlay, which is confirmed to be much cheaper than traditional systems. If you’re moving home, of course you can unplug and take them with you!
The total panel capacity must be no more than 2,000W across a maximum of four panels. Think about how much power you use during daytime. If no-one is usually at home during the day, plug-in solar may not save you enough money to pay for itself.
The Government has confirmed that retailers expected to sell the systems in Scotland include Amazon, Argos, Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes.
☀️🔌 Would you consider installing a small plug-in solar system at your home if it helped cut your electricity bills?
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