Plug-in solar panels: 5 top tips to save money and stay safe

Authored by: Daniel De Wijze, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer for Power and Flexibility at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies.

Plug-in solar panels are set to make renewable energy more accessible than ever, offering households a simple and affordable way to generate their own electricity. Here are the REA’s five top tips for getting the most from plug-in solar.

1. Do your research before you buy

Not every property will be suitable for a plug-in solar system. To achieve meaningful savings, you will need an outdoor space that receives good levels of sunlight and is not heavily shaded by neighbouring buildings, trees or other obstructions.

Only buy a system that has been approved for the UK market and meets the relevant British safety requirements. The UK’s electrical system differs from those used in many other countries, so products sold overseas may not necessarily be suitable or legal to use in British homes.

Buy from a reputable UK retailer and check that the system complies with the UK’s 800-watt limit. Households will be limited to one 800-watt plug-in solar unit, regardless of the size or type of property.

2. Put safety first

Before installing a plug-in solar system, have your home’s electrical installation checked, particularly if you live in an older property.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can identify potential issues caused by ageing, wear and tear or damage, helping to ensure that your sockets and electrical installation are suitable. If you rent your home, check with your landlord whether a recent EICR is already available.

Always connect the system directly to a suitable outdoor wall socket. Never plug a solar panel into an extension lead or plug adaptor, as these are designed to supply electricity rather than receive it and could overheat.

Avoid running cables through an open window. Window frames may contain sharp edges that can damage cables, while rain entering through an open window could create an electrical safety risk.

For outdoor installations, an appropriate weatherproof socket is essential. An outdoor socket with an IP66 rating or above is designed to be dust-tight and protected against powerful jets of water.

You should also make sure that cables are secured and do not create a trip hazard. For additional reassurance, households may wish to use a qualified installer.

3. Shop around and choose quality

Prices, product quality and levels of after-sales support are likely to vary as the market develops.

Compare products and suppliers, read independent reviews and look for established brands that offer clear warranties and customer support. Be cautious of claims that promise unusually high savings or extremely short payback periods.

The amount you save will depend on several factors, including the size and position of the system, local weather conditions, household electricity use and energy prices.

4. Check your permissions and rights

If you rent your home or own a leasehold property, check the terms of your tenancy agreement or lease before installing panels on a balcony, exterior wall or other part of the building.

You may need permission from your landlord, freeholder or managing agent, particularly where the installation affects the outside of the property or a shared area.

It is also worth checking your buildings and contents insurance to make sure that the installation does not affect your cover.

If you buy a system online, you may have consumer cancellation rights. Check the retailer’s terms and the relevant consumer protections before making a purchase.

5. Optimise your system to maximise savings

Where you place your panels can make a significant difference to the amount of electricity they generate.

For the strongest performance, aim for a south-facing location that receives plenty of direct sunlight and is free from shade. Panels generally perform best when tilted at an angle of around 25–35 degrees rather than positioned completely flat against a balcony railing.

Keep panels clean and free from dust, dirt and debris to maximise the amount of sunlight reaching the surface.

Plug-in solar systems generate the most value when the electricity they produce is used in the home. Running appliances during daylight hours can help households make the most of the power generated. Battery storage could increase the benefits further by allowing excess electricity to be stored and used later, rather than only when the sun is shining.

A new way to access solar

Plug-in solar could help bring the benefits of renewable energy to households that have previously been unable to install conventional rooftop systems.

With no need for a roof, scaffolding or a large-scale installation, these systems could provide a more accessible route into solar energy for renters, flat-dwellers and households with limited space.

By choosing an approved product, checking that your home is suitable and following the relevant safety guidance, households can make the most of this new technology while helping to reduce their electricity costs and support the transition to clean energy.