Plug-in solar panels to go on sale in UK for the first time. Here’s what you need to check before buying them

Plug-in solar panels are to go on sale online and in shops as new regulations allowing their sale in the UK come into force.

Stores are rolling out the technology from Thursday, allowing solar power to run into the home network using an ordinary plug.

The panels, already popular in countries such as Germany where people mount them onto balconies or fences, can lower energy bills by cutting how much electricity households pull from the grid.

Each kit produces up to 800W of power, which is enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use when the sun is shining, according to officials.

As they go on sale, ministers say prices could start off higher but they expect them to settle at around £400 to £600 – depending on the size and model – amid growing competition as more models come on to the market.

Households should then be able to recoup this cost over a few years, with savings of up to £110 annually on their bills, Desnz said.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.

“From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability to power their homes with clean homegrown energy.”

Argos has confirmed it will begin selling the kits from Thursday, with Amazon expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes are also among retailers that have committed to stocking plug-in panels.

The sale of the technology was previously restricted in the UK because of safety and wiring standards.

But ministers say the legal change follows rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring, officials said.

The Government first announced plans to remove the legal barriers earlier this year, announcing it was working with retailers and manufacturers to bring the plug-in solar kits to market.

Energy minister Martin McCluskey said the technology “enables people who might otherwise not be able to get a rooftop solar array to take advantage of solar power”.