Plug-in solar, explained.
Clear, current guidance for British households considering plug-in solar — from balcony mounting and electrical readiness to landlord permission, planning and DNO requirements.
Plug-in solar in the UK: what homeowners need to know in 2026
A practical guide to the new Great Britain plug-in solar route, including the 800VA limit, product requirements, electrical checks, permissions and network notification.
Balcony solar UKBalcony solar in the UK: can you install plug-in solar on a balcony?
What to check before fitting plug-in solar to a balcony in Great Britain, including permissions, mounting, materials, wind loading, sockets and electrical suitability.
Landlord permission solar panelsDo renters need landlord permission for plug-in solar?
A UK guide for renters, leaseholders and housing-association tenants considering plug-in solar, including landlord, freeholder and managing-agent permission.
Plug-in solar DNO notificationDo you need to notify your DNO about plug-in solar?
Understand the Great Britain network-notification route for plug-in solar, G98, DNO identification and why the network step still matters for an 800VA device.
Consumer unit plug-in solarIs your consumer unit suitable for plug-in solar?
What Plug in Solar Ready checks in a consumer-unit photo, why RCD/RCBO protection matters and when an electrician should assess the installation.
Plug-in solar socket requirementsWhat socket can you use for plug-in solar?
A practical guide to the UK plug and socket requirements for plug-in solar, including BS 1363, manufacturer-supplied leads, outdoor IP55 protection and extension leads.
Solar panels conservation areaCan you install solar panels in a conservation area?
How conservation-area status can affect domestic solar in England, what permitted development may still allow and why local Article 4 directions can change the answer.
Article 4 direction solar panelsArticle 4 directions and solar panels: what do they mean?
Understand Article 4 directions, how they can remove permitted development rights and why a property-specific planning check matters before installing solar equipment.
800W plug-in solar UK800W, 960W and 2,000W: the UK plug-in solar limits explained
Understand the different power numbers in the 2026 plug-in solar specification: 800VA AC output, 960W professional-assessment threshold and 2,000W PV module limit.
Plug-in solar buying checklistBefore you buy plug-in solar: a 10-point UK checklist
A practical pre-purchase checklist covering the property, permissions, mounting position, consumer unit, socket, product compatibility, DNO and records.