From 27 August, plug-in solar panels are officially legal in Great Britain, giving Gnosall residents a new, low-cost way to generate their own electricity at home.
How do they work?
Each kit produces up to 800W of power, which can cover around 20% of a typical home's electricity use. When the sun is shining, that's enough to run a fridge, TV, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and a games console simultaneously. There's no installation cost, and the panels work without drawing from the grid.
Are they safe?
Yes. The legal change follows rigorous, independent safety testing covering all key electrical elements. The UK's safety standard is actually stricter than Germany's, where around half a million of these devices were plugged in last year alone.
Where can you put them?
The panels can be placed in any outdoor space or on a balcony. Before buying, it's worth checking whether you need permission, which could include:
- Permission from a landlord or freeholder
- Planning permission
- Listed building consent
Where can you buy them?
Major retailers including Amazon, Argos, Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes are stocking them in stores and online, with more becoming available over the coming weeks.
What else is the government doing on energy costs?
The plug-in solar rollout follows other recent measures, including plans to cut VAT on energy bills, £150 taken off bills in last year's Budget, and an expansion of the Warm Home Discount to around six million households.
Source: govwire.co.uk
