October Advice Column: Are plug-in solar panels right for your home?

I’m doing everything I can to save money on my energy bills, and I’ve recently heard about new plug-in solar panels. I can’t get traditional panels installed because I rent a flat, plus they’re very expensive. Are plug-in solar panels a suitable alternative for people like me?  

Plug-in solar panels are designed to sit outside on a balcony or in a garden, and plug directly into your mains electricity to generate power. Like traditional panels, they can help cut your energy bills by generating electricity you can use in your home. Though they produce less power, plug-in kits are cheaper upfront and more accessible to renters or flat-dwellers with outdoor space, as they don’t require roof access or professional installation. 

There are a few things to consider before you buy. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure it’s right for you and your home. You’ll need an unshaded outdoor space that ideally faces south, though east or west will still catch some sun for part of the day. The government estimates you could save up to £110 a year on your energy bills with a plug-in solar kit, but your actual savings will depend on things like where your panels are located and if you have the flexibility to use appliances during the day.  

Kit could pay for itself in four years

Our part of the world is ideal for solar panels due to its flat geography, and we get about 1,400 hours of sunlight a year – so each hour of sunlight means direct savings. Based on a set-up costing £400, a plug-in kit would have paid for itself in under four four years and could easily be the best way to reduce energy bills. A saving of £110 a year could pay for a family to have a night out at Hull Fair or to watch the Tigers in the Premier League. 

One big difference to be aware of is that unlike traditional panels, you must use or lose the power you generate. Current rules mean most people won’t be able to store electricity in a battery, and you can’t get paid for any unused power generated by your kit. 

It’s important to check if you need permission before you make a purchase. Read the government’s official online guidance to see if you need approval first. The key thing to know is that if you rent or live in a leasehold property, you should speak to your landlord or freeholder. And if your home is a listed building or in an area with planning restrictions, you should speak to your local council. 

Follow the government’s safety rules, included in the online guidance, before plugging in a new kit. Key rules include plugging your kit into a safe wall socket (never an extension lead) and sticking to the strict limit of one kit per household. 

Get help and support from our Energy Team

To ensure your kit is compliant with UK regulations, only purchase an all-in-one kit that features a 3-pin UK plug and a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. If you’ve already bought one that doesn’t meet these criteria, see if you can return it, or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice. 

Finally, you’ll need to register your kit with your electricity network company. Your electricity network company provides the wires to your home and is different from the company you pay your bills to. You can find your network company via your electricity bill or by visiting the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website.  

For people living in the Hull City Council area, information is available on the council website. 

At Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, our specialist team of energy advisers is on hand to help you with situations like this – saving money on your bills, making sure you’re not missing out on benefits you’re entitled to and finding support for you if you’re in debt. 

You can call the Energy Team on 0800 4480721, or pop in to see them: