Plug-in balcony solar panels to go on sale in UK for first time

DIY system will be stocked by big retailers, starting with Argos, enabling more homes to lower bills by generating own electricity

Plug-in solar panels will go on sale in the UK for the first time from Thursday, allowing households unable to use rooftop panels to also generate their own cheap electricity.

Households across the country will be able to join the millions across mainland Europe who generate their own renewable electricity using “balcony solar panels”, which will be stocked by some of the UK’s biggest retailers.

Argos will be the first to offer the DIY solar systems this week, helping people living in flats or rented homes without roof access to lower their bills by generating their own electricity .

The rival retailers Amazon, Currys, B&Q and Screwfix are also expected to stock their shelves with plug-in panels within the coming weeks at prices starting from about £400 to £500 depending on the capacity of the system.

The devices are already popular in Spain and Germany, where they are known as Balkonkraftwerk (balcony power plant) because they can be plugged into a standard wall socket to generate solar power from a balcony, terrace, shed roof or any other outdoor space.

The solar power flows directly into the property’s electrical circuit to power appliances without needing to buy as much from the grid. Each solar system must be registered so Great Britain’s National Energy System Operator can gauge how the cumulative impact of these panels could cut the need for gas-fired power or imports.

In the UK the 800-watt solar systems due to go on sale will be about a fifth of the size of a typical residential rooftop solar set-up, meaning they are unable to provide enough energy to power a home but they could save the average household up to £110 a year on their annual electricity bill.

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

Graham Biggart, the managing director for Argos, said: “By making this technology more accessible, we’re putting more power in the hands of our customers and helping them explore practical ways to manage energy use at home.”

The savings possible from each solar system will depend on how much solar power is generated, which could be affected by the orientation of each solar panel and the weather on any given day.

Savings will also depend on whether the household is able to use the electricity while it is being generated – perhaps by running washing machines or dishwashers during sunny spells – because plug-in batteries were not included in the new legislation allowing plug-in solar sales to begin.

Emily Seymour, the energy editor at the Which? consumer group, said: “These smaller systems will generate less electricity than conventional rooftop solar and won’t be suitable for every home. People may need planning permission or the consent of the building owner before going ahead, so it will be important to check your own circumstances before making a purchase.

“There are also important safety considerations, particularly around the suitability of older electrical systems, the safe mounting of panels and the potential for people to use products or equipment incorrectly.”

Joanna O’Loan, a manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget.”