Plug-in solar panels are legally allowed to be sold in Britain as of August 27, but customers buying them from Argos or Octopus Energy will wait weeks for delivery.
The government changed the rules this week to allow the sale of smaller, portable panels designed for flats, claiming more people will save on their bills using solar energy. Estimates suggest the devices could save users between £70 and £100 per year, while the government said households could save up to £110.
Argos became the only high street retailer to start selling the solar kits on Thursday. The retailer has put a selection of home kits on sale priced between £599 and £989.
Retailer pricing and delays
The £599 plug-in solar panel kit from Argos includes a 515W solar panel, an 800W microinverter, a hybrid frame and connections. The retailer said the panels are not suitable for balconies. Customers buying the panels online or in store from Argos will have to wait until October to receive their order.
Octopus Energy also started selling plug-in solar panels on its website on Friday, with prices starting from £450 for one panel. The company said orders will be delivered from the end of September.
Other major retailers, including B&Q, Lidl, Wickes and Amazon, said the panels would be available to customers at a later date. Currys also said it did not yet have a set launch date.
A spokesman for B&Q said it hoped plug-in solar panels would be available to buy from its online and physical shops from October. The chain said it wanted to ensure the panels it sold were affordable and "safe, compliant and easy for customers to use".
Government energy goals
"The Government's announcement on plug-in solar panels is a practical step that gives households a simple way to generate their own power, reduce bills, and contribute to the UK's net zero goals," John Boumphrey, the UK and Ireland country manager for Amazon, said. "We're looking forward to helping customers benefit from this technology."
The government said nearly 172,000 solar installations have been fitted across Britain since the start of 2026. Rooftop solar accounted for more than seven in ten installations in July.
"From the South East to Scotland, households across Britain are embracing solar power and taking control of their energy," Energy minister Michael Shanks said.
"Record numbers of families are installing solar panels to generate clean, homegrown power, helping them cut their energy bills. And through our Warm Homes Plan, we will upgrade homes, tackle fuel poverty and make rooftop solar more affordable for families," Shanks said. "Now, by making plug-in solar available across Great Britain, we're making it easier than ever for more families to benefit from Britain's solar revolution."
Electrical safety warnings
Plug-in solar panels are cheaper than roof panels and can be installed without an electrician. However, industry experts warned that older wiring, inadequate electrical protection and incorrectly installed equipment can increase the risk of overheating, electric shock and fire.
Experts recommended having electricals assessed by an electrician registered with a competent persons scheme before purchasing a system, especially in older properties.
"Given unresolved concerns about the potential impact of plug-in solar panels on certain residual current devices (RCDs), we recommend households have at least a Type A bidirectional RCD protecting circuits intended for use with plug-in solar panels," experts at Electrical Safety First said.
"Until these concerns are addressed, homes with Type AC RCDs should not use plug-in solar systems without first upgrading to a minimum Type A bidirectional RCD on those circuits," the group said.
Installation rules
Electrical Safety First warned against connecting systems via extension leads, cable reels, multiway adaptors, travel adaptors or plug-in RCD adaptors. "These accessories can overheat, become overloaded and create additional safety risks," the group said.
The group also urged shoppers to avoid third party sellers on online marketplaces. "Given the size of these devices, it is likely many shoppers will seek to purchase them online," Electrical Safety First said. "We urge shoppers to stick to reputable high street retailers and their online websites to ensure the device they are buying is safe and meets the new interim product specification.
"We advise households to avoid buying these devices from third-party sellers on online marketplaces, no matter how appealing this may be, as these platforms are currently not legally responsible for the safety of goods sold via their sites, exposing people to substandard versions that may put you and your home at risk."
Only one plug-in solar panel system is permitted per household, as installing multiple units could reduce the effectiveness of protective devices.
"Plug-in solar panels promise cheaper, greener energy, but they shouldn't be treated like a plug-and-play gadget," Megan Dunford of Zurich UK said. "Fundamentally, you're adding a mini power station on your home, so you need to go into it with your eyes open."
"If you rent your home, live in a flat, or need to install panels on an external wall, balcony or other communal structure, seek permission from your landlord or freeholder before installation," Dunford said. "Solar equipment should also be considered as part of any building fire risk assessment."
