The UK government is promoting the adoption of plug-in solar panels as a more accessible and affordable option for homeowners looking to harness solar energy. These panels are designed to be simpler to install, bypassing the need for complex rooftop fitting and official certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
The initiative aims to provide a cost-effective entry point into solar power, though the government acknowledges that savings will be less significant compared to fully installed rooftop systems due to lower power generation. A single-panel kit is priced at £699, with a two-panel kit costing £1,089, according to UK solar company UKSOL. The government anticipates that increased competition and product development could drive prices down to between £400 and £600 per panel.
Households could see annual savings of £70 to £110 on their energy bills, depending on factors such as panel orientation and usage patterns. Optimal performance is achieved when panels are placed in an unshaded, south-facing location. The system is most beneficial for homes that consume electricity during daylight hours, as the generated power is best used immediately. Any surplus electricity fed back to the grid is unlikely to be compensated financially, as these plug-in systems typically do not qualify for schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee that pays for excess solar power.
Unlike conventional rooftop solar arrays, these plug-in panels do not require MCS certification. This simplification lowers the barrier to entry but also means users will not normally be eligible for payments for excess energy exported to the grid. Despite these limitations, the government asserts that the panels can help homes "significantly cut" energy expenses.