The solar panels can be put on balconies or in any outdoor space, providing free solar power that can be used through a mains socket
Plug-in solar panels are set to be available in the shops in the coming months to help households save money on energy bills.
The solar panels can be put on balconies or in any outdoor space, providing free solar power that can be used through a mains socket. Government research estimates that they could save the typical UK home between £70 to £110 a year on their energy bills.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the technology would be particularly “transformative” for renters who normally need landlord permission to get solar panels, or those on lower incomes who cannot afford expensive installation costs.
Checkatrade estimates it can cost upwards of £10,000 to get solar panels installed in your home. Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey held a roundtable with some of the biggest retailers in the country this week, with the likes of Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Lidl, Screwfix and Wickes already backing the plans.
A record 269,000 solar installations were completed in the UK in 2025 – the highest total ever recorded in a calendar year and 37% larger than the year before.
Around 255,000 of these were rooftop solar – meaning at least 95% of all new solar was installed on homes, businesses and other buildings.
The roundtable follows rule changes announced by the government earlier this year that will allow UK homeowners to self-install plug-in solar panels in the coming months.
The government has also today launched a consultation seeking industry views on enforcing the rules so consumers can safely install plug-in panels in their homes.
Plug-in solar panels are already widely used throughout Europe. The announcement comes as energy bills are forecast to rise again this winter, with the Ofgem price cap expected to increase again from October.
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: “Plug-in panels can be transformative for renters or those on lower incomes, so I welcome the conversation today with household names such as B&Q and Currys showing a huge amount of support for getting the panels in people’s homes.
“This easy to install tech can cut people’s bills and help make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets.”
John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Amazon said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible to people around the UK.
“Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK – we’ve invested in over 40 large scale solar and wind projects to date.”
Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q, said: “We welcome the introduction of plug-in solar panels to the UK market, which will help households to generate their own energy and reduce their bills. This builds on our existing range of portable solar and battery solutions.”
Georgina Hall, corporate affairs director at Lidl GB, said: “By establishing a clear, robust framework to bring plug-in solar to market safely and efficiently, it could unlock a highly effective, low-cost route for people to reduce their energy bills.
“We welcome this consultation and look forward to working alongside the government and industry partners to explore how these products can safely play their role in the UK’s clean energy revolution.
Michelle Gorringe-Smith, Director of New Categories at Currys, said: “We’re delighted to be working with DESNZ to bring plug-in solar panels to the UK market.
“With energy bills continuing to rise, enabling the safe roll-out of these products will mark an important step for consumers across the UK – including the more than 80% of UK households that shop at Currys.”
