What Changes for Plug-In Solar on 27 August 2026?

Last checked: 28 August 2026. This page is for homeowners in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a separate electricity safety regime, so check local guidance before buying or installing.

Quick answer

From 27 August 2026, Great Britain has a legal route for compliant plug-in solar microgenerators — it is now in force. The product must follow the government interim product specification, use a BS 1363 compliant plug permitted under the amended PSSR route, and meet the relevant G98 / ENA requirements. The capacity limit is 800 VA apparent power (800 W registered capacity) with a maximum current of 3.5 A. Don't assume every kit on sale is compliant.

Compliant listings — updated 28 August 2026

The route is live and the compliant list is growing. UKSOL was the first company to reach compliance (20 August 2026); seven of its Plug-In Solar Pro kits are listed Compliant, and its ground mount kits went on sale on launch day. On 28 August, Perlight became the second compliant manufacturer with its PowerPlug MAX 465 — though Perlight has no UK stockist yet. Eight of the 20 devices assessed on the ENA register are now Compliant. Check the live register before buying, as compliance status can change.

Ofgem approved the G98 amendment on 11 August 2026

Ofgem approved DCRP/MP/26/02 — the G98 modification that gives plug-in solar a formal grid-connection route. It confirms one plug-in kit per household, allows coexistence with existing solar within 16 A per phase, and introduces consumer self-notification via Connect Direct.

27 Aug 2026

Comes into force

GB

England, Scotland and Wales

G98

DNO notification still needed

800 VA

Capacity limit (3.5 A max)

What homeowners can do from that date

  • Buy and use a plug-in solar device — but only if it's sold under the new compliant route and the manufacturer has provided the required product evidence. The device must not exceed 800 VA apparent power (800 W registered capacity) or 3.5 A maximum current.
  • Install a plug-in solar microgenerator that follows the interim product specification and the wiring requirements for this route.
  • Notify your network operator after installation using the G98 process. The network operator is your DNO, not your energy supplier.
  • Keep evidence for your records: product model, inverter details, installation date, and G98 notification confirmation.

What is still not covered

  • Plug-in batteries are outside the first plug-in solar route described by the GOV.UK consultation outcome. Treat battery claims cautiously until a separate official source confirms they're covered.
  • Non-compliant imports, marketplace listings without clear product evidence, and kits that exceed the allowed route aren't legal just because plug-in solar now has a start date.
  • Northern Ireland isn't automatically covered by the same GB electricity safety route. Don't rely on a Great Britain guide for a Northern Ireland installation.

Homeowner checklist

  1. Check the kit is specifically sold as IPS-compliant plug-in solar, with a BS 1363 compliant plug permitted under the amended PSSR route.
  2. Confirm the device does not exceed 800 VA apparent power (800 W registered capacity) or 3.5 A maximum current.
  3. Check the inverter or product evidence against ENA or manufacturer information.
  4. Confirm your home has a suitable socket route — see the socket and circuit section below.
  5. Find your DNO and prepare the G98 notification details.
  6. Submit the G98 notification within 28 days of commissioning (installation).
  7. Keep the notification and product evidence before applying for SEG export payments — see the SEG section below.

Is your socket and circuit suitable?

This matters more than people realise. The plug-in solar route assumes you're connecting to a circuit that can safely handle it. If your wiring is old or you're not sure what protection you have, it's worth checking before you buy anything.

The circuit should have modern residual current protection — an RCBO is what the IPS points to, though an MCB with upstream RCD protection may also be acceptable. If you open your consumer unit and see rewireable fuses or old cartridge fuses instead of trip switches, your wiring probably predates modern protection and you should talk to a qualified electrician before plugging anything in.

Don't use extension leads or multi-way adapters to connect your kit. The IPS is specific about this: the device plugs directly into a suitable socket outlet. If the nearest socket isn't close enough for the manufacturer's cable, you need an electrician to install one that is — not a longer lead.

If you're not confident identifying which circuit your socket is on, or whether your consumer unit has the right protection, that's completely normal. Most homeowners have never looked. Get an electrician to check — it's a 15-minute job for someone who knows what they're doing.

Your obligations as a homeowner or tenant

Ofgem is clear that the G98 amendment covers network safety and connection only. It doesn't cover everything else you might need to think about before installing a kit. Those things are on you.

If you rent, you'll need your landlord's permission before mounting anything to the building. If you own a leasehold flat, check your lease for restrictions on alterations or external modifications. Freeholders and managing agents may have their own rules about what can be attached to the building. Don't skip this — a compliance certificate from the DNO doesn't override your lease or tenancy agreement.

Tell your home insurer. Some policies require notification if you install generation equipment, and failing to tell them could affect a future claim. It doesn't usually change your premium, but it's the kind of thing that bites you later if you ignore it.

If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, planning permission may apply even for a balcony panel. The rules differ across England, Scotland, and Wales, so check with your local planning authority if you're unsure.

SEG export payments

Getting paid for the electricity your panels export to the grid isn't automatic. The Smart Export Guarantee requires you to apply to a SEG licensee — an energy supplier that offers a SEG tariff. Not every supplier does, and the ones that do all set their own rates and eligibility rules.

Don't assume that a G98 notification and IPS product evidence are enough on their own. SEG licensees may have their own requirements around metering, export MPAN registration, and installer or product certification. Some suppliers may ask for an MCS certificate or equivalent evidence. Check what your SEG licensee needs before you count on export income. Our SEG registration guide walks through the process in more detail.

Honestly, the SEG rates available right now won't make you rich. But if you're generating more than you use during the day, getting something back is better than nothing.

Next action

If you already know the kit you plan to use, start with the G98 form generator. If you're still deciding whether plug-in solar makes sense for your home, read the legal status guide and the kit readiness guide.

Sources checked

These are the sources checked for this page. Where a claim isn't supported by a source, it's deliberately left out.