Guide
Plug-in solar questions, answered
Straight answers on compliance, winter output, sockets, costs, and the rules that changed on 27 August 2026. No hedging, no marketing.
Compliance status changes — check before you buy
Compliance and legality
Which plug-in solar kits are legal in Great Britain?
Only kits listed as Compliant on the ENA Connect Direct register. As checked on 10 September 2026 the register lists 49 assessed devices, of which 48 are Compliant across thirteen manufacturers. Nineteen compliant devices had UK sellers: UKSOL, Thunder Energy, Patiosun, Modular Solar and the Perlight MAX quartet were available direct or through stockists. Anker had no plug-in solar register entry in the 10 September check, after leaving on 4 September; EcoFlow's entry left the register on 9 September having been Non-compliant throughout, and Octopus Energy's M1-800-E was shown compliant in the 10 September check — the first compliant Octopus entry, though it is not on sale in the UK yet. Check the live register before you buy, not old articles.
Can I build my own kit from parts?
No. A self-assembled combination — panels plus a separate microinverter — is not a registered device. Component certifications do not add up to a certified kit: a certified inverter plus certified panels are still not a certified kit unless that exact combination is on the register. Connecting a non-registered device is not permitted under the GB plug-in route, and a notification does not legalise it.
Do I need to notify my network even for a compliant kit?
Yes — within 28 days of first connecting it. That is the legal requirement under G98, and since 27 August 2026 you can do it yourself without an installer. Our G98 generator produces the form in about five minutes.
What happens if I exceed 800 VA?
Above 800 VA, the device is outside the plug-in solar route. G98 can still cover microgeneration up to 16 A per phase; systems above that fall under G99 and need prior network approval before connection. For the comparison, see the G99 vs G98 guide. If you want more than 800 VA, consider a conventional MCS-certified installation.
How many plug-in solar kits can I have per household?
One. The G98 amendment settles it at a single plug-in kit per domestic premises, and the 16 A per phase cap still applies if you already have rooftop solar — the limit is about the combined total, not each system individually.
Practical questions
Will plug-in solar work in winter?
Yes, but don't expect miracles in December. A south-facing 400 W panel in southern England produces around 360–420 kWh a year in total: roughly 120–140 kWh from October to March and 240–280 kWh from April to September. December output may be as low as 20 kWh. Plug-in solar earns most of its keep between April and September.
Is plug-in solar the same as balcony solar?
Balcony solar is one type of plug-in solar. It means panels mounted on a balcony railing and plugged in indoors. UK balcony solar is plug-in solar, but plug-in solar can also be mounted on the ground or on a roof. See our balcony solar UK guide for balcony-specific mounting rules.
Can I take plug-in solar with me if I move house?
Yes. That is one of the better arguments for it. You can unplug the inverter, detach the panels, and reinstall at a new address. You will need a new G98 notification for the new address, and you may need to update SEG registration if the supplier or tariff changes.
How much does plug-in solar cost?
Compliant kits are on sale from several makers. Thunder Energy sells the two register-listed Bolt kits direct: the 460 W at £549.99 and the 920 W at £749.99, while Plug In Solar undercuts the direct Bolt 460 W ground/wall price at £459.98. PatioSun Lite is £399 direct, Lite+ is £420, and Duo is £649 with 5-7 working days delivery. Modular Solar sells the 340 W unit at £465 and the 475 W at £650 direct. UKSOL's range is the widest: Argos lists six kits from £599, and UKSOL/City Plumbing also sell selected kits. Plug In Solar now lists Perlight MAX 465, 500, 930 and 1000 at £588, £594, £798 and £810 with a 4-week lead time. Cheaper listings for non-compliant brands cannot be connected under the GB plug-in route, whatever the listing says. Full breakdown in the cost guide.
Bought a compliant kit?
You have 28 days from plugging in to notify your network. The G98 generator handles the form — free, no account, runs entirely in your browser.
Generate your G98 form →