Plug-in balcony solar panels to go on sale in UK for first time

For the first time, households across the UK will be able to purchase plug-in solar panels designed for balconies, making renewable energy generation accessible to those without rooftop access. Starting this Thursday, major retailers including Argos, Amazon, Currys, B&Q, and Screwfix will offer these DIY solar systems.

These "balcony solar panels," already a common sight in Spain and Germany where they are known as Balkonkraftwerk, can be plugged into a standard wall socket. They allow users to generate their own electricity from spaces like balconies, terraces, or shed roofs, directly powering appliances and reducing reliance on the grid. Prices are expected to range from £400 to £500, depending on the system's capacity.

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Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.

Each system must be registered with Great Britain’s National Energy System Operator to monitor their cumulative impact on energy demand. While these 800-watt systems are smaller than typical rooftop installations, they could save the average household up to £110 per year on electricity bills. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, highlighted the system as a simple and affordable way for households to manage energy costs, while Graham Biggart of Argos noted it empowers customers to control their energy use.

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By making this technology more accessible, we’re putting more power in the hands of our customers and helping them explore practical ways to manage energy use at home.