What would a plug-in solar panel save you?
Enter your postcode, pick which way the panel faces, and see a year of real solar data for where you live. Then check the kit you want is on the official approved list before you buy.
Built on the EU's PVGIS solar data, the official ENA kit register and government rules. Checked 13 October 2026.
kWh used at home
it faces
Fine-tune: shade, price, how much you use
Your own estimate. The solar data allows for hills, not buildings or trees.
Government modelling uses 62% for a south-facing kit and 72% for an upright east or west one. Power you don't use flows to the grid unpaid.
26.32p is Ofgem's price cap average, 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Government modelling expects kits at £400 to £600.
Solar data: EU PVGIS 5.3, averages for 2005 to 2023. How it works
Is your kit approved?
Type the make or model on the box. We'll check it against all 134 kits on the official register, taken 13 October 2026.
What you need to know before you buy
In England, Scotland and Wales. Not yet in Northern Ireland.
GOV.UK, Energy Saving TrustThe most a kit can feed into your home.
DESNZ, OfgemOnly one plug-in device per property.
Ofgem, Energy Saving TrustOnly kits on the official ENA register are compliant.
DESNZ, Energy Saving TrustStraight into a socket. No extension leads.
Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North WestA legal requirement, done online at myplugin.solar.
Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North WestEverything else, from official sources
Approved kit list
All 121 approved kits, searchable, plus the 13 that failed.
The rules
Sockets, extension leads, landlords, planning and Northern Ireland.
How to register
The legal step everyone has to do, in five minutes.
Set it up safely
Where it goes, which socket, and the checks to do first.
Is it worth it?
Real savings by city and direction, and the government's own figures.
Common questions
How much does a plug-in solar panel save?
The government says up to £110 a year for a south-facing kit tilted at 30°, and about £70 for an upright east or west one. Your figure depends on where you live, which way it faces and how much of the power you use yourself. The calculator above works it out for your postcode.
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
Yes in England, Scotland and Wales since 27 August 2026, as long as the kit is on the official register, is no more than 800W, and you register it. The Energy Saving Trust says plug-in solar isn't permitted in Northern Ireland yet.
Do I need an electrician?
Not to plug it in. Ofgem's rule change lets householders install a plug-in kit themselves. The Energy Saving Trust says an outdoor socket should be fitted by a qualified electrician, and not to use the panels at all if your fuse box has old rewireable fuses.
Which way should a plug-in solar panel face?
South is best. The Energy Saving Trust says east or west still works but makes less, and advises against north-facing or shaded spots. Try each direction in the calculator to see the difference for your area.
Sources
- European Commission Joint Research Centre: PVGIS 5.3 (SARAH3 solar radiation data, 2005 to 2023)
- DESNZ: Plug-in solar final stage impact assessment (July 2026)
- GOV.UK: Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market (26 August 2026)
- DESNZ: Plug-in solar regulatory framework, government response (July 2026)
- Ofgem: decision to approve DCRP/MP/26/02, G98 amendment for plug-in microgeneration (11 August 2026)
- Energy Saving Trust: plug-in solar panel checklist
- Electricity North West: plug-in solar
- Energy Networks Association: Type Test Register, plug-in solar devices
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 October to 31 December 2026)
- postcodes.io: free UK postcode lookup (Ordnance Survey and ONS open data)
Checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@socketpanel.co.uk. How we check