How to set up a plug-in solar panel safely
The checks to do, in order, from the Energy Saving Trust, network operators and the government. Ofgem's rules let you install a plug-in kit yourself.
- Check the kit is approved. It must be on the official register and marked compliant. Check yoursEnergy Saving Trust, DESNZ
- Get permission if you need it. From your landlord, freeholder or building manager if you rent or live in a flat, and your council if it's a listed building or conservation area.Energy Saving Trust, GOV.UK
- Pick the spot. Unshaded and south-facing is best. East or west works but makes less. Avoid north-facing and shaded places. In England, permitted development rights don't cover fixing it to wooden structures or cladding.Energy Saving Trust, Planning Portal
- Check your fuse box. Look for RCD, RCBO or MCB switches. If you have old rewireable fuses, don't install it.Energy Saving Trust
- Choose the socket. A wall socket on a circuit that doesn't also power lights or hard-wired appliances. Never an extension lead. An outdoor socket needs a qualified electrician and an IP65 rating.Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North West
- Follow the kit's instructions to mount the panel and connect it. Manufacturers must supply instructions and warnings with the kit.DESNZ
- Register it on myplugin.solar before you use it. How to registerEnergy Saving Trust, Electricity North West
- Keep checking. Test the circuit protection every six months.Energy Saving Trust
Get an electrician if
- You need an outdoor socket fitted.
- Your fuse box has old rewireable fuses.
- Your panels add up to more than 960W: the Energy Saving Trust says to get an electrician's advice.
Which way should it face?
Try your own spot in the calculator. It shows how much a kit makes facing each direction, from flat to upright, using solar data for your postcode.
Common questions
Where is the best place to put a plug-in solar panel?
An unshaded, south-facing spot. The Energy Saving Trust says east or west still works but makes less, and advises against north-facing or shaded places.
Can I plug a solar panel into any socket?
No. Use a wall socket directly, with no extension lead, on a circuit that doesn't also power lights or hard-wired appliances like a boiler or cooker.
What should I check in my fuse box?
Look for switches labelled RCD, RCBO or MCB. The Energy Saving Trust says if you have older rewireable fuses, don't install the panels.
More guides
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.
Is it worth it?
Real savings by city and direction, and the government's own figures.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: plug-in solar panel checklist
- Electricity North West: plug-in solar
- Ofgem: decision to approve DCRP/MP/26/02, G98 amendment for plug-in microgeneration (11 August 2026)
- DESNZ: Plug-in solar regulatory framework, government response (July 2026)
- GOV.UK: Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market (26 August 2026)
- Planning Portal: changes to permitted development rules for domestic solar installations (28 August 2026)
Checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@socketpanel.co.uk. How we check