Millions want plug-in balcony solar as law changes

A quarter of UK households (26%) – about seven million – want to get plug-in solar panels as rules on plug-in balcony panels loosen, reveals new research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.

Plug-in solar panels have become popular in Europe in recent years as they can be plugged into wall sockets to generate electricity on balconies, gardens and in other outdoor spaces. Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, they don’t need professional installation and typically generate 800 watts, which is a fraction of the power created by rooftop solar. 

The legal change means that retailers including Currys, B&Q and Asda will be able to sell DIY solar set ups.

One in eight households (13%) plan to get plug-in solar panels within the next five years, a similar proportion (9%) would like to get some but have no firm plans, while 4% want to but can’t afford them.

Plug-in panels are a handy solution for households who can’t put solar panels on their roof, including those who are renting, and those whose roof points the wrong direction. One in five people (18%) say needing their landlord’s permission is stopping them from getting solar at their home, showing the size of the issue.

Nearly one in three Gen Z adults (30%) are excited about getting plug-in solar, almost 15 times the proportion of Boomers (2%) who are keen. Londoners are most enthused about the technology, with one in three homes in the capital city (35%) interested in plug-in solar, while only one in 10 (12%) residents of Edinburgh showed an appetite.

Nearly 1.7 million households have already installed traditional solar panels on their roof to bring down their energy bill, with 19,000 being added every month. More than 2.5 million households – almost one in 10 homes (9%) – plan to install roof mounted solar panels within five years.

Two-fifths of households (40%) say that rollercoaster energy prices have made them more likely to invest in the technology.

The energy price cap increased 13% from 1 July, largely due to rocketing wholesale energy prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Increased energy bills are likely to have an impact long past summer, with energy rates expected to creep higher through autumn and winter, when households use much more energy for heating.

One in three households (35%) are put off installing roof mounted solar panels due to the upfront cost, with consumers estimating that a typical installation might cost just under £9000. Live data shows that an eight panel system could be around half that at £4650, or £7875 with battery storage included.

Based on real customer quotes generated via Uswitch, homeowners seeking to install solar panels have seen average savings of £964 a year, and quoted upfront costs paid back within nine to 10 years. 

Monthly payment plans are an option for households that are hesitant to take the plunge due to the upfront cost. Based on live quotes for a typical eight-panel set up with a battery, households could pay as little as £78 per month across a 15 year contract. Homeowners would also see savings on their electricity bills straight away, potentially wiping out the monthly payment with electricity savings, depending on usage.

Households can now answer a few quick questions about their home and energy use and get personalised quotes from certified solar installers at Uswitch.com. Then, they can book a free online consultation with an installer, at a time that works for them, to ask any questions and get a final design.

Alvaro Iturmendi, a solar expert from Uswitch.com, commented: ‘You don't need to own a roof to start generating your own electricity anymore. From the end of August, renters and flat dwellers who have never had a solar option can plug a panel into a wall socket and start cutting their bills straight away. 

‘Plug-in panels won't replace a full rooftop system if you want to maximise savings, but they are a genuine first step for the millions of households who have been locked out of solar altogether. 

‘Some households are put off installing solar because they don’t know where to find a trustworthy installer or a reliable quote, so we have created a straightforward way to compare trusted installers.

‘A solar panel system can cut your electricity bills. And with the Smart Export Guarantee, you can get paid for any surplus energy your panels send back to the grid. 

‘Through comparing quotes at Uswitch, our customers have been offered average savings of around £964 a year with solar – putting money back in their pocket every month and futureproofing their home against rising energy prices.’