Households could save £110 a year with new DIY solar panels - the 8 things you should know

 Households could slash up to £110 a year off their energy bills when shop-bought solar panels go on sale from this week, the government claims.

A rule change from Thursday will make it legal for homeowners to buy and fit plug in solar devices. Unlike existing rooftop panels that are expensive and have to be professionally installed, they are designed to be much cheaper and simply plugged into the mains.

They are due to go on sale at retailers such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon, with prices expected to start off at around £700, although ministers claim this will soon begin to fall to around £400 and £600 each. They can be fitted in places such as shed roofs, fences, or the balconies of flats.

Each plug-in solar kit can produce up to 800W of power, enough to provide as much as 20% of an average home’s electricity use, officials claim. They say households could save up to £110 a year on their bills from self generated solar power in this way. However, the savings very much depend on where the panels are fitted.

Ministers have also been forced to reassure people that fitting the panels will be safe after warnings from experts that they could pose a fire risk.

It comes as energy bills will rise to the highest level in three years for millions of households this winter after Ofgem announced its latest price cap. The price cap is rising by 4% from this October - just as many households will turn on their heating as temperatures start to fall.

The typical household that pays by direct debit will see their annual bill increase from £1,663 to £1,723 - a £60 increase. Most of the increase in the price cap is driven by higher gas costs following continued uncertainty around the Iran war, with gas bills set to rise by 8%.

The government has been working with the Energy Saving Trust to provide advice to those interested in getting the panels.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away. From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.”

Friends of the Earth energy campaigner, Danny Gross, said: “This is a very positive step that will enable many more households to reap the benefits of the clean energy transition.

“Plug-in solar could put renewable power generation within reach for millions of people who’ve been locked out until now, from renters to those without a suitable roof. At a time when energy bills remain so high, giving people a simple way to generate their own electricity will enable households to cut costs by reducing their reliance on expensive fossil fuels.

“The UK may not be famous for its sunshine, but we get more than enough daylight for solar to work effectively. If rolled out well, plug-in solar can play an important role in cutting emissions while bringing power – both literally and financially – to the people.”

What is changing?

From August 27, plug-in solar panels will be available to buy in Britain for the first time (Northern Ireland may follow once regulations are updated). Unlike rooftop solar panels, these ones are designed to be much cheaper and don’t need to be fitted by the professional.

How are they fitted?

The idea is that you’ll be able to plug them directly into a mains socket. This is ideally an outside socket, but it could be inside. Outdoor sockets need to be weatherproof and installed by a qualified electrician.

You can’t use an extension lead and the socket has to be in a circuit that doesn’t have lighting or hardwired appliances e.g. a boiler or cooker.

Where can I buy them and how much will they cost?

The government says retailers such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have been working on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.

Prices are expected to start at around £700, although officials expect that to fall to £400 to £600 in the near future as more retailers get involved and competition increases.

It is important to only buy plug-in solar equipment from trusted manufacturers and retailers. Poor-quality or counterfeit products may fail to meet UK safety standards and could be more likely to overheat or fail. Look for UKCA or CE markings before buying any equipment.

How much money can I save?

Officials reckon households could save “up to” £110 a year on their energy bill. Given the initial outlay, it means it will be a number of years before they start to pay for themselves.

And the "up to" figure means many people will save less. Plug-in solar panels work best on an unshaded, south-facing spot. Panels facing east or west still work but will generate less electricity. The Energy Saving Trust doesn’t recommend installing panels that face north or are in a shaded space.

And you can’t install a whole bunch of plug in panels, even if you had the money. The maximum amount of power that’s allowed to enter your home’s electrical socket is 800W, as it stands.

Can I fit the panels where I like?

It’s easier if you’re a home owner, but be careful if the panels will be fitted on shared fences or an adjoining wall with a neighbour.

One of the arguments for the panels is that they will appeal to renters, but check with your landlord or freeholder first. And those in flats must check if the outside of the building has cladding, as installing plug-in solar panels, as these could impact fire safety.