What changes on 27 August 2026
The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2026 commence on 27 August 2026. Together with the UK Government's final Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, they create a route for compliant plug-in solar devices to be supplied and used in Great Britain by householders, without a conventional designed installation.
Before that date, plug-in solar devices are not covered by this framework. SocketPower is not taking orders until launch.
The 800 VA limit
The framework covers single-phase solar PV only, with a maximum inverter apparent output of 800 VA. The device must be supplied as a complete, compliant device or kit and must connect using a manufacturer-supplied BS 1363 fused plug. Mixing components from different suppliers, or substituting the plug or lead, takes the system outside the framework.
Anything outside this plug-in framework — including larger systems — requires a conventional designed and installed solar solution, subject to the applicable electrical, network, planning and certification requirements.
One device per household
Current G98 network rules restrict use to one plug-in solar device per household, unless and until G98 is amended. You cannot lawfully stack two 800 VA devices to reach 1.6 kVA.
Batteries are excluded
Plug-in batteries, battery-integrated devices and other plug-in generation technologies are excluded from this framework. Storage products we sell are not plug-in devices and must be installed as part of a conventional designed solution.
Your circuit, socket and protection
You need an appropriate socket on a suitable circuit, with modern residual-current protection (RCD or RCBO). Refer the job to a qualified electrician if you have:
- older fuse-based protection rather than modern RCD/RCBO protection;
- wiring that is unsuitable, old or of unknown condition;
- a damaged, loose or heat-marked socket;
- any uncertainty at all about the circuit; or
- any need to modify or add a circuit.
Where relevant, the installation and circuit must satisfy BS 7671, and the plug and socket arrangement must satisfy BS 1363.
Prohibited connections
Do not connect a plug-in solar device through an extension cable, a multiway adaptor, a travel adaptor, or a plug-in RCD adaptor. These are prohibited. The device connects directly to a suitable fixed socket using the manufacturer-supplied plug, after you have completed the safety checks.
G98 network notification
A G98 notification to your Distribution Network Operator is required under the network rules. SocketPower handles the applicable G98 notification and provides you with written confirmation. This is included with every kit, or available as a standalone £49 service.
Mounting, permissions and your building
Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions exactly. Reversible, non-permanent mounting makes plug-in solar potentially suitable for rented homes and flats, but it does not give you a right to install without consent. Before installing, obtain any permission required by your tenancy, lease, landlord, freeholder, managing agent or the relevant authority.
Planning and listed buildings
Planning rules still apply to what is visible from outside your home. Check with your local planning authority if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or subject to an Article 4 direction, and check your lease for terms on external appearance.
Insurance
Check with your home insurer or, if you rent, ensure your landlord's insurer is informed as required. Policies differ, and we cannot tell you how yours will treat a plug-in solar device.
Export payments, SEG and MCS
The Smart Export Guarantee usually requires MCS certification, or other evidence a supplier is willing to accept, before an installation qualifies for export payments. The position for plug-in solar is uncertain, so do not assume you will be paid for exported electricity. In practice the value of a plug-in system comes from offsetting electricity you would otherwise buy. We make no claim that MCS certification is legally required for plug-in solar, and no claim that you will receive export payments.
Great Britain, not Northern Ireland
This framework is for Great Britain. The final interim product specification says application in Northern Ireland remains subject to further consideration, and G98 arrangements in Northern Ireland are separate. We are launching in Great Britain only.
Product compliance claims
We describe our systems as built for the UK plug-in solar framework. Any specific compliance claim for a product remains conditional until that exact complete product holds a declaration of compliance, and its inverter or device is confirmed on the ENA G98 Type Test Register. We will publish that evidence per product as it is confirmed.
Read the source documents
- Government response (July 2026)
- Final Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification
- The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Run the savings calculator for an illustrative estimate, or see the range.
This page is general information only. It is not legal advice or electrical advice. If you are unsure about anything, consult a qualified electrician or the relevant authority.