Law change means renters and flat owners may be able to cut bills as energy costs soar amid Iran war
New regulations passed last week will allow British consumers to purchase and install plug-in solar panels starting August 27, opening up renewable energy options for tenants and apartment residents. Major retailers such as Currys, B&Q, and Asda will begin offering the DIY kits following government legal changes designed to clear the path for balcony-mounted power systems.
Unlike conventional rooftop setups requiring specialized installation, these portable units connect directly to standard three-prong wall sockets. The equipment can be set up on terraces, garden sheds, balconies, or other outdoor areas to supply electricity to household appliances.
Expected to cost a minimum of £400, the systems typically feature an 800-watt capacity, measuring about one-fifth the size of standard rooftop arrays. Projections indicate the hardware can reduce annual electricity expenses by £70 to £110, allowing buyers to recover their initial investment within four to seven years.
Major British brands including Amazon, Screwfix, and Wickes met with government officials earlier in the summer to establish sales guidelines for the hardware. The regulatory shift follows a record year for British solar adoption, during which installations surged by more than a third to reach 269,000 completed projects.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, noted that the legislative update broadens access to affordable renewable energy for populations previously excluded from these advantages. Industry representatives are currently collaborating with officials to maintain high safety and reliability standards for consumers.
Rob Hallifax, co-founder of Windfall Energy, stated that the policy framework could eventually extend to plug-in battery storage devices for UK residences. While the technology expands clean energy accessibility for renters and budget-conscious buyers, experts advise maintaining realistic expectations given that late-summer deployment coincides with declining seasonal sunlight, and occupants may still require authorization from property owners or landlords.
Originally reported by The Guardian on Jul 24, 2026.
