Are Plug-in & Balcony Solar Panels Legal in the UK? (2026)

Updated July 2026

This guide changed a lot in 2026. Plug-in (balcony) solar is now legal in the UK — here’s exactly where things stand and how to do it properly.

What changed in April 2026

BS 7671 Amendment 4, effective 15 April 2026, updated the UK wiring regulations to recognise plug-in solar for the first time. Systems up to 800W AC output can be connected in domestic homes under the G98 framework. This ended years of the “is it even allowed?” grey area that held the UK back while balcony solar boomed in Germany.

The G98 “connect and notify” process

For small single-phase systems (up to 3.68kW, which easily covers an 800W kit):

• You (or the supplier) install the system first.
• You notify your DNO within 28 days — it’s a notification, not a request.
• There’s no fee, and the DNO cannot refuse a compliant installation.

The 800W rule in plain terms

The 800W limit is about the microinverter’s output to your home, not the panel wattage. You can have more panel capacity than 800W (useful on dull days and for charging a battery) as long as the inverter caps AC output at 800W — which is why systems like the EcoFlow STREAM Ultra pair 2,000W of panels with an 800W output.

One thing to watch: the BSI product standard

A dedicated BSI product standard for plug-in solar devices is expected around mid-2026. It will set the safety and certification bar products must meet to be sold for this use in the UK. Buy from reputable brands and check they state UK/BS compliance.

Setting up safely

• Choose a kit with an 800W (or lower) output and proper UK compliance.
• Mount panels securely — a balcony panel is a wind-load and falling hazard if it isn’t.
• Renters: get written landlord consent for any fixings.
• Notify your DNO within 28 days using the form your supplier provides.

Ready to choose? See our balcony & plug-in solar comparison and work out the numbers with the balcony solar savings calculator.

Regulations evolve and this is general information, not legal advice. Check the latest DNO and BSI guidance before connecting anything.

What’s changed (changelog)

We keep this guide current as the UK rules evolve:

• 2 July 2026 — Added per-network notification guides and the DNO notification checker.
• 15 April 2026 — BS 7671 Amendment 4 in force: plug-in solar up to 800W AC output is legal under G98 connect-and-notify. This guide rewritten accordingly.