UK Government Confirms Plug-in Solar Is Coming to Shops

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed today that plug-in solar panels will be available in UK shops within months. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband named EcoFlow, Lidl, Iceland and Amazon as confirmed retail partners in the government's plug-in solar rollout.

The government will work with the Energy Networks Association, DNOs and Ofgem to update the G98 distribution code and BS 7671 wiring regulations. The new framework will allow households to connect sub-800W solar systems to standard domestic sockets without an electrician — matching the regulatory environment that has allowed 1.15 million German homes to install balcony solar systems since 2023.

What the announcement means in practice

Two regulatory steps remain: BS 7671 Amendment 4 (published April 2026) and the BSI product standard (expected July 2026). The latter is what allows manufacturers to sell compliant kits in UK retail — and is the more significant of the two barriers.

EcoFlow's Lorna Wallace-Smith noted that for renters in particular, plug-and-play systems remove a barrier that has historically locked millions out of solar entirely. Octopus Energy's Greg Jackson cited a 50% surge in solar interest since the Iran conflict began — suggesting demand is already well ahead of supply. See our piece on how the Iran war changed the energy calculus for UK households.

Which products will be available and when

The EcoFlow STREAM 800W is the flagship kit for the UK rollout — already UKCA certified at £499. The Anker SOLIX RS40P is the budget alternative at £419–£449. Lidl's offering is expected in the £350–£400 range. For a full comparison, see our best plug-in solar kits guide.