Questions
Short, plain answers to what people ask us most.
Home kits
What is a plug-in solar kit?
Solar panels on a stand, with a small box called a microinverter. It plugs into an outdoor socket and sends up to 800W (799VA) into your home while the sun's on it. Your home uses that power first.
Do I need an electrician?
Not to set it up. You need a weatherproof outdoor socket within 4m and modern RCD protection in your fuse box. If you're missing either, or not sure, an electrician can fit or check them. Kits with more than 960W of panels should have an electrics check either way.
Do I have to register it?
Yes, free at myplugin.solar, before you first switch it on. That tells your local network operator. In the North East that's Northern Powergrid. In Greater Manchester it's Electricity North West, and in Birmingham and the West Midlands it's National Grid Electricity Distribution.
I rent. Can I have one?
Often, yes. Our three kits sit on the ground, so there's no drilling. Get your landlord's written permission first.
Can I put it on my balcony?
No. These kits aren't for balconies.
Can I have two kits?
No. It's one plug-in kit per home, and it must never be used with a home battery.
Will I get paid for power I don't use?
Don't count on it. Self-installed plug-in kits generally don't get export payments. Our savings figures only count power your home uses.
Does it work in a power cut?
No. It switches off when the grid goes off. That keeps people working on the lines safe.
Do I tell my insurer?
Yes. Tell your home insurer before you set it up.
How much is a kit?
Prices aren't set yet, so each kit says "Price TBC". Join the list and we'll email you when they're ready.
Panels
Do you sell panels for vans, boats and sheds?
Not yet. They're coming soon. Join the panels list and we'll tell you first.
Are they the same as the home kits?
No. Van and boat panels charge a 12V battery. Home kits plug into an outdoor socket and help power your home.
Will you deliver panels to Northern Ireland?
We'll confirm where we can deliver panels when they're on sale. Home plug-in kits can't go to Northern Ireland.