Before you buy: plug-in solar checklist
Six things to check before you order a plug-in solar kit. They come from the plug-in solar rules and from the maker's own instructions.
Space and direction
Measure the spot you have in mind, left to right and front to back. Ground-mount kits need level ground. Hybrid mount kits can also go on a wall, after a professional assessment.
| Kit | Space needed | Mounting |
|---|---|---|
| Compact 460W | 1.9m × 1.2m | Ground |
| Compact 515W | 2.0m × 1.2m | Wall or ground |
| Duo 890W | 3.7m × 1.2m | Ground, or wall or ground (hybrid) |
| Plus 1030W | 2.5m × 2.2m | Wall or ground |
| Max 1260W | 5.0m × 1.2m | Wall or ground |
Face the panels as close to south as you can, clear of shade from trees, fences and walls. A spot facing east or west, or in shade for part of the day, makes less.
Where a kit can't go
- a balcony (the maker's datasheets say the kits aren't suitable for balconies)
- a building with timber, ACM, MCM or HPL cladding
- a building having external wall remediation
- a wall forming a boundary between properties, such as one shared with a neighbouring home
- anywhere it would be fixed with cable ties, rope, straps or tape
A suitable socket and RCD protection
Plug the kit straight into a wall socket within reach of its 4m cable. Never use an extension lead, cable reel or adaptor.
The maker's datasheets say the kits are designed for a suitable outdoor socket fitted and certified by a qualified electrician. The maker's checklist asks for a weatherproof outdoor socket (at least IP55) within 4m of where the kit will sit, in good condition with no signs of damage, overheating or burning. If there isn't one near your spot, an electrician can fit one.
Your fuse box should have modern RCD protection (a residual current device). If you have an older fuse box, or you're not sure, have an electrician check it before you plug the kit in.
The Plus 1030W and Max 1260W kits have more than 960W of panels. The government's product specification says users should consider professional assessment of their electrical installation above 960W, so consider a professional check of your electrics.
One kit per household
The grid connection rules allow one plug-in solar kit per home. We sell one kit per household, and our checkout takes one kit per order.
If you already have rooftop solar, ask your electricity network operator in writing before you add a plug-in kit.
Plug-in kits must not be used with a home battery.
Renting or leasehold
If you rent, own a leasehold flat or live in a managed building, you'll usually need written permission from your landlord, freeholder, managing agent or factor. They can say no, so ask before you buy.
Tell your home insurer before you fit the kit, whoever owns your home.
If you buy a kit and then find you can't use it, you can still cancel within 14 days of delivery. Our returns and cancellations explain how.
Registering your kit
Register your kit free at myplugin.solar before you first use it. It tells your local electricity network the kit is there.
Lifting and handling
Kits are heavy. Boxes weigh from 41kg (Compact 460W) to 96kg (Max 1260W), and the longest panels are 2.4m.
- Have two people to move the box
- Clear a route from your door to the spot
- Find somewhere flat and dry to unpack
- Follow the maker's instructions for handling the glass panels