Plug-in solar panels for UK homes

Plug-in solar PV systems offer UK households a simple and cost-effective way to generate electricity by connecting small-scale solar panels directly to standard socket-outlets.

This presents a clear opportunity to reduce energy bills and support decarbonisation goals. However, it introduces significant electrical safety risks that must be addressed before widespread adoption.

The primary risks associated with plug-in PV stem from potential electrical hazards, and these can be amplified by consumer behaviour and misuse.

Electrical Safety First welcomes the ongoing technical assessment and standards development work currently being undertaken by the Government, standards bodies and industry stakeholders.

This report is intended to support that process by identifying areas requiring further consideration before widespread rollout. It explores potential safety issues and concerns, as well as presenting several solutions, to aid the safe adoption of these
systems in the UK.

This report does not consider mechanical/structural considerations in depth, which will also need to be explored.