Plug-in solar panels became legal in Great Britain on 27 August 2026. The change came from a new law, SI 2026/848. A minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero signed it. It sounds simple, but the legal picture has one important wrinkle.
What changed on 27 August 2026?
A new law called SI 2026/848 came into force that day. It was made on 16 July 2026 and laid before Parliament the next day. It lets a plug connect a solar device to a socket, something the old plug rules used to block. Our 800 W rule guide explains the size limit.
What counts as a "plug-in microgenerator"?
The law gives this a precise meaning. It's a source that makes power straight from sunlight, and tops out at 800 watts AC. It plugs into a normal socket with a standard plug. It works alongside the grid, and doesn't store power for later use. Anything outside that definition isn't covered. You must also register your kit; see our network operator guide.
Does the law cover the whole UK the same way?
Not quite, and this is the part people miss. The rule that lets a notified body approve the plug covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The rule about installing and running the device only covers England, Wales, and Scotland. That's Great Britain, not Northern Ireland.
What about Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland's own connection rules, set out separately, have not changed. The official spec says its application to Northern Ireland is "subject to further consideration". If you're in Northern Ireland, hold off. Our Northern Ireland guide has the detail.
The quick version
- Plug-in solar became legal in Great Britain on 27 August 2026. Northern Ireland is not covered.
- The operating rule only covers Great Britain, not Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland's own connection rules are unchanged. Wait for news before buying there.