West Lothian MP welcomes move on plug-in solar panels
Households across West Lothian could save up to £110 a year on their energy bills as plug-in solar panels become legal to buy and use across Great Britain.
The easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes from 27 August, giving households a new way to generate their own clean electricity without the significant upfront cost associated with traditional rooftop solar.
Each plug-in solar kit can produce up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of the electricity used by an average home. When the sun is shining, that could help power everyday appliances including a fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and games console.
The change could be particularly useful for households who cannot install traditional solar panels, including some renters, flat owners and people whose homes are unsuitable for rooftop systems.
The legal changes follow independent safety testing covering the key electrical elements of plug-in solar systems, demonstrating that compliant products are safe and compatible with UK wiring.
Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton welcomed the move, saying:
“People across West Lothian are looking for practical ways to bring down their household bills, and giving people more options to generate their own electricity is a welcome step.
“For many households, traditional solar panels simply aren't an option because of the type of property they live in or the upfront cost involved. Plug-in solar could give renters, flat owners and others a much simpler way to make use of clean, homegrown energy.
“We need to keep bringing down energy costs for families, while strengthening our energy security and moving away from our reliance on volatile international gas prices. Making it easier for households to generate their own clean power is part of that.”
The panels can be used in outdoor spaces and, in some circumstances, on balconies. Households should check whether they require permission before installing one, including from a landlord, building owner or freeholder, and whether planning permission or listed building consent is required.
Major retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon are working with the Government on the rollout, with products expected to become available in stores and online.
The move comes as demand for solar power continues to grow across the UK. Figures from MCS show that almost 150,000 certified solar installations were completed in the first six months of 2026, 17% higher than the previous record start to a year in 2025.
Battery installations have also increased significantly, with almost 36,000 certified installations in the first half of 2026, nearly double the figure for the same period last year.
The UK Labour Government says plug-in solar builds on the savings already available to households through rooftop solar, while giving more people access to clean, homegrown electricity regardless of whether they own a suitable roof.