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I rent or live in a flat - can I have solar?

Short answer

Plug-in solar became legal in Great Britain on 27 August 2026: one device up to 800 W that plugs into a socket and meets the government's product specification. Renters and leaseholders should get landlord or freeholder consent first and notify the network operator. Plug-in kits with batteries sit outside this route.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 2 sources

In more detail

  • SI 2026/848: 'plug-in microgenerator' = solar, max 800 W AC, standard plug, parallel with network, not designed to import to store; must comply with the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification v2 (16 Jul 2026). ESQCR amendment extends to England, Wales and Scotland only.
  • DESNZ response: one device per household under current G98 until G98 is amended (then one per circuit); guidance themes include RCD protection, no extension leads or daisy chains, DNO notification via G98, landlord/freeholder consent.
  • Plug-in devices give no power in a power cut and cannot be combined with battery storage under the route.
  • England planning: SI 2026/896 brings plug-in solar into Part 14 permitted development but not on wooden walls, balconies or timber-clad parts; other nations' rules differ.
  • Rooftop solar for tenants needs landlord agreement; SEG income goes to whoever holds the export contract.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    Plug-in solar legal in GB from 27 Aug 2026 (SI 2026/848) — 2026-08-27

    regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk

  2. 02
    Plug-in microgenerator maximum rated AC output — 800 W

    regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk

  3. 03
    One plug-in device per household under G98 until amended — 1 device

    regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK

What we saw in the field

[QA review 2026-09-24] P-1 AGREES; P-2 ADDS: renter must also have landlord consent for a hardwired battery system. | Earlier notes: The Jackery SolarVault install at a rented home was hardwired by an electrician via a fused connection unit because a battery system is outside the plug-in route; discharge limited to 800 W when on a plug. Consistent with the legislation.

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026