What are the rules for connecting plug-in (balcony) solar in Great Britain from 27 August 2026?
Short answer
Only kits meeting DESNZ's Interim Product Specification v2 are legal: solar only, up to 800 VA and 3.5 A, a moulded BS 1363 plug fused at 5 A or less, and no grid-charged battery. Plug straight into a socket, never via extension leads or adaptors. G98 Amendment 1 allows one per household; the customer notifies the DNO.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 3 sources
In more detail
- SI 2026/848 in force 27 Aug 2026; ESQCR part extends to GB only.
- Module DC total <=2,000 W; professional assessment advised above 960 W; <=4 modules, <=2 in series, Voc <=120 V.
- Device must be G98 type tested and listed on the ENA register before sale.
- Outdoor sockets IP55+; not on timber/ACM/MCM/HPL cladding, timber balconies or remediation buildings.
- Spec permits one per final circuit, but G98 Amd 1 (one per Customer Installation) prevails.
- Engineer role: check socket/circuit condition, RCD/RCBO type and bidirectional suitability when asked.
The facts, dated
- 01Plug-in microgenerator maximum rated AC output — 800 W
regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk
- 02Plug-in regulations in force — 2026-08-27 date
regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk
- 03Maximum current at point of connection — 3.5 A
standard · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK
- 04Maximum plug fuse rating — 5 A
standard · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK
- 05Plug-in micro-generators permitted per Customer Installation under G98 Issue 2 Amd 1 — 1 device
standard · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · Ofgem
What we saw in the field
[QA review 2026-09-24] P-1 AGREES: SolarVault (grid-chargeable battery) is outside the SI 2026/848 route. | Earlier notes: Field install used a Jackery SolarVault (battery) hardwired - outside the plug-in route; its 800 W-on-plug mode does not make a battery kit legal as plug-in solar.
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/848/made
- GOV.UK — assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a60a03c47af652afa0c89f5/plug-in-solar-fi…
- Ofgem — www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-08/Ofgem-decision-to-Approve-DCRP-MP-2…
Last checked: 24 September 2026