Plug-in solar in Broadstairs, from about £450
A panel and small inverter that plugs into a normal socket. No roof needed. A small, simple way to start for flats and rented homes.
What you get
- An approved kit with panel, small inverter, mounting and cable. The Energy Saving Trust says kits start from around £450.
- Savings of about £70 to £100 a year, says the Energy Saving Trust. It is small, but it needs no roof.
- We only supply kits that are on the official approved list.
- Help to register it with your network operator, South Eastern Power Networks.
The rules, kept simple
- Only approved kits are legal. Cheaper kits sold online that are not approved fall outside the legal rules.
- One kit per home, up to 800W.
- You must register it before you use it.
- Flat owners and renters need written permission from their landlord, freeholder or managing agent.
- It is not wired into your fuse board. If you want that, choose a full install.
Where it works. A balcony, yard or garden with a few hours of sun, in a flat or house. The Planning Portal says the planning rules block plug-in kits on wooden structures and cladding. If you are in a conservation area or have a listed building, tell us before you buy and we will check it.
Want more than a plug-in kit? Roof solar makes about five to ten times the power, can qualify for export payments, and can take a battery. See solar only or solar and battery. Rooftop installs are delivered with our MCS-certified installation partner.
Plug-in solar questions
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
Yes, in Great Britain, from 27 August 2026, for kits that meet the government rules. Northern Ireland is not covered yet. GOV.UK and the Energy Saving Trust confirm this.
How much power can a plug-in kit make?
It is limited to 800W, which the Energy Saving Trust puts at about 700 kWh a year. It estimates a saving of about £70 to £100 a year. GOV.UK says up to £110.
Do I have to register it?
Yes. The Energy Saving Trust says you must register a plug-in kit before you use it, which tells your network operator. For Kent that is South Eastern Power Networks. We help you do this.
Can I get export payments?
Not normally. Most suppliers need an MCS certificate for the Smart Export Guarantee, and plug-in kits do not have one. Ask your supplier.
Can I add a battery to a plug-in kit?
The plug-in rules do not cover kits with built-in batteries. For a battery, choose a full MCS install, see our solar and battery page.
I rent or live in a flat. Can I use one?
You need written permission from your landlord, freeholder or managing agent first. See our guide for Broadstairs flats and rented homes.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust plug-in solar guide and GOV.UK, October 2026. Last reviewed 7 October 2026.
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