£700 plug-in solar panels to go on sale in days – where to buy them

Plug-in solar panel kits are set to hit the UK market on Thursday, offering consumers a chance to harness renewable energy at home. British firm UKSOL has secured regulatory approval for its one-panel solar kit, priced at £699, making it the first company to meet compliance standards for these devices. The product will begin selling online via Argos and other suppliers starting 27 August, although availability in physical stores is unlikely until later in the year. The government's recent legislative changes, pushed forward by Labour ministers, allow households to legally use compliant plug-in solar systems from 27 August. UKSOL became the first company to have its kits approved by the Energy Networks Association (ENA), with two models specifically designed for garden installation rather than balcony mounting. These kits will be sold through Argos and City Plumbers, a building materials retailer with over 350 locations across the country. In addition to these retailers, UKSOL’s products will be available directly from its website and other specialist suppliers. However, initial sales will be limited to delivery-only options, with in-store purchases expected to follow once logistical challenges are resolved. Retail giants including Lidl, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix, and Wickes have shown interest in carrying the kits, though none have announced specific launch dates yet. The government anticipates that some of these major retailers might offer the kits for delivery by 27 August, but availability within physical stores is likely to lag behind due to the complexities of managing larger items in retail environments. UKSOL offers two distinct models of its plug-in solar kits. The first model features a single 460W panel equipped with an 800W microinverter capable of initiating power generation immediately. Priced at approximately £699, this package includes a mounting kit and an application for monitoring performance. A second, more powerful version consists of two panels totaling 890W, intended to produce greater output during periods of reduced sunlight typical in autumn and winter. Despite having a higher capacity, the microinverter limits the maximum electricity generated to 800W. This model carries a price tag of £999 and also includes the mounting kit and monitoring app. Andrew Moore, CEO of UKSOL, expressed enthusiasm about the product launch, highlighting the potential benefits for consumers who wish to cut their energy costs and decrease dependency on traditional energy providers. He noted that the savings achievable through the use of these solar kits could range from £70 to £110 annually, based on government estimates. However, actual savings depend largely on factors such as the placement of the panels, exposure to direct sunlight, and the absence of obstructions causing shade. Despite the excitement surrounding the new product, challenges remain regarding the distribution and accessibility of plug-in solar kits in the UK. While online availability is imminent, the transition to in-store presence requires careful planning and coordination among retailers. This process may take several weeks, given the logistical demands associated with handling bulkier goods typically found in supermarket settings. Nevertheless, the introduction of these kits marks a significant step towards broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in domestic settings.