Renters blocked from installing £600 plug-in solar panels

Renters in England face potential barriers to installing plug-in solar panels due to uncertainties surrounding planning rules and landlord approval, according to reports. The issue has sparked calls for clearer legal guidelines to enable tenants to reduce their energy costs significantly. The first batch of self-install solar kits became available last week for £699, following new government compliance standards. Retailers anticipate prices dropping below £600 as more companies begin offering these renewable energy solutions. A model priced at £599 is expected to launch in October. The initial compliant plug-in solar kits produced by UK-based company UKsol are intended for installation in gardens, rather than being attached to balconies. Balcony-specific models are anticipated to enter the market shortly, catering to renters living in apartments who previously found it difficult to benefit from conventional rooftop solar systems. However, a prominent housing association has already prohibited its tenants from installing such devices. Government officials have emphasized that the final decision regarding tenant applications for plug-in solar installations lies with the landlords. Officials have communicated to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) that they expect these new solar kits to be viewed positively. Climate minister Katie White had previously indicated that the government might consider legal modifications if plug-in solar technology creates friction between tenants and landlords. However, energy minister Martin McCluskey recently stated that he does not foresee the necessity for additional legislation. Katie White visited the UKsol factory to inspect components of the new plug-in solar kits. Prices are projected to fall beneath £600 as more retailers stock these domestic renewable energy devices (Photo: DESNZ) Despite this, the NRLA informed The i Paper that there is currently no definitive guidance for landlords tasked with ensuring the safety and hazard-free status of their properties. Meera Chindooroy, the NRLA's deputy director of campaigns, stressed the urgency for the government to release this information promptly to facilitate discussions between tenants and landlords. Landlords may refuse requests citing insurance concerns, as per recent rule amendments effective from 27 August. These changes classify plug-in solar kits as "permitted development," typically exempt from requiring planning consent. Nevertheless, several exceptions exist. Planning permission is mandatory for installations on wooden walls, balconies, enclosures, or any section of the exterior of a block of flats clad in timber. Additionally, specific "protrusion" limitations apply, such as restrictions preventing panels from extending more than 0.4 meters beyond the wall surface, to avoid needing planning permission. Justin Dring, an expert at Independent Solar Consultants advising property owners, believes many landlords might still decline plug-in solar panels. He noted that landlords often raise insurance-related concerns, driven by uncertainties about whether tenants will install the devices correctly or adhere to planning regulations. Dring remarked to The i Paper that landlords might respond with, "You're not plugging that in on my property." When considering insurance, questions arise concerning liability if a panel detaches during a storm, damages neighboring property, or causes an electrical malfunction. This area remains largely uncharted, creating a complex and ambiguous scenario. Dring described the situation as a "minefield," noting that if complications arise, blame could be assigned to multiple parties. He suggested that it would be preferable for the government to establish comprehensive regulations outlining requirements and responsibilities.