Plug-in solar kits sit on a balcony, wall or garden stand and feed power straight into a normal socket. These calculators estimate what a kit will generate where you live and how much of your bill it can cut.
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In Great Britain, plug-in solar became legal on 27 August 2026 for certified kits with an inverter output of up to 800 W. Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium already allow similar balcony systems, usually with the same 800 W limit at the socket.
The two tools below answer different questions. The plug-in solar calculator focuses on money: savings, self-use and payback. The balcony solar calculator focuses on placement: railing, wall or stand, the direction you face and the monthly output that results.
All plug-in & balcony solar calculators
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Guides on this topic
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Balcony Solar Rules in Germany: Limits, Registration and Rights
Germany’s Balkonkraftwerk rules in English: limits, MaStR, plugs, meters, tenants and the UK comparison.
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Plug-In Solar for Renters: Permission, Rules and Moving
How UK tenants can use plug-in solar: landlord permission, suitable homes, wiring rules and moving out.
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Are Plug-In Solar Panels Worth It? UK Savings and Payback
UK savings and payback for plug-in solar at the October 2026 price cap, by kit price and daytime use.
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Plug-In Solar Rules in the UK: What the Law Allows
The GB plug-in solar rules: 800 W cap, sockets, registration, banned mounts and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does an 800 W plug-in solar kit make?
A well placed 800 W kit in the UK typically makes several hundred kWh a year, with southern Europe producing noticeably more. The exact figure depends on panel watts, direction, tilt and shading, which is why the calculators ask for each one.
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
Yes. Since 27 August 2026, certified plug-in solar kits with up to 800 W inverter output can be used in Great Britain. The kit must meet the government product specification, so check the listing before you buy rather than using an uncertified system.
Do I need an electrician for a plug-in solar kit?
A certified plug-in kit is designed to be plugged into a suitable fixed socket by the householder. Any change to your wiring, a new outdoor socket or a larger fixed system must be installed by a qualified electrician and meet BS 7671 in the UK.
Checked October 2026 by the Solaxyra Editorial Team. Read how we build and check our tools in our editorial policy.