UK balcony solar FAQ
Quick answer: DIY plug-in solar is not legal yet in the UK — only the hardwired ≤800W route (CPS-registered electrician + free G98 to your DNO) is legal today under BS 7671 Amendment 4 (in force 15 April 2026). A DESNZ consultation to legalise DIY plug-in closed on 30 June 2026 (response summary expected ~22 July). Once installed, most flat-owners save £130–£200/year at ~27p/kWh, payback 3–5 years. See UK Legal.
- Is balcony solar legal in the UK in 2026?
- Not yet for true plug-and-play DIY. BS 7671 Amendment 4 (in force 15 April 2026) reclassifies a compliant ≤800W microgeneration unit as a portable appliance, which enables an 800W hardwired install by a CPS-registered electrician with a free G98 Connect & Notify to the DNO — but not unqualified DIY plug-in. On 16 June 2026 DESNZ opened a consultation to legalise plug-in solar (closed 30 June 2026; response summary expected ~22 July) via an amendment to the Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994 plus a DESNZ interim product specification. DIY plug-in solar is not legal yet.
- What does “800W” refer to — inverter or panels?
- Inverter AC output. You can run 1,000W+ of panels behind a clipping 800W inverter. The cap exists because that’s the safe amount to backfeed onto a normal household circuit. See The 800W limit explained.
- Can I just plug it into a normal socket?
- Not yet, in the unqualified DIY sense. DIY plug-in solar is not legal yet: on 16 June 2026 DESNZ opened a consultation to legalise it (closed 30 June 2026; response summary expected ~22 July) via a PSSR amendment + DESNZ interim product specification. Today's compliant pathway is an 800W hardwired install by a CPS-registered electrician + free G98 notification. See Can you plug into a normal socket?
- Do I need to tell my DNO?
- Yes — via a free online G98 Connect & Notify form. It’s a notification (post-install), not an approval. Takes ~10 minutes. Each DNO has its own portal — e.g. our UK Power Networks G98 guide. See the G98 walkthrough.
- Do I need planning permission?
- For most flats, no. Microgeneration up to 800W on a balcony or external wall does not normally require planning permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas have additional restrictions — always check with your local planning authority.
- What if I rent?
- You need landlord permission. Amendment 4 doesn’t override tenancy. A written request showing the kit is portable and removable without damage is usually accepted.
- What if my flat is leasehold?
- Check your lease for clauses about altering the external appearance of the building or attaching things to the structure. Even a non-permanent install may need freeholder consent. This is the most common UK gotcha.
- Do I get paid for electricity I export?
- Generally no. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires an MCS-certified install and a smart meter, which plug-in balcony installs rarely meet. Savings are self-consumption only.
- How much will I save per year?
- At the current ~27p/kWh UK price cap, an 800W kit producing ~600–900 kWh/year saves £130–£200. Use our UK savings calculator to model your specific situation.
- Do I need a battery?
- No, but it raises self-consumption from ~65% to ~90% and adds £30–£60/year of savings. Battery-alone payback is slow (8–15 years), so add one only if you also want resilience or time-of-use shifting. See Plug-in battery storage UK.
- Are EcoFlow / Anker / Zendure UK Amazon kits legitimate?
- Yes — all three are mainstream European brands with type-approved anti-islanding inverters. Stock varies (EcoFlow has the best UK availability; Anker SOLIX is intermittent). See Best UK balcony solar kits 2026.
- What about MCS certification?
- Not required for ≤800W plug-in installs — MCS is for larger grid-tied systems and is what unlocks SEG income. Plug-in installs are explicitly outside MCS’s scope.