UK balcony solar FAQ
Quick answer: Both routes are legal in Great Britain — the hardwired ≤800W route (CPS-registered electrician + G98 to your DNO) under BS 7671 Amendment 4 (in force 15 April 2026), and, since 27 August 2026, the plug-in route under SI 2026 No. 848 (made 16 July 2026) for a device certified to Interim Product Specification v2 — we know of no kit certified to it yet. 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?
- Yes, on both routes. 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 G98 Connect & Notify to the DNO. SI 2026 No. 848 was made on 16 July 2026 and came into force on 27 August 2026, so a compliant plug-in microgenerator with a maximum rated AC output not exceeding 800W, meeting the Interim Product Specification v2, is legal. We know of no kit certified to that specification yet, so ask the retailer to confirm before you buy for the plug-in route.
- 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?
- Yes, if the device is a compliant plug-in microgenerator. SI 2026 No. 848 was made on 16 July 2026 and came into force on 27 August 2026, so a solar device up to 800W AC that meets the Interim Product Specification v2 may be plugged into a standard socket. We know of no kit certified to that specification yet. The hardwired 800W route with a CPS-registered electrician and a G98 notification remains available. See Can you plug into a normal socket?
- Do I need to tell my DNO?
- Yes — via an 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.