Published: Tue 9 Jun 2026
Joint statement from ECA, Electrical Safety First, the IET, NICEIC and SELECT on plug-in solar panels
ECA, Electrical Safety First (ESF), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), NICEIC and SELECT support making clean, lower-cost energy more accessible. But safety must come first if plug-in solar panels are promoted to UK consumers. As safety-critical electrical products, they should only be sold once the right product checks and guidance are in place. Without clear standards, there is a real risk of danger in people’s homes, problems for the electricity network, and damage to public trust in greener energy.
As organisations that work on electrical safety, engineering standards and professional competence, we believe important questions still need to be answered before plug-in solar panels are adopted on a large scale. We are urging the Government to move carefully and make sure safety, product quality, proper installation and the resilience of the electricity system are built in from the start.
Safety must not be an afterthought
It is not clear how plug-in solar panels would work with the millions of electrical systems already found in UK homes, especially older properties. Many homes may have ageing wiring, outdated safety devices or systems that have not been checked in years. A product that looks easy to use could end up being connected to a home electrical system that was never designed for it. In the worst cases, that could increase the risk of overheating, fire or electric shock.
Six main safety concerns:
- Electricity could flow in ways many homes were not designed for
Ordinary plug-in appliances take electricity from your home. Plug-in solar panels do something different: they also send electricity back into the home’s wiring. That may sound minor, but it changes how the system behaves. Some household safety devices may not work as expected if the wiring has not been properly assessed for this kind of setup. Most homeowners would have no way of knowing whether their home is suitable, which is why this should not be treated as a simple plug-and-play product. - Fire risk
More than half of UK homes were built over 100 years ago. In some of these properties, the wiring may be old, damaged or no longer in good condition. Adding plug-in solar panels without checking the electrical system first could raise the risk of cables overheating, especially if more than one unit is used. - Product standards may not yet be strong or consistent enough
The Government has said plug-in solar panels could be made available quickly. But if products reach shops before clear UK standards and proper enforcement are in place, consumers could end up buying items of mixed quality, with unclear safety rules and a greater risk of unsafe imports.
For example, some products are already being advertised with flat cables designed to run under doors or through gaps not meant for electrical equipment. If these accessories become normal without clear rules, testing and enforcement, they could increase the risk of damaged insulation, overheating and fire in the home. - There are wider questions about the electricity network
In the UK, electricity networks are normally managed, so operators know what new equipment is being connected. That matters because even small devices can have an impact when lots of people use them. If plug-in solar panels are sold like ordinary consumer products, without a clear system for notification and oversight, network operators may have less visibility of what is connected and where.
The concern is not just theoretical. If many flats in one building each had plug-in solar panels, the combined effect on the local network could be significant. A single unit may be small, but large numbers of them could still create real challenges for safety, planning and reliability. - Insurance and responsibility are still unclear
There are also unanswered questions about insurance and liability. If a fire or electrical fault was linked to a plug-in solar panel, it is not yet clear how insurers would respond if the unit had been installed by the consumer, not declared in advance, or connected to a home electrical system that was unsuitable. People should understand these risks before being encouraged to buy. - Unsafe use could create extra hazards
Some consumers may try to use extension leads, adaptors or several devices on the same circuit. Others may install panels in unsafe places such as balconies or gardens without proper fixing. These kinds of improvised setups can increase the risk of overheating, fire, trips and falls, or even panels coming loose and falling from height.
Traditional rooftop solar is usually installed as one dedicated system with built-in safeguards. Plug-in solar panels could mean several separate devices connected through ordinary sockets. It is not yet clear how those systems would behave in every situation, including during a power cut. That is another reason why the safety rules need to be settled before these products are widely sold.
A lower price should not come before safety
Plug-in solar panels are appealing to consumers, they appear cheaper, and easier to install and use than traditional solar systems. But when electricity is involved, a low cost can conceal hidden dangers and involve extra expense to adapt a dwelling. If price is the main selling point, there is a risk that proper checks, safe installation and consumer protection will be treated as optional.
A badly regulated bargain product might cut bills in the short term, but it could also shift risk onto households, landlords, insurers, emergency services and the wider electricity system. If problems arise, it could undermine confidence in the move to cleaner energy.
The electrotechnical industry supports innovation and recognises new technologies can help more people access cleaner energy. But plug-in solar panels should only be rolled out once the right framework is in place, which includes, clear product standards, proper enforcement, safe installation routes, straightforward consumer guidance and protections for both households and the electricity network. Careful checks are not a barrier to progress. They are what make progress safe and trustworthy.