Plug-in solar PV rollout begins, but not all homes will be suitable, says the IET

Plug-in solar PV units are designed to make it easier for households to generate some of their own electricity. But while the systems may appear simple to use, the IET is warning that not every home's electrical installation will necessarily be suitable.

The IET is therefore advising consumers to have their electrical installation assessed by a competent electrician before purchasing or connecting a plug-in solar PV unit.

New IET consumer research suggests that many householders may not have enough information to assess this themselves.

Nearly four in ten UK adults (39%) say they would feel confident checking whether their home's electrical installation is suitable for plug-in solar PV. However, only one in four (25%) know what type of Residual Current Device (RCD) is installed in their home.

More than a third (37%) do not know what an RCD is, while just 11% know both what type of RCD they have and how to test it.

An RCD is an important electrical safety device that can disconnect the current very quickly to save a person’s life. However, simply having an RCD does not necessarily mean a home is ready for plug-in solar PV.
Not all RCDs work in the same way, and some older types may not be suitable for use with plug-in solar PV units.

Most homes have traditionally been designed around power flowing from the electrical installation to household appliances. Plug-in solar PV introduces another source of electricity into the home's circuits, which means the existing electrical installation and its safety devices need to be suitable for this different bidirectional arrangement.

However, identifying the type of RCD installed and whether the wider electrical installation is suitable is not always something a householder can determine by looking at their consumer unit. In many cases, an assessment by a competent electrician is needed.

Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said:

"Plug-in solar PV could give more households the opportunity to generate some of their own renewable electricity. But consumers should not assume that because a system simply plugs into a socket, that it will automatically be suitable for every home.

"The key question is whether the home's electrical installation has the right protection in place and is suitable to accommodate plug-in solar PV. That is not something most householders can reasonably be expected to assess themselves.

"Our advice is that before buying or connecting a plug-in solar system, speak to a competent electrician and have your electrical installation checked.

"Plug-in solar PV may be a new and accessible technology, but it still needs to be used and operated safely."

The research also suggests that consumers may not always follow the safety guidance provided with new electrical products.

More than a third (36%) say they only sometimes, rarely or never read safety instructions before using a new electrical product. Thirteen per cent say they rarely or never read them at all.

The IET also identified examples of potential misuse. If a plug-in solar PV cable would not reach a suitable socket, almost one in four people (23%) said they would use an extension lead or multiway adaptor.

Plug-in solar PV units should typically be connected directly to a suitable socket outlet. Using extension leads or adaptors where they are not intended could introduce additional safety risks.

The IET is therefore urging consumers not to treat plug-in solar PV as simply another appliance that can be plugged in without further consideration. Before purchasing a system, householders should seek professional advice from a competent electrician and ensure their electrical installation has been assessed for suitability.