Do I need an electrician to install plug-in solar?
No. Our systems are designed for DIY installation. You connect the panel to the microinverter, position it in your outdoor space, and plug it into a standard 13A UK socket. The whole process takes 10–15 minutes.

Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Ground-mounted and balcony systems are generally Permitted Development. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have additional requirements. See our Regulations page for full details.

Will it work if I rent?
Technically, you need your landlord’s permission — but because our systems require no drilling and leave no marks, most landlords agree readily. We provide a consent letter template to help.

How much does it cost to run?
Nothing. The panels have no moving parts and use no electricity to operate. Maintenance is limited to an occasional wipe-down.

How much electricity will I generate?
A single 400W panel in the UK generates approximately 350–420 kWh per year under average conditions. That’s roughly £84–£101 in savings at current energy prices. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.

Does it work in cloudy weather?
Yes. Solar panels generate from daylight, not direct sunshine. Output is reduced on overcast days (typically 10–25% of peak) but generation continues year-round.

Will it work in winter?
Yes, though output is lower. December and January typically produce 15–20% of peak summer generation. The full annual saving accounts for this seasonal variation.

How quickly will it pay for itself?
Most customers see payback in 3–4 years. After that, every unit generated is pure saving.

What happens if there’s a power cut?
Your system automatically shuts down during a power cut. This is a safety requirement — it prevents your panels from feeding electricity into lines that engineers may be working on.  Similary if a wire gets cut or pulled out.  The system just shuts down.   It needs a secure connection to your plug socket to be live.

Can I connect more than one panel?
Yes. Each panel connects to its own socket. You can have up to 2 panels per circuit. For larger systems, use sockets on different circuits.

Does my meter need to be a smart meter?
No. Any standard UK electricity meter will slow down when you’re generating solar power (an old style spinning disk one may go backwards).. A smart meter lets you monitor generation more precisely and may enable Smart Export Guarantee payments in the future.

What if I move house?
Just unplug the system, dismantle the mounting, and take it with you. The whole system is fully portable.