Plug-in batteries seem like a great fit for your new plug-in solar panels,
but don't rush to buy one just yet the rules are more complicated than you'd think

Date:
Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Description:
Plug-in solar panels are now legal, but plug-in batteries have yet to receive the green light.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Plug-in solar panels became legal in the UK today (September 27). These panels plug directly into an ordinary mains power socket, and could cut your electricity bill
considerably; in fact, experts have told us that a plug-in solar system could effectively pay for itself in three to five years .

However, although plug-in solar panels are now legal, plug-in batteries
(which store electricity then discharge it back into the circuit later) are not. "Without a battery, solar energy generated during the day is either used immediately or exported to the grid, and consumers have to buy electricity at a higher price in the evening to meet their need," explains Anker Solix , which produces portable power stations and solar generators, and today launched the Solarbank 4 Pro solar battery . Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

The Solarbank 4 Pro is described as "plug-in ready", but can currently only
be installed in your home via a hardwired connection, and must be fitted by a Part P registered electrician for now.

Anker Solix is among many companies banking on plug-in batteries becoming legal in the UK soon, but we don't yet know when that might happen. You may like Solar panels you can plug straight into a wall are almost here but are they worth it? Plug-in solar just became legal in the UK 5 things you need
to know Why plug-in batteries are the next money-saving 'game changer' for homes What's the problem with plug-in batteries? The problem (as described by Regen , a not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency), is that wiring in UK homes wasn't designed for energy to be discharged back into it.

Your home has circuit breakers, which protect against overloading and fires. They turn off the power to a circuit if the load gets too high, or there's a major system fault. Each circuit breaker has a lower rating than the physical limit of the circuit, which provides a buffer for safety. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"The problem with a discharging battery is known as load masking," explains Regen . "Circuit breakers only detect the current flowing past them from the consumer unit, and they cannot see that a battery is plugged in. So when a battery discharges into a wall socket, the appliances on that circuit can
draw power from the battery instead of the consumer unit and the breaker continues to allow current up to its rating on top of what the battery is supplying.

"The wiring closest to the appliances can therefore carry more current than the circuit breaker is set to protect against. Exceeding the rated current could lead to the wire getting hot, increasing the risk of a fire." Should
you buy a 'future-ready' plug-in battery? Choosing to buy a plug-in solar battery now is a calculated risk. Companies like Anker Solix can make well-informed predictions about the future requirements for plug-in
batteries, and are keeping a close eye on developments. For example, capping the contribution from plug-in batteries at a low level could help avoid pushing wiring beyond its physical limits, even accounting for load masking.

However, although plug-in batteries seem like the logical next step in home solar, and big manufacturers are optimistic, there's no guarantee if, or
when, they'll be given the green light.

If you're thinking about installing a plug-in solar system, take a look at
our guide to three places you can't install plug-in solar panels first the planning rules are very specific, and you'll need to think about where you're going to fit them carefully. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best home security cameras Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

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