News•Feb 18, 2026
Balcony Solar in the UK
Plug‑in or balcony solar lets households connect small PV arrays directly to a wall socket, bypassing traditional wiring and electrician costs. The UK currently bans this approach, unlike 25 of 27 EU states that have deregulated it after safety certifications. Germany’s 2019 deregulation sparked rapid growth, with over 1.2 million registered units and an estimated 1‑2% of national electricity from plug‑in systems. Analysts estimate UK adopters could save 10‑15% on electricity bills, achieving payback in roughly four years.