Plug-in solar panels legal to buy and use: comment

Commenting on the news that plug-in solar panels have become legal across Great Britain [1], Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: "Plug-in solar can help even more people take back some control of their energy bills after back-to-back energy crises. Households seem keen to do just that given we’ve seen a surge of interest in net zero technologies like EVs and rooftop solar panels since the US Iran war drove up the prices of gas and oil again.

"This move brings the UK in line with other countries that have sold these panels for years, helping to stabilise bills and lower the amount of gas we need, which is increasingly being imported from the likes of the US, under Trump. So as well as making bills more affordable, this net zero tech helps with our energy security.

“In the summer, combined with an air-to-air heat pump which the government is now supporting, this solar could help cool homes. Relatively short pay back times of around 5 years at current prices help make the case to those who can afford the upfront costs, with the Government's upcoming Warm Homes Plan schemes a chance to help those who can't afford it."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Plug-in solar panels are available from 27 August. 

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 020 8156 5305, M: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net