Octopus Energy has become the first major supplier to offer plug-in solar panel kits to British households, following the introduction of new regulations that permit the technology.
The system allows customers to produce their own electricity without the need for conventional rooftop panel installations, opening up solar power to renters, those living in flats, and homeowners whose roofs are unsuitable.
Kits are available from £450, with buyers able to select either a single or dual-panel configuration to match their property and budget.
Each panel delivers 460W of output and features a bifacial design that captures sunlight from both sides, with the option to mount units on either a wall or the ground.
Octopus Energy is rolling out its own plug-in solar panels
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PA / OCTOPUS ENERGY
A standard three-pin plug and 5m cable are included, enabling the system to be connected directly to the home and used to power everyday appliances such as fridges, televisions and washing machines.
Installation requires no professional help, the kit is designed as a straightforward DIY job that can be completed within roughly an hour.
Crucially, the panels are fully portable, so customers who relocate can simply unplug the system and take it with them. Generated electricity can be monitored through the Octopus app.
Octopus estimates that households could trim their bills by as much as £150, though actual savings will vary according to local sunlight conditions and individual energy consumption.
Labour has approved two new solar panels this summer
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GETTYExperts explain that plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away | GETTY
Those who opt for the two-panel setup and combine it with a smart export tariff could recoup the full cost of the equipment within approximately five and a half years.
Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate plug-in solar panels with its Nook Cube plug-in battery product, with a launch scheduled for early next year.
That combined offering will be available not only in the UK but also in Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Greg Jackson is the CEO of Octopus Energy | OCTOPUS ENERGY
Government figures released today reveal that residential solar installations have reached record levels across every region of the UK, with close to 172,000 completed since the beginning of 2026.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product and marketing officer at Octopus, said: “Britons love solar, generate your own green power, slash bills, and get energy independent, what’s not to love.
“But you shouldn’t need a roof to tap into the savings. Plug-in solar democratises cheaper energy, making sure everyone can shrink their bill while helping build a greener grid.”