Are Plug-in Solar Kits Legal in the UK? Compliance & G98 Rules
Short Answer: Yes, if they are G98 compliant. Plug-in solar kits are legal in Great Britain provided the microinverter is G98 certified, capped at a maximum AC output of 800W (800VA), and notified to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Key Legal Requirements for UK Plug-in Solar
To operate a plug-in solar kit legally in Great Britain, your setup must meet the following criteria:
- G98 Certification & ENA Listing: The microinverter must be G98 type-tested and listed on the official Energy Networks Association (ENA) Type Test Register. This guarantees built-in anti-islanding safety, which cuts off power within milliseconds during a grid outage to protect line workers.
- 800W AC Output Limit: The microinverter feeding power into your wall socket cannot exceed 800VA / 800 Watts (approx. 3.5 Amps). You may connect up to 2,000W of total solar panel capacity (DC oversizing) to maximize diffuse daylight harvesting.
- DNO Notification (“Fit and Inform”): You do not need prior approval before plugging in, but you must submit a free G98 notification form to your regional Distribution Network Operator (e.g., UK Power Networks, National Grid) on or before connecting the kit.
- Whole-Kit Certification: The system (panels, inverter, cabling, and plug assembly) must be certified as a complete factory-tested package.
- Direct Wall Socket Connection: The kit must plug directly into a permanently wired 13A socket. Using extension leads or multi-way adaptors is strictly prohibited.
What Is NOT Legal Under Plug-in Rules?
- Non-G98 Inverters: Uncertified microinverters imported without ENA registration cannot be legally notified to your network operator.
- Multiple Plug-in Kits: Household capacity is strictly capped at one 800W plug-in system total per property. Plugging multiple kits into different sockets across the home is not allowed.
- Plug-in Batteries: The UK plug-in solar framework covers micro-generation only. Connecting plug-and-play battery storage through a standard wall socket remains excluded.