Major retailers back Labour's push for plug-in solar panels in homes across Britain

Major retailers are backing a Government drive for plug-in solar panels in Britain’s homes.

A rule change earlier this year means that UK households will be able to self-install the plug-in panels, offering them the chance to bring down bills without installation fees.

The panels can be used in any outdoor space.

The energy they provide is free, meaning they could prove “a highly effective, low-cost route for people to reduce their energy bills”.

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Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey met some of the UK’s biggest retailers to discuss the “crucial role” the panels could play in the transition to clean energy.

He said “plug and play” solar could prove “transformative” for low-income families.

Representatives from retailers including Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Lidl joined Mr McCluskey for a roundtable to discuss the plans.

A consultation has been launched to ensure all safety measures are in place before rollout, expected in the coming months.

Mr McCluskey said: “Plug-in panels can be transformative for renters or those on lower incomes, so I welcome the conversation today with household names such as B&Q and Currys showing a huge amount of support for getting the panels in people’s homes.

“This easy to install tech can cut people’s bills and help make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets.”

CEO of B&Q, Graham Bell, said: “We welcome the introduction of plug-in solar panels to the UK market, which will help households to generate their own energy and reduce their bills. This builds on our existing range of portable solar and battery solutions.

“We are working closely with Government and suppliers to understand and help shape the guidance, ensuring any products we offer are safe, compliant and straightforward to install. We look forward to making plug-in solar available to our customers as soon as possible.”

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Georgina Hall, corporate affairs director at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl GB, we want to make sustainable choices affordable and accessible to every household, which is why we are supporting these latest steps toward modernising regulations for ‘plug-and-play’ technology.

“By establishing a clear, robust framework to bring plug-in solar to market safely and efficiently, it could unlock a highly effective, low-cost route for people to reduce their energy bills.

“We welcome this consultation and look forward to working alongside the Government and industry partners to explore how these products can safely play their role in the UK’s clean energy revolution.”

The technology is already widely used throughout Europe and the Government hopes it will save “many households significant amounts on their energy bills, while helping make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets”. S

olar has already soared in popularity, with 2025 seeing a record 269,000 installations completed - 37 per cent more than the year before. Some 95 per cent of these were on rooftops, meaning one was installed every two minutes last year.

The Government says rooftop solar can bring savings of up to £480 a month.

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