Plug-in solar opens up to more homes
Octopus Energy is the first major UK supplier to sell plug-in solar panels that connect straight into a normal socket. No electrician or roof work is needed, so renters, flat-dwellers and households without suitable roofs can now generate their own power. The kits go on sale today following new rules that came into force this week.
We see this as a practical step that widens access beyond traditional rooftop installations. Customers can track output in the Octopus app and take the panels with them if they move.
Prices, savings and payback
Kits start at £450 for a one-panel setup, with a two-panel option also available. Octopus estimates households could save up to £150 a year with the two-panel system, depending on sunlight and usage. Pairing two panels with a smart export tariff could repay the cost in five and a half years.
The 460W bifacial panels come with a 5m cable and three-pin plug. DIY installation takes about an hour.
Battery add-on and solar growth
From Q1 2027 Octopus will pair the panels with its plug-in Nook Cube battery. Government data released today shows nearly 172,000 residential solar installations completed since January 2026, with records across every UK region.
Shared solar schemes have already reached some social housing flats, showing demand for options that do not require individual roofs.
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.”
Order via the Octopus site now. We cover energy deals and changes at our gas and electricity hub.
