Solar power without the rooftop with Octopus Energy Plug-in solar bundles

Yes, as long as you buy your Plug-in Solar kit directly from us! Here’s how it shakes out depending on who supplies your power:

• You buy Plug-in Solar from us AND we supply your home energy: You get access to Outgoing Prime — our top-tier export tariff that pays you our absolute best rates for every bit of extra sunshine you send back to the grid.

  
  

• You buy Plug-in Solar from us, but another provider supplies your home: You can still soak up the sun, but you’ll need to set up an export tariff directly with your current energy supplier.

  
  

• You buy your Plug-in Solar elsewhere: You won't be able to sign up for an Octopus export tariff for that system.

A quick heads-up: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs aren't available for Plug-in Solar systems through Octopus.

This is where it get's a bit complicated because it really depends on your set up, your usage and how much sun your get!

Two panels will of course generate double what a single panel will and the more sunny it is, the more energy you'll generate. However the biggest influence on your savings is how much you can use electricity while the panels are generating, during sunlight hours.

We've made some assumptions based on an optimal set up, south facing positioning and utilising as much of the sunlight by the household as possible, plus any possible export earnings.

We estimate savings could be anywhere from £50 - £150 a year. Once plug-in batteries launch next year, this saving potential will grow

Each solar panel is approximately 1.8m x 1.1m, so you'll need enough suitable outdoor space for one or two panels, depending on the bundle you choose.

That could make plug-in solar a good option for flats, rented homes or smaller spaces — as long as you've got somewhere suitable to safely install the panels.

We're also working on more compact panels for homes where space is tight.

Want to hear about our upcoming compact solar and home battery products? Sign up here and we'll drop you a line when they're ready early next year.

Everything you need to set up your plug-in solar system is included in your bundle. Depending on where and how you install your panels, you may need a few extra bits.

Using the ground mount? You’ll need something heavy, like gravel or bricks, to help keep it securely in place.

Wall mounting your panels? You'll need the right tools and fixings for the surface you're attaching the mount to.

Always follow the installation instructions and make sure your chosen spot and fixings can safely support the panels.

No. The new planning rules mean plug-in solar can't be installed under permitted development on wooden fences, gates, walls, balconies or enclosures.

The rules around timber sheds aren't completely clear, so we recommend checking with your local planning authority before installing on a wooden structure or avoid mounting on this material all together.

It depends on where you're putting your panels and whether you've chosen one or two.

There's no roof installation, scaffolding or full solar survey involved, so it should be much simpler than installing traditional rooftop solar.

Just make sure you give yourself enough time to mount everything securely and follow the installation instructions carefully.

No. Plug-in solar systems under 800W can be self-installed without an electrician.

Once your panels and micro-inverter are safely installed, plug the included 5-metre cable directly into a suitable weatherproof, exterior-rated 13A socket.

Don't use an extension lead. If you're not sure whether your home's electrics or outdoor socket are suitable, speak to a qualified electrician before you get started.

Not all UK fuse boxes are suitable and should be checked, find more advice on the official electrical safety website.

No. Plug-in solar won't power your whole home.

Instead, it can help cover some of the electricity you're using during the day. Think of everyday background electricity use, like your fridge, Wi-Fi router, TV, lamps and devices on standby, while the sun is shining.

It's not designed to run lots of high-power appliances at once, such as electric showers, ovens or EV chargers.

Yes. Your panels will still generate electricity on cloudy days and throughout winter, but they'll generally produce less than they would in bright, direct sunshine.

How much you generate will depend on things like cloud cover, daylight hours and the strength of the sun.

You'll typically generate more electricity in spring and summer, when the days are longer and sunnier.

Yes. The kit is designed for outdoor use when installed correctly.

Your panels and electrical equipment need to be securely installed according to the instructions and connected directly to a suitable weatherproof, exterior-rated socket.

Don't use an extension lead or run the cable through a window or door.

If the grid goes down, your system will automatically stop supplying electricity.

This is an important safety feature that stops electricity being fed back into the network while engineers may be working to restore power.

Your plug-in solar system isn't designed to provide backup power during a power cut.

No. When there's no sunlight, your panels simply stop generating electricity.

There's no need to switch the system off every evening.

Yes. Plug-in solar systems are limited to a maximum of 800W.

Our bundles are designed to stay within this limit, so don't combine multiple plug-in solar systems if doing so would take your property over 800W.

If you want to generate significantly more electricity, a traditional rooftop solar system could be a better fit.

Not all fuse boxes are created equal, so you should check out the electrical safety advice here if you're unsure about yours

Yes. You'll need to notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about your plug-in solar installation.

Your DNO manages the local electricity network. Letting them know about your installation helps them keep the network safe and properly managed.

We’ll provide all the details you need to contact your DNO through the ENA process when your panels are delivered.

G98 is the process used to notify your local electricity network about certain small-scale electricity generators connected to your home.

Plug-in solar is a form of small-scale generation, so the relevant G98 notification requirements apply.

We'll give you guidance on what you need to do as part of setting up your system.

Yes. The products will have the relevant ENA certification in place before delivery.

You’ll also need to register your device so your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) knows about your installation. The good news is, you only need to do this in one place — through the ENA portal. The ENA will then pass your details on to the relevant DNO for you.

If you can’t find your device by searching for the manufacturer, model or device name, it may still be undergoing assessment. Please check again after a few days before submitting your registration.

Yes. If you decide the product isn’t right for you, you can return it within 14 days of receiving it.

Simply fill out this quick form and highlight you would like to make a return. We’ll arrange collection, and a £60 collection fee will be deducted from your refund.

If any part of your bundle arrives damaged or isn’t working, please fill in this quick form and let us know what’s affected. We’ll arrange to get it sorted for you.