#plug-in-solar — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #plug-in-solar, aggregated by home.social.
-
For everyone in the UK who considers buying #pluginsolar, here are some questions and tips for you:
Check whats in the package:
Panels, microinverter, cable, mounting, delivery?Do I have friends or family that can help me with mounting/installation?
-
In my various retrofit roles, it’s been vital to ensure that solar pv array installs are compliant with UK safety regs.
That means getting a qualified and certified electrician to sign off against it.
The notion that no such sign off with plug in solar is required is baffling when you realise how these systems integrate with your home and it’s wiring:
-
I am genuinely astounded at how poorly the UK #Labour government has prepared the ground for plug in solar (also known as balcony solar).
It’s as if they have no idea how big the take up has been in other European countries or the notion that this could be a big issue between renters and landlords.
Byline Times helpfully have looked into compliance. Please read before thinking of purchase whether you are a renter, home owner or landlord:
-
We have collected some notes and resources on #pluginsolar in/for the UK.
https://balkon.solar/news/2026/08/29/notes-on-uk-pluginsolar-legalization/
This article will be updated and expanded with your feedback and input.
-
Concerning the legalisation of #pluginsolar in the UK, there is one question open (for us) and maybe there is a #lawyer here who can answer it:
The UK "legalized" #pluginpv but didn't change any law concerning the right of #tenants to use it. The guidance simply says "ask your #landlord”.
Is the use of pluginsolar now subject to the whims of the landlord or does UK law give the tenant a right to install it, as its a generally legal and regulated technical device?
-
another very good video is by Electric Vehicle Man on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnIGeO96fss
He points out one of the absurdities: You can not self assemble your #pluginsolar kit in the UK (legally), it needs to be a pre approved package.
-
@bellinghwoman better buy #pluginsolar its kind of legal in the UK now
-
Interesting site that purports to say which products are UK #PluginSolar compliant
https://connect-direct.energynetworks.org/device-databases/search-gen?device_type_id=14 -
Some strange pricing going on (or wrong info)
// @Ryanteck @neil @drfootleg #PLuginSolar #Argos -
#Argos have considerably undercut the manufacturers own retail price for 800W of #PluginSolar
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9635335?clickSR=slp:term:shop%20plug%20in%20solar%20kits:3:5:1£850 vs £1200 //
@drfootleg @Ryanteck @neil -
Plugin solar comes to the UK albeit nearer to 700 quid rather than the projected 400. Much like the (largely ignored) mandatory sealed battery interlinked fire alarms here in Scotland i'll wait a year for the price gouging to settle down #UK #solar #PluginSolar
-
We wanted to live stream the plugging in of the UKs first “legal” #pluginsolar system.
Buuuuut our members & friends in the #UnitedKingdom are busy.
So let’s celebrate tomorrow…
☀️🔌🇬🇧
-
🇬🇧☀️🔌 #PlugInSolar will be legal in the UK from tomorrow.
There is already a #balconysolar savings & payback calculator: https://balconysolarhub.co.uk/savings-calculator/
-
Yea 73 / Nay 0 / Absent 6 !
Scott Wiener’s California #Senate #Bill868 “Electricity: portable solar generation devices” legalising #pluginsolar has passed the 2nd Chamber of the #California Legislature: the Assembly!
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB868
Even #Republican voted for #pluginpv!
-
The „BalkonSolar“ Association is gearing up for the highlight of #Freiburg’s 2026 #Solar Summer. At least 300 citizens will assemble 300 new #pluginsolar units from 600 used solarpanels on September 26, 2026.
The event is held under the patronage of Ms. Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment.
Images from the last time we set the Worldrecord!
-
Today is Independence Day of #Ukraine - on this occasion here are some links to projects we did there:
With @ewsschoenau.bsky.social Water for Shatsk: https://balkon.solar/news/2026/01/10/solar-warter-for-shatsk/
#pluginsolar in 🇺🇦: https://balkon.solar/news/2025/04/02/putting-solar-on-a-balcony-in-ukraine-what-can-happen/
-
For #WorldPhotographyDay pictures of #pluginsolar we took with an iPhone and a #CanonEosM6ii camera.
-
#Guerillasolar was the beginning of the German #pluginsolar success. Now it might be the same in #Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7308371 -
#PlugInSolar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in #US Backyards
Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians.
By Ivan Penn and Claire Brown
Published July 31, 2026, Updated Aug. 3, 2026Excerpt: "Millions of Americans worried about rising energy costs might soon follow in her footsteps as states start allowing homeowners and renters to plug in solar panels on balconies, in backyards and other places. Plug-in systems are much smaller and cheaper than rooftop build-outs — some costing just a few hundred dollars a panel. Permits are not required in the states that allow their use, and people can often install them on their own.
"Utah became the first state to legalize plug-in solar systems last year. Nine others, including New Jersey, Virginia and Colorado, have joined it, and lawmakers in California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and several other states are considering doing so."
Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/business/energy-environment/plug-in-balcony-solar.htmlArchived version:
https://archive.ph/0yRS2#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardSolar #Renewables #SolarEnergy #BalconySolar #RenewablesNow
-
RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/117042037532446097
There are more #pluginsolar systems in Germany than registered motorcycles!
🏍️ < ☀️🔌 ! -
#NewZealand’s Ministry for Regulation has recommended legalising #pluginsolar!
https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2026/08/03/new-zealand-looks-to-legalise-plug-in-solar/
-
#Americans listen:
- #pluginsolar inverters have caused 0 lineworker injuries
- 35 US states + D.C. have introduced #pluginpv bills
- reduces ~30% of a household’s annual electric bill
- barrier is regulations legislation is needed to stop utilities, HOAs, landlords from stopping 🫵 you!
https://cleanenergy.org/news/plug-in-solar-is-safe-affordable-and-ready-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
-
The AC is using a lot more energy today to keep the house nice and cool compared to yesterday.
Almost consumes the entire #pluginsolar energy (800 Watts limit here in Germany).
The sensors claim it is nearly 37°C outside 🥵
#heatwave -
I wrote a little rant about the American #pluginsolar safety concerns, the fact that now there are #UL3700 certified micro inverters.
Yes there is stuff such as anti islanding, safety comparisons with diesel generators are not to the point.
https://sbamueller.com/2026/08/02/a-little-rant-about-american-pluginsolar-safety-concerns/
