DIY plug-in solar
Plug it in, no consumer unit, no MCS paperwork.
A panel and inverter that connects via a normal wall socket rather than being wired into your fuseboard. The practical entry point for renters, flat-dwellers and anyone without roof access or the budget for a full install. From £499.
What's included
Panel, micro-inverter, and whatever mounting hardware suits the spot, fence, balcony rail or garden frame, plus the cable run to your nearest socket. We keep the whole system under the 800W line.
G98 notification
Most plug-in kits sit comfortably under the 3.68kW-per-phase G98 threshold: install now, notify UK Power Networks Southern within 28 days. We file that paperwork so you don't have to.
Where it works
South or west-facing balconies and fences across Ramsgate and Pegwell, including flats and rented properties where a rooftop install isn't an option. No listed building consent needed since nothing attaches to the building's roof or walls in most cases, though we check your specific property before quoting.
Be realistic
What plug-in solar won't do
It won't qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (that needs an MCS-certified, DNO-approved install), and it won't power a whole house. It offsets daytime baseline consumption, kettle, fridge, standby devices, on a sunny day. If you want export income, battery backup sized to your whole home, or EV charger integration, that's the MCS route.
FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a plug-in kit?
Usually no if it's fence, balcony rail or freestanding garden-mounted and doesn't attach to the building's roof or a wall fronting the highway. If your property is in the Royal Harbour conservation area, or listed (Ramsgate has more listed buildings than anywhere else in Kent), tell us before you buy and we'll confirm.
Can I add a battery to a plug-in setup?
Yes, a small plug-in battery pairs with most micro-inverter kits to store daytime generation for evening use. It doesn't change the DNO position since you're still under the export threshold.
How long does installation take?
Most plug-in installs are a half-day job: mounting, cabling and the socket connection. We notify the DNO within the 28-day window afterwards.