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Solar panels and the law, country by country
Plain-English guides to solar panels, plug-in balcony solar, home batteries and tariffs, with country pages for the UK nations and Germany.
Rules are changing quickly. This page reflects what we could confirm on 21 September 2026. Check GOV.UK, your network operator and a qualified installer before you buy or connect anything. General information, not legal or electrical advice.
Country guides
- England & WalesPlug-in solar lawful from 27 Aug 2026
- ScotlandPlug-in solar lawful from 27 Aug 2026
- Northern IrelandSeparate rules
- GermanyBalkonkraftwerk rules
Topic guides
- Plug-in (balcony) solar explained
- Do I need permission for solar panels?
- Solar panels and home batteries
- Solar tariffs and export payments
- Renting and solar panels
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in the UK?
In Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), compliant plug-in solar kits of up to 800 VA have been lawful to sell and connect to a standard socket since 27 August 2026. Northern Ireland has separate rules and had not changed when we checked.
Do solar rules differ by country?
Yes. Planning, network connection, plug-in solar rules and export payments all differ between UK nations and between countries, so check the rules for where you live.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information. Rules change quickly, so confirm current requirements with your planning authority, network operator and a qualified installer.
FAQs, sources and changes
- Solar FAQs82 answers with sources
- Recent changesWhat moved and when
- Official sourcesGOV.UK, Ofgem and more
- How we checkWeekly and monthly checks
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Solar Wise app lets you choose your country and ask its assistant follow-up questions.
Open Be Solar WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-21. General information, not legal, electrical or financial advice. Confirm current rules before you buy or connect anything.