Your questions, answered
Straight answers to what people across Newcastle and the North East ask us most.
Common questions
What exactly is a plug-in solar kit?
Solar panels on a stand with a small microinverter, which plugs into an outdoor socket. It sends up to 800W (799VA) into your home while the sun's on it, and your home uses that first.
Do I need an electrician?
Not to set it up, if you have modern RCD protection and a weatherproof outdoor socket within 4m. If you don't have one, or you're not sure, an electrician can fit or check it. Kits with more than 960W of panels should have a check either way.
Do I have to register it?
Yes, free at myplugin.solar, before you first use it. That tells Northern Powergrid, the network operator for the North East.
Will I get paid for what I export?
Don't count on it. Self-installed plug-in kits generally don't qualify for export payments, so our estimate counts only power your home uses.
Can I have two kits?
No. The rules allow one plug-in kit per home, and it mustn't be used with a home battery.
I live in a flat with a yard. Can I have one?
Often, yes, if you have use of the yard and an outdoor socket. Agree it with the other flat if the yard is shared, and get written permission first if you rent.
Does it work in a power cut?
No. The kit switches off when the grid goes off, for the safety of people working on the network.
How much do kits cost?
We're waiting for final prices from the maker, so every kit shows "Price TBC" for now. Join the list and we'll email you when they're set.
When do site checks start?
We don't offer them yet, and there's no date. Sign up and we'll email you when site checks and fitting go live.