Ruth Cadbury Welcomes Government Move on Solar Panels
Plug in units can now be installed on balconies and in outdoor spaces
The changes could deliver low cost energy to people living in flats
July 3, 2026
Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury has welcomed a government move that could make small-scale solar power far more accessible, after ministers confirmed plans to allow households in England to use “plug-in” solar panels on balconies, sheds and other outdoor spaces. The reform, now out for consultation, would permit people to install compact solar units themselves and plug them directly into a mains socket — a system already widely used across Europe.
The panels have undergone a safety review by Arceio Limited, which found them safe and compatible with UK domestic electrical systems. Ministers say the technology could be “transformative for renters or those on lower incomes”, offering a low-cost route into renewable energy for people who cannot install traditional rooftop systems.
Ms Cadbury said she was “delighted” by the announcement, arguing that plug-in solar could open up clean-energy generation to thousands of residents in flats and shared buildings. She noted that similar systems have long been used in countries such as Germany, and that they have the potential to cut bills and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The MP also welcomed wider government reforms, including the end of the ban on onshore wind turbines, approval of new solar farms and the requirement for solar panels on new homes.
“This is a good reform for our economy, good for households and good for our environment,” she said.
The government’s announcement comes as major retailers — including B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Lidl — signalled their support for bringing plug-in solar panels to the UK market. At a roundtable hosted by Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey, representatives from Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes discussed how the technology could offer a cheaper, simpler way for households to generate their own electricity.
Mr McCluskey said plug-in panels could play a crucial role in the UK’s clean-energy transition, particularly for people who cannot afford or access traditional rooftop installations. “This easy-to-install tech can cut people’s bills and help make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets,” he said.
Retailers echoed that message. Amazon’s UK & Ireland Country Manager, John Boumphrey, called the move “a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible”, while B&Q CEO Graham Bell said the company was working with government and suppliers to ensure products are safe, compliant and straightforward to install. Lidl GB’s corporate affairs director, Georgina Hall, said a clear regulatory framework could unlock a “highly effective, low-cost route” for households to reduce energy bills. Currys’ Michelle Gorringe-Smith added that the technology, already common across Europe, could help many families manage rising energy costs.
Plug-in panels can be placed on balconies or in outdoor spaces and connected directly to a mains socket, reducing the amount of electricity drawn from the grid without the need for professional installation. The government’s consultation seeks industry views on how best to enforce safety rules and support the rollout.
The announcement comes amid record growth in UK solar power. In 2025, the country saw 269,000 solar installations — the highest annual total ever recorded — with rooftop systems accounting for at least 95% of new installations. That equates to a new rooftop solar array being installed every two minutes.
Ms Cadbury said she hoped the reforms would help more households benefit from clean, affordable energy. She encouraged residents to follow the consultation and explore how plug-in solar could support both household budgets and the wider transition to net-zero.
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