Press Release: Plug-in solar: the questions your customers are about to ask you
Plug-in solar is now legal across the UK. But as the first products begin to reach the market, what does that actually mean for solar installers and electricians?
From August 27th, households across the UK have been able to buy and use compliant plug-in solar systems, following changes introduced by the government. For installers, however, the arrival of a new type of domestic generation is likely to bring a new set of questions from customers.
Solar & Storage Live spoke to DESNZ about how installers should approach some questions they may be hearing soon from their customers.
SSL:
Could you please clarify the circumstances in which a qualified electrician should be consulted, for example concerns around the existing electrical installation, circuit capacity, sockets or other circumstances?
DESNZ: A suitable electrical installation should include a consumer unit (fuse box) with modern circuit protection such as RCDs, MCBs and RCBOs. Consumers with an older consumer unit or who are unsure about the condition of their electrical installation should seek advice from a qualified electrician before purchasing plug-in solar. Further information on identifying suitable electrical installations and when professional advice may be needed is available in the Energy Saving Trust consumer guidance.
Energy Saving Trust consumer guidance:
Find out more here
For electrical and solar installers, understanding where the boundary sits between genuine “plug and play” installation and work requiring professional involvement will be important as the technology becomes more common.
SSL:
Is there practical guidance for installers/consumers on identifying a compliant product, including where to check approved/accredited devices and any markings or information installers should look for?
DESNZ: Check that the product appears on the ENA Type Test Register of compliant products. The same information is also available through the consumer registration portal.
ENA Type Test Register: Find out more here
Consumer registration website: Find out more here
This could become particularly important when installers arrive at properties where customers have already purchased or fitted equipment themselves.
SSL:
Can I plug a battery in as well?
DESNZ: Plug-in batteries that can both charge from the electricity network and export electricity back into a home’s wiring (known as bidirectional batteries) remain illegal to connect to UK homes via a standard plug socket.
However, the Government recognises the potential benefits of plug-in batteries and is continuing to review the available evidence. Separate work is underway to better understand the safety implications of plug-in batteries and to inform any future policy decisions in this area.
