The government has confirmed it will update regulations to allow households to use these balcony-style panels without needing an electrician, clearing the way for supermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon to start selling them within months.

The devices, already popular across Europe, can be placed on balconies or in gardens and plugged directly into a standard socket to generate free electricity. Ministers say the kits could save families up to £110 a year on energy bills, offering a cheaper entry point than traditional rooftop solar systems, which typically cost around £6,000 to install.

The move comes amid renewed volatility in global energy markets, with rising oil and gas prices pushing up forecasts for UK household bills. The Government says expanding access to small-scale solar will help households cut costs and support wider net‑zero goals.

Lidl GB corporate affairs director Georgina Hall said the retailer “welcomes the government’s move to modernise regulations”, adding that plug‑and‑play solar could help make sustainable living more affordable for UK families.

In Germany, where the technology is already widely adopted, almost half a million plug‑in panels are installed each year. Prices there range from around €200 for a small panel to more than €2,700 for full balcony kits.

Retailers including Lidl, Amazon and solar manufacturer EcoFlow are now in discussions with the government to bring similar products to UK shelves.