Plug-in solar panels: coming to a rental property near you

Generating green energy has become easier for UK households, thanks to a recent change of law. In August 2026, the Government allowed the widespread sale of ‘plug in’ solar panel systems.

The kits have been sold across mainland Europe for years and they’re now available to purchase in the UK - online and even in larger supermarkets. Simply pop one in your trolley along with your weekly shop.

Plug in and start generating

The benefit to plug-in solar panel kits is their ease of use. There’s no need for professional installation or an electrician. Instead, you take the panels out of the box, mount them in the best position and use the conventional plug that’s compatible with our three-prong wall sockets. 

With no technical skill required, more households are expected to start generating their own energy and that presents the private rented sector with a problem. Plug-in solar panels kits are frequently known as ‘balcony power plants’, often draped over railing and balustrades in Europe to capture the sun’s rays.

In the UK, flats make up a significant portion of privately rented property - 42% of the private rented sector in England and 44% in Scotland, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Of those, it’s estimated 5% have access to outside space that doesn’t take the form of a traditional garden. After some quick number crunching, we’re looking at more than 106,000 rented properties that have a balcony, yard or patio area.

Influenced by climate change 

More tenants may be inclined to self-install plug-in solar panels to their balcony due to our changing climate. In fact, the Met Office has declared this summer the sixth sunniest on record, with 621.9 hours of sunshine. That’s a lot of rays to generate energy and lower ever-increasing electricity bills. And with our summers expected to become hotter and drier, future weather patterns are justifying an investment in solar panels. 

Is landlord permission needed?

Plug-in solar technology is so new in the UK that rental legislation is having to play catch up. Most tenancy agreements will have a catch-all clause about tenants needing permission to change or alter a rented property. For now, this may be the safety net that landlords need if they don’t want a kit being installed on a balcony.

The future may be different. There are suggestions that the Government sees plug-in solar power kits as a useful tool in its drive to become carbon net zero. As such, ministers are considering implementing legislation that will limit the number of refusals given by landlords. The Government will be monitoring how often landlords turn down plug-in kit requests, although refusal for installation on a timber balcony is expected to be an acceptable reason.

The issue is more complex when it comes to private rentals in blocks that are owned by a freeholder. The leaseholder will be expected to seek permission from the superior freeholder, which could be denied. It may become commonplace for ‘no plug-in solar panel kits’ to be written into the freeholder’s contract with leaseholders – in the same way some tenants are banned from drying laundry on balconies or keeping pets.

Not just for balconies

One final point. Plug-in solar panel kits aren’t just for balconies. They can be mounted anywhere and it’s been suggested they would also perform well on flat roofs, and atop garages or sheds. Landlords should pay attention to a tenant’s suggested location, mounting method and cabling, keeping in mind any electrical and safety hazards that may arise as a result of panels being added. 

Careful consideration should also be given to boundary walls, the building’s exterior material and any local area planning permission requirements. The safest option would be to give permission if an approved, free-standing panel frame is used.

If you would like us to handle tenant requests for plug-in solar panel kits, other alterations and even pets, ask about our full management service.