A solar panel on a balcony in Germany where homes are using plug-ins for power
Plug-in solar panels will be hitting the shelves of DIY shops and High Street retailers after the government changed the rules to allow them to be legally sold in the UK.
They are significantly cheaper than roof panels, can be installed without an electrician and are suitable for properties with outdoor space, including some balconies.
Retailers including Argos will be stocking products from Thursday, and the government expects other shops to follow suit.
It hopes plug-in solar panels will help households save money and reduce reliance on overseas fuel sources, the price of which has fluctuated in recent months due to the Middle East conflict.
Customers should get their wiring checked by a professional to ensure it is safe before parting with cash, experts say.
The government hopes the plug-in panels will offer people a more affordable way into solar energy compared to roof installation, although savings will be lower because they generate less power.
A one-panel kit will cost £699 while two-panels will be £1,089, according to UK solar company UKSOL.
The government expects prices to settle at £400-£600 as competition increases and more products are developed.
Its research shows a household could save between £70 and £110 a year on their energy bills.
The precise amount will depend on how the panels are orientated and how long they run. An unshaded south-facing spot is best.
Households which use energy during daylight hours will benefit most as the electricity must be used as it is generated.
Any power not consumed will flow back to the grid, but it's unlikely homes will get any cash for this.
Unlike rooftop solar panels, these systems do not need to be certified under the official Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which is the UK's official quality mark for small-scale renewable energy systems.
But it also means they will not normally qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee that pays people for excess solar power.
