High street retailers are ready to stock plug-in solar, as the UK government prepares to introduce regulation changes that would make it legal for consumers to self-install.

Lidl was already backing the proposal in March 2026 when the government first announced its plan to make plug-in solar available “within months” and the number of retailers supporting the plan has swelled. Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes all joined a government roundtable event to discuss how the technology can provide a cheaper route for households to install solar, ahead of expected regulation changes in summer 2026.

The announcement coincided with the launch of a new government consultation setting out the proposed rule changes that would allow consumers to self-install plug-in solar panels.

While plug-in solar is already widely used in a number of European markets, regulation has hindered deployment in the United Kingdom. Under current rules applying to Great Britain, electrical installations must comply with British Standards requirements – principally BS 7671. These standards are designed for fixed installations, meaning plug-in generation devices are not readily accommodated. Plug and socket regulations also set out standards that plugs must conform to.

Industry stakeholders and the public can now weigh in on a proposed change to plug and socket safety regulations, and the introduction of an interim product specification for plug-in solar.

Amending the rules to include plug-in battery energy storage with a balcony solar installation is not currently expected, as the consultation details changes that would allow consumers to connect directly to a standard mains socket “without batteries.”

Martin McCluskey, minister for energy consumers, said that plug-in panels can be “transformative” for renters in particular, or those on lower incomes.

“I welcome the conversation today with household names such as B&Q and Curry showing a huge amount of support for getting the panels in people’s homes,” he said. “This easy to install tech can cut people’s bills and help make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets.”

John Bounphrey, UK and Ireland country manager at Amazon, described plug-in opportunity as a “fantastic opportunity” to make renewable energy more accessible to people across the UK. “Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK – we’ve invested in over 40 large scale solar and wind projects to date,” he stated.

Industry stakeholders have until June 30 to respond to the UK government’s consultation. The full consultation paper is available online.