Questions
Wall solar questions, answered plainly
Straight answers on output, walls, fixings and ordering. If yours isn't here, send us your question.
Q1
Output and angles
How much power does a wall kit send into my home?
Up to 800W (799VA) at any moment. That's the plug-in limit, and every kit's microinverter holds to it, whatever the panels are rated at.
What could a kit save me?
In the best-case set-up (facing south at 30°, no shade), the Max 1260W could save a busy four-person home around £180 a year at 26.32p per kWh. On a wall the panels sit steeper, so expect less. Our calculator shows every assumption.
Which direction is best?
South, then south-east or south-west. East and west walls work too: east catches the morning, west the afternoon and evening.
Do I get paid for power I don't use?
Don't count on it. Self-installed plug-in kits generally don't qualify for export payments, so the saving comes from what your home uses.
Does it work in a power cut?
No. The kit switches off when the grid goes down, to keep people working on the lines safe.
Can I add a battery?
No. Plug-in kits must not be used with a home battery. Use more of the power in the daytime instead: washing, dishwasher, charging.
Q2
Walls, fixings and weather
Which walls are ruled out?
A wall on a property boundary or shared with a neighbouring home; any building with timber, ACM, MCM or HPL cladding; a building having external wall remediation; and balconies. Yard and garden walls are often on the boundary.
Why does the maker want a professional assessment?
A wall install puts the kit's weight on fixings in your masonry. The maker requires a professional assessment before any wall, flat-roof or raised install, to check the wall can take the load and choose the right fixings.
Do I need planning permission?
In England most homes don't, within limits: a panel on a house wall must stay within the limits on how far it sticks out, can't go on a street-facing wall in a conservation area, and isn't allowed on a listed building. In Scotland and Wales, ask your council.
What does RCD protection mean?
A residual current device in your fuse box that cuts the power fast if something goes wrong. Plug-in kits need it. If you have an older fuse box, or you're not sure, an electrician can check it.
I rent, or my flat is leasehold. Can I have one?
Only with written permission from your landlord, freeholder or managing agent first. They can say no. Ground-floor flats with a suitable wall are worth asking about.
Will it stand up to wind and rain?
The microinverter is rated IP67 and the plug goes into a weatherproof outdoor socket. How the stand is fixed for your wall's exposure is part of the professional assessment.
Q3
Ordering, delivery and fitting
How do I register the kit?
Free at myplugin.solar, before you first switch it on. That tells your local electricity network it's there. Tell your home insurer too.
Can I have more than one kit?
No. It's one plug-in kit per household.
Where do you deliver?
England, Scotland and Wales. Plug-in kits can't be used in Northern Ireland, so we don't deliver there, or to the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
When can I order, and what will it cost?
Kits aren't on sale yet and prices aren't set, so every kit shows Price TBC. Join the list on any kit page and we'll email you when ordering opens.
Can you fit it for me?
Not yet. A North East fitting add-on is coming soon, but no fitter is confirmed. Register your interest and we'll email you if it starts.