Government wants private tenants to install ‘plug-in solar panels’ 

The government is considering allowing tenants to fit portable solar panels on rooftops and balconies of rented properties.

It’s one of the ideas in a “pathway” document released this week by Ed Miliband’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The government has already claimed that families and businesses could benefit from cheaper bills and greater energy security – saving up to £500 a year – by installing rooftop solar panels on properties they own.

Now a so-called ‘Solar Roadmap’ takes things further and proposes:

• increasing solar deployment on new build homes through the Future Homes Standard to save households money on bills;
• launching a call for evidence to understand how to harness the untapped potential of solar in car parks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland;  
• plans to launch a safety review to unlock portable plug-in solar panels, making it easier and cheaper for people living in rented accommodation and apartments to install solar on their balconies and rooftops; and
• stronger engagement with industry and trade bodies to identify skills gaps in the solar sector to support more people into well-paid clean energy jobs.

The government cites research suggesting 88% of the British public are in favour of solar energy. Since July, the government has taken action to deploy the technology at scale, approving nearly 3 GW of nationally significant solar – more than the last 14 years combined. This is the equivalent of powering more than 500,000 homes with clean, homegrown power. 

Energy Minister Michael Shanks says: “Families have been paying the price for the fossil fuel rollercoaster for years. Our Plan for Change means delivering more homegrown energy that we control to boost the UK’s energy security and save money on your bills. 

“Through solar, we are rolling out the quickest to build and one of the cheapest forms of energy for families to start saving hundreds on their energy bills, all whilst helping tackle the climate crisis.

“The roadmap outlines practical actions for industry and government to overcome the challenges to delivering this ambition within the next five years and boost the UK’s energy security. This includes providing a new blueprint for industry to overcome barriers in planning, electricity networks, supply chain and innovation and workforce and skills challenges. 

“There are already over 1.5 million homes in the UK with rooftop solar panels installed. According to MCS, the body responsible for certifying renewable energy installers, 15,496 solar installations took place in January 2025 on existing homes, a 16.5% increase on the previous year.

“To help households with the finances of installing rooftop solar, the government is working with the Green Finance Institute, the finance sector, consumer bodies and the solar sector itself to provide financial solutions for households and businesses.”

A statement from the department continues: “Renters and those living in apartments could also be set to experience the benefits of solar as the government sets out the steps required to make ‘plug-in’ solar available in the UK. Plug-in solar works in the same way as rooftop solar panels, except it is portable and is connected directly into plug sockets – ideal for apartments with balconies.

“Plug-in solar is currently unavailable in the UK due to longstanding regulations. But in Germany, around 435,000 balconies had plug-in solar installed in 2024 alone, saving residents in apartments money on their electricity bills.”

This article is taken from Landlord Today