Regulation, regulation, regulation
The technology was badged as a simpler solution for renters or other people without space at home for traditional rooftop panels.
People who want to install the kit may need permission from landlords, freeholders or councils, therefore. And some are already not playing ball.
One housing association, Sovereign Network Group — which manages 86,000 homes across London and the south of England — said it has a blanket ban on letting residents install plug-in solar in the buildings it manages.
“While solar panels may be installed through our planned retrofit programme, we do not permit plug-in or ‘plug and play’ solar panels in SNG properties,” said Carol Bailey, SNG’s building and occupational safety director, citing potential “electrical safety risks.”
Claire Hibbit, corporate affairs director at another housing association in England, Notting Hill Genesis, which manages over 60,000 properties, said they wanted to help tenants use cleaner power — before listing all the hurdles tenants would need to clear before plugging in solar panels: ensuring they were bought from a reputable outlet, holding an electricity safety certificate, safe installation, no extra fire risk, the right weight for a balcony, and not breaking any rules governing conservation areas.
A third, L&Q, which manages over 105,000 properties, said it welcomed the potential of plug-in panels to help cut bills. But its Director of Health and Building Safety Steve Pettitt added: “As this technology is new, we’re still considering the detail, including how it can be used safely in residents’ homes.”