If you’re considering buying or using a plug-in solar panel system, follow these steps to help keep yourself and others safe.
Getting permission
If you rent your property, contact your landlord, housing provider, freeholder or property management company before buying or installing any plug-in solar equipment.
Permission may be required under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Unauthorised installations could affect building safety, insurance arrangements, your rights as a tenant or property management requirements.
Buying safely
Only buy plug-in solar equipment from trusted manufacturers and retailers. Poor-quality or counterfeit products may not meet UK safety standards and could be more likely to overheat or fail.
Look for UKCA or CE markings before buying any equipment. These markings indicate that the product complies with recognised safety and environmental standards.
Where to place your solar panels
It’s important not to make it harder to evacuate in an emergency, or to block access for emergency services. Solar panels and associated equipment shouldn’t block:
- Balconies which are shared - connecting apartments or common areas
- Walkways
- Windows
- Fire escape routes
Keep any combustible materials away from your solar panels, batteries, inverters or electrical connections. Sparks, flames and heat from electrical faults can ignite nearby materials and allow fire to spread rapidly.
Safe installation
Always install, operate and maintain the system following the manufacturer's guidance. Incorrect installation or misuse can increase the risk of fire and electric shock.
Where electrical work is required, for example fitting an outdoor socket, you should use a qualified and competent installer. This can help make sure the system is installed safely and complies with electrical regulations.
Only use mounting brackets, fixings and accessories recommended by the manufacturer. Temporary or unsuitable fixings may fail over time and create safety risks.
If you're plugging your solar panel into an outdoor socket, ensure it’s a minimum IP65-rated installation fitted by a competent person. Unsuitable or non-weatherproof sockets may allow water to get in, which could lead to electrical faults, electric shock, short circuits, or fire.
It’s recommended that you don't connect your plug-in solar panels to batteries to store energy for later use.
Following installation, inform your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) within 28 days. This helps maintain a balanced electricity network. In London your DNO is UK Power Networks (UKPN).
Cladding works and remediation
If your building is undergoing, or is due to undergo, cladding works or remediation it’s recommended that you don’t install plug-in solar panels until the work is complete. If you’re unsure if there’s any work planned, contact your landlord, housing provider, freeholder or property management company.
Extension leads, adapters and cables
Never tamper with cables, plugs, inverters, batteries or any other part of the system. Altering equipment can expose live electrical components, cause faults and significantly increase fire and shock risks.
Plug-in solar systems should not be connected through extension leads, adaptors or overloaded sockets. Overloaded electrical connections can overheat and cause fires.
Protect cables from damage as damaged wiring can overheat, short circuit or expose live conductors.
Do not:
- Trap cables in doors or windows
- Run cables under carpets
- Expose cables to sharp edges
Using your solar panels
Stop using the system immediately if you notice:
- Burning smells
- Overheating
- Buzzing noises
- Visible damage
- Repeated electrical tripping
Report concerns straight away
If you notice overheating, damaged cables, or other signs of a fault, stop using the equipment immediately and report the issue to the relevant installer, supplier or landlord if appropriate. If you notice a burning smell please call 999.
In an emergency
Solar panels may continue generating electricity during daylight hours, even when switched off indoors. If there is a fire or other emergency:
- Avoid touching the system or associated equipment
- Move to a place of safety
- Call 999
- Tell the 999 operator and any firefighters attending that solar panels are installed at the property. This information helps emergency responders assess risks and work safely.