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800Watts Launching June 2026

UK plug-in solar · Est. 2026

Independent
solar guidance
for every home

800Watts is a UK charity providing clear, impartial information about plug-in solar energy. We help renters and homeowners understand their options, navigate the regulations, and make informed decisions about small-scale solar — without selling anything.

800W
Hard cap per property
BS 7671 Amendment 4
£160–216/yr
Estimated annual saving
south-facing, home days
3–6yr
Typical payback period
depending on setup
£250-500+
Est. min. initial investment
800W (2 panels + microinverter)
New tool

Find out exactly what 800W of balcony solar would save you — connect your Octopus account for personalised results based on your actual usage history. Try the savings estimator →

01
Legislation & rules
What BS 7671 Amendment 4 means in practice. G98 notification, the 800W cap, and what changes in July 2026.
02
Costs & savings
Realistic figures. What a south-facing system generates. What you save if you are home or out 9–5. Payback periods.
03
Guide for renters
Your rights under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. How to request installation from a landlord. What counts as unreasonable refusal.
04
Equipment
Which microinverters are G98-listed. Panel sizing and placement. Battery storage options. What to avoid.
July 2026 — Regulatory change

From approximately July 2026, true plug-and-socket DIY systems are expected to become fully compliant once the BSI product standard publishes. Until then, hardwiring by a CPS-registered electrician is required. Our guidance reflects both stages.

May 2026
Live
Solar news page
A curated feed of UK solar news — covering plug-in solar regulation, industry milestones, and policy changes. Read the latest solar news →
July 2026
Up next
Savings estimator + Octopus tariff evaluation
An interactive tool to calculate your likely annual saving based on roof orientation, household occupancy, and your current tariff. Includes a dedicated comparison for Octopus Energy customers — Agile, Flux, and Intelligent Go — where time-of-use pricing meaningfully changes the return.
September 2026
Planned
Community forum & installer directory
A moderated space for installers, renters, and homeowners to share real-world experiences, ask questions, and review equipment. The installer directory lists CPS-registered electricians who have completed G98-notified plug-in solar work.
November 2026
Planned
Free solar panels programme
A charitable programme placing free plug-in solar systems with households who cannot afford the upfront cost — prioritising renters, those on prepayment meters, and low-income homeowners. Applications open in late 2026; funded through grants and direct donations.
About this roadmap

Dates are targets, not promises. We are a small charity and timelines shift. The roadmap is public so you can hold us to it — and so you know what is coming before we ask for your support.