Insurers, brokers, landlords and property owners have been urged to assess the risks presented by plug-in solar panel systems entering the UK market.

Risk assessment firm RiskSTOP said the technology could introduce electrical, fire and structural hazards, despite the systems being smaller and less complex than conventional roof-mounted installations.

Plug-in photovoltaic solar panels have been permitted for use in the UK since 27 August 2026, following changes announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The technology, already used in parts of Europe, is intended to make small-scale solar generation more accessible.

Johnny Thomson, head of strategic planning at RiskSTOP, said: “Unlike conventional roof-mounted PV systems, plug-in systems are designed to be installed by householders and connected directly to a standard electrical socket.

“They offer a relatively simple means of generating renewable electricity and may be particularly attractive to residents in flats, apartments, rental properties and homes unsuitable for traditional roof-mounted solar installations.

“Whilst plug-in PV systems are generally smaller than conventional solar installations, they should not be considered risk-free.

“They introduce many of the same electrical, fire and structural hazards associated with traditional PV systems, together with additional risks arising from user installation, product compliance, mounting arrangements and interaction with existing electrical circuits.”

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SOLAR INSTALLATION

Plug-in systems feed electricity into a property through an existing socket circuit rather than being wired directly into its electrical distribution system. RiskSTOP said the compliance of the product, the condition and suitability of the existing electrical installation and the protection incorporated into the system should therefore form part of any risk assessment.

Panels installed on balconies, walls, terraces or other external areas must also be mounted securely, with their exposure to wind and weather taken into account. Requirements imposed by landlords, freeholders, planning authorities and insurers may be relevant, depending on the property.

Property owners may still need to notify the relevant network operator. Regular visual inspections could help to identify damaged cables, loose fixings, deterioration or signs of overheating.

KEEPING THE RISK PROPORTIONATE

Thomson said: “Compared with larger conventional PV installations, these systems are generally lower in complexity and scale. However, the important point is that as they become more widely available, they may begin appearing on properties where solar generation has not previously formed part of normal risk assessment.

“For insurers and brokers, understanding what has been installed, where it has been positioned and how it is being managed will become increasingly important.

“As with many developing technologies, effective risk management is about recognising the exposure early and making sure the controls remain proportionate.”