A More Affordable Way to Start With Solar.
Want solar panels but can't justify the cost of a traditional rooftop solar installation? Plug-in solar offers a simpler, lower-cost way to start generating electricity from the sun. ADR Electrical provides professional plug-in solar suitability surveys and electrical installation across Glasgow and Central Scotland.
Like the idea of solar — but not the price of a full solar installation?
Traditional rooftop solar can be a significant investment. For many homeowners, the upfront cost is enough to put solar completely out of reach.
Plug-in solar panels provide another option. These smaller solar PV systems are designed to generate electricity that can be used within your home, helping offset some of the electricity you would otherwise purchase from the grid.
That means you can start producing your own renewable electricity without committing to a large conventional rooftop PV installation.
A plug-in solar system should not simply be connected to any spare socket in your house. Your electrical installation needs to be assessed first and the connection arranged correctly.
What are plug-in solar panels?
Plug-in solar — sometimes known as balcony solar or plug-in PV — uses a compact solar panel and microinverter system to generate electricity for your home.
Solar panels generate electricity
The solar panels convert daylight into DC electrical energy, just like a conventional solar PV installation.
A microinverter converts the power
A microinverter converts the electricity into AC power suitable for use within your home's electrical installation.
Your home uses the generated energy
The generated electricity contributes towards the electricity being consumed within your property, reducing the amount you need to draw from the grid while solar generation is available.
Is your home's electrical installation suitable?
Although they're called "plug-in" solar panels, that doesn't mean every existing socket or electrical installation is suitable.
Before a system is connected, ADR Electrical can assess the existing electrical installation and determine what electrical work is required for a safe connection.
Arrange a Suitability SurveyWe assess the existing consumer unit and protective devices to establish whether they are suitable for a source capable of bidirectional power flow.
Where required, the dedicated solar connection will be protected using a suitable Type A bidirectional RCBO, selected for the installation.
Rather than relying on an existing general-purpose socket, our preferred installation is a dedicated socket specifically provided for the plug-in solar system.
The new electrical work is inspected and tested before the solar system is put into service.
Microgeneration installations are subject to electricity network requirements. Where applicable, ADR Electrical can deal with the required DNO notification process.
A dedicated external socket for your solar system.
For many properties, our preferred solution is to install a dedicated weather-resistant external socket specifically for the plug-in solar system.
This creates a clearly identified connection point rather than relying on an existing socket that may also supply other household equipment.
- Dedicated connection for the solar PV system
- Suitable circuit protection
- Type A bidirectional RCBO where required
- Weather-resistant external socket
- Electrical inspection and testing
- Clear labelling of the installation
- DNO notification where applicable
A simpler way to take your first step into solar.
Plug-in solar isn't designed to replace every traditional rooftop solar installation. For the right property and homeowner, however, it can provide an accessible way to begin generating renewable energy.
Lower Upfront Cost
A more accessible entry point for homeowners who aren't ready for the cost of a larger rooftop solar PV installation.
Generate Your Own Power
Produce electricity during daylight hours that can contribute towards your home's electricity consumption.
Compact System
Smaller systems can suit properties where a large conventional rooftop solar array isn't required or practical.
Professionally Checked
ADR Electrical can assess and prepare your electrical installation before the plug-in solar equipment is connected.
Plug-in solar installation in four steps.
Suitability Survey
We inspect the consumer unit, protective devices and proposed solar connection point.
Installation Proposal
We confirm what electrical work is required and provide a clear quotation before proceeding.
Electrical Installation
We install the dedicated connection, appropriate protective device and any required associated electrical work.
Test & Commission
The electrical work is inspected, tested and the relevant network requirements dealt with where applicable.
Plug-In Solar Panel Installation Across Glasgow & Central Scotland
ADR Electrical provides plug-in solar suitability surveys and electrical installation for homeowners throughout Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Speak to our team if you're considering plug-in solar panels and want to know whether your home's electrical installation is suitable.
Plug-In Solar Panel FAQs
What are plug-in solar panels?
Plug-in solar panels are compact solar PV systems that use solar panels and a microinverter to generate AC electricity for use within a property. They are sometimes referred to as balcony solar or plug-in photovoltaic systems.
Can I just plug solar panels into any socket?
You should not assume that an existing household socket or circuit is suitable. The electrical installation and protective devices should be assessed before a plug-in solar system is connected. Extension leads, multiway adaptors and similar accessories should not be used to connect a plug-in solar system.
Does my home need a bidirectional RCBO for plug-in solar?
Where electricity is capable of flowing in more than one direction, the suitability of the circuit protective device must be considered. ADR Electrical will assess the existing installation and, where required, install a suitable Type A bidirectional RCBO for the dedicated solar connection.
Do I need a dedicated socket for plug-in solar panels?
ADR Electrical's preferred arrangement is a dedicated connection for the plug-in solar system rather than using a general-purpose socket serving other equipment. In many homes, a dedicated weather-resistant external socket provides a practical solution.
Are plug-in solar panels cheaper than normal solar panels?
Plug-in solar systems are generally smaller and are intended to provide a lower-cost route into solar generation compared with a larger conventional rooftop PV system. The overall cost will depend on the solar equipment and any electrical work required at the property.
Will plug-in solar panels power my whole house?
Plug-in solar systems are generally designed to offset part of a property's electricity consumption rather than provide all of the electricity required by a home. Actual generation depends on factors including panel capacity, orientation, shading, weather and the electricity being consumed at the property.
Do plug-in solar panels need to be registered with the DNO?
Solar PV is a form of microgeneration and electricity network requirements apply. Depending on the installation, the appropriate DNO connection or notification procedure will need to be followed. ADR Electrical can deal with the applicable network process as part of the installation service.
Can ADR Electrical check my home before I buy plug-in solar panels?
Yes. We recommend arranging an electrical suitability survey before purchasing a plug-in solar system. This allows us to assess your consumer unit, protective devices, electrical installation and proposed connection location before you commit to purchasing the equipment.
Where does ADR Electrical install plug-in solar panels?
ADR Electrical provides plug-in solar suitability surveys and associated electrical installation throughout Glasgow and Central Scotland, including Bearsden, Milngavie, Bishopbriggs, Paisley, Renfrew, Cambuslang, East Kilbride and surrounding areas.
Thinking about plug-in solar? Check your electrics first.
Arrange a plug-in solar suitability survey with ADR Electrical. We'll assess your electrical installation, explain what is required and provide a quotation for the appropriate electrical work.
Book Your Suitability Survey