How plug-in balcony solar panels could help Britons save 30% on energy bills

Britons could soon buy cheap solar panels which can be put on balconies, sheds and terraces to cut their energy bills.

The plan, using so-called plug-in solar panels which typically cut bills by 30 per cent in countries where they are already used, has been announced by the government as part of a broader plan to step up solar power access.

Using balconies for solar panels is already common in Germany, where 1.5 million homes use the technology. Locals have named it balkonkraftwerk, or balcony power plant.

Using solar panels this way is a lot cheaper than installing them on a roof, requiring scaffolding and hiring specialist workers.

It will also unlock solar power for many of Britain’s 5.4 million households which rent. Presently, only homeowners can opt to fit solar panels unless they agree a deal with their landlord. Even then, if they moved, they would lose their panels. The Plug In Solar system is portable.

This so-called plug-in power plant also means no expensive fitting is required. Instead, the panels are attached to a Micro-Inverter, which steps up the voltage to the 230V used by your home’s mains supply.

The government is investigating whether a similar safe system can be deployed in the UK.

The aim is to cut electricity bills during the day from appliances like fridges, freezers and computers used by home workers.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said solar “is one of the cheapest and quickest to build power sources we have”.

He added: “We will push ahead on a solar rooftop revolution, while tackling the barriers of planning, grid, supply chains and skills.”

In Germany, a pair of 400W panels could save €120 (£103) to €240 a year in electricity costs, according to consumer website Finanztip, which could be 30 per cent off a smaller flat’s usage, according to manufacturer estimates.

Panels can last 30 years if looked after well, and the €540 they can cost can be recouped in a few years, depending on usage.