Is plug-in solar worth it for me?

Answer a few quick questions to estimate your annual savings and whether an 800W plug-in solar kit is likely to make sense for your home.

This calculator is designed for UK households comparing small plug-in solar and balcony solar kits. It looks at the factors that matter most in real homes: whether someone is usually in during the day, how many people use electricity, where the panels will be mounted, which way they face and how much shade they get.

Are you usually home between 9am and 5pm? How many people live in your home? Home size Monthly electricity bill Where will the panels be mounted? This affects likely angle, ventilation, shading and how easy it is to keep the panels facing the sun. Main panel direction Shading during the day Kit size Electricity price p/kWh. Default uses Ofgem's average electricity unit rate for 1 July to 30 September 2026.

When plug-in solar is usually worth it

Plug-in solar works best when you use the electricity as it is generated. Homes with daytime loads such as fridges, routers, laptops, washing machines, TVs, battery chargers or someone working from home usually get more value from a small solar kit.

South-facing, little shade, daytime use

This is the strongest case. More of the kit's generation is likely to be used directly in the home.

East or west-facing, mixed daytime use

Still worth checking. West-facing panels can be especially useful if your household uses more power in the afternoon.

North-facing, heavy shade, empty home

Savings may be limited because generation and self-consumption are both likely to be lower.

What changes the result?

Self-consumption: the more solar you use at home, the better the saving.
Direction: south is usually strongest for total generation, while south-west and west-facing panels can better match afternoon household demand.
Mounting: roof and ground mounts often give more control over angle than a fixed wall or balcony rail.
Shade: trees, neighbouring buildings and balcony overhangs can reduce output sharply.
Tariff: higher import prices improve savings, while export payments can change the calculation.

Quick questions

Is plug-in solar worth it in the UK?

Plug-in solar is most likely to be worth it if you use electricity during daylight hours, have little shading, can face panels south, south-east, south-west or west, and choose a kit with a sensible payback period. West-facing panels can be useful because they generate more in the afternoon, when household electricity use is often higher.

How much can plug-in solar save per year?

Savings vary by kit size, electricity price, panel position and self-consumption. A well-positioned 800W kit may save materially more than a shaded or north-facing setup, especially when daytime use is high.

What affects plug-in solar savings the most?

The biggest factors are panel direction, shading, mounting angle, electricity unit price and how much of the generated solar power you use at home instead of exporting it.