Ed miliband says Plug in solar will arrive by summer. Realistic or will it be delayed ?

always_learning22

Yesterday’s speech said plug-in solar should be available by Summer 2026. Do people here think that timeline is realistic, or will standards, supply and rollout delays push it back?

Could be a strong money-saving option for renters and flats if it happens properly. 

silvercar

Supply is already available at Amazon and Argos, to main a couple of easy accessible places.

So all that is missing is the legislation to allow people to plug them in.

ComicGeek

I can't see legislation changing that quickly. There's a lot of sensible resistance to it - it's a good idea, but shouldn't be rushed into. Our electricity standards and infrastructure isn't exactly the same as countries in Europe that already use these, so it's right to review everything before rushing into it. Just the thought of people installing these on balconies in buildings with flammable cladding, there are real risks that need to be managed - it really is pennies off someone's electricity bill in the end.

May and June are the peak output months for my PV systems, before higher temperatures start affecting panel efficiency. So I can't see anything happening this summer, particularly as Labour ministers will be focusing on a possible leadership battle.

WIAWSNB

Is legislation actually missing? If you were to buy one, would it come with 'Do not plug in.'?

I can certainly imagine some careless physical installations, but that's true of anything - if you have summat solid on a balcony and it gets blown off in t'wind, you are liable, whether it's a PV panel or a picnic table.

I'd anticipate prices coming down once more outlets supply them. And since the return is low, a £100 per panel price difference will be significant and greatly affect the break-even point.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81972934#Comment_81972934

Completely agree.

I'm also glad you mentioned 'flammable cladding'. It was something I was thinking about in a discussion about plug-in PV the other day.

ACM of itself is not particularly dangerous. Media headlines about it being the equivalent of covering a building with petrol were attention grabbing, but not necessrily true. The problem was that as with any new building-related product once you release it to the wild you have little control over its use and abuse - whether through ignorance (specifying it inappropriately) or laziness (installing it incorrectly) people will soon find ways of using it in a way which poses a danger.

Legislation and regulation - in theory - should prevent this happening, but we all know that without enforcement (which many people don't want anyway) then all the legislation and regulation you can throw at an issue won't stop people doing whatever they want, regardless of how dangerous.

The thing I find particularly ironic is that cladding of buildings (including the use of ACM) was pushed heavily by the government as a new wonder approach to saving energy and cutting CO2. At the risk of being cast as a naysayer, I fear that rapid authorisation of plug-in PV (apparently as a means of overcoming (temporary?) high oil/gas prices) without really thinking about it, will eventually lead to a Grenfell-type outcome, albeit that the deaths and injuries caused will be dispersed in time and place. And thus not newsworthy.

silvercar

If people aren’t allowed to plug them in, why are retailers allowed to sell them? What are they meant to be, garden features?

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81973105#Comment_81973105

The same as ebikes/escooters - the illegality relates to use in particular ways, not in ownership. If you are off-grid then it may be legal to use plug-in PV, so long as you can get it to work.

No doubt the retailers will say it isn't their job to police how people use what they sell, so long as the sale/supply itself is legal.

always_learning22

I’m optimistic it could arrive before summer, as that’s when public interest and potential savings are highest. If it slips until after summer, adoption may be slower because many people will feel they’ve missed the best season to benefit. The flammable cladding point is a fair concern, so clear product standards and installation safety rules are essential. Some of that responsibility should sit with manufacturers through proper certification, backed by a strong public awareness campaign. Ideally, it comes in before the end of summer so people can make the most of it.

kipsterno1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81973105#Comment_81973105

These are currently legal if they are hard wired in by a qualified person. Like you I do worry there will be abuse of these. I have already seen posts detailing how to set the inverter to an output higher than the proposed 800w or asking ,"Can I not just add one to each ring main?"

Brie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81973122#Comment_81973122

I understand why a retailer would want to not be responsible in any way but didn't they always used to ensure you had a TV licence when you bought a TV? And any car dealership I've bought from needed confirmation of driver's licence and tax being paid before handing over the keys.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81973467#Comment_81973467

I understand why a retailer would want to not be responsible in any way but didn't they always used to ensure you had a TV licence when you bought a TV? And any car dealership I've bought from needed confirmation of driver's licence and tax being paid before handing over the keys.

@Cornucopia is the one who can confirm the TV licence point, but I don't think there's ever been a requirement to 'show your papers' when buying a TV. I think there was once a scheme where TV retailers were 'encouraged' to supply TVL with details (name/address) of people buying a TV, but IIRC there was no requirement for the retailer to verify the details - so the customer could give false details and there would be no comeback.

The only time I've been asked for my driving licence when buying a car is for insurance purposes when doing a test drive. I could see it being asked for as proof of ID if buying on credit, but as you don't have to be a licenced driver to buy a car it otherwise seems as much overreach as TV licensing engages in. Now the buyer is legally responsible for taxing the vehicle before driving, does the dealer have any legal obligation to check that before handing the keys over? They used to need the insurance certificate so they could get the tax for you, but that was under the old system.