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Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Solar Power: Safety

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government why the consultation on proposals to enable the safe and legal use of plug-in solar (plug-in microgeneration) products in the UK lasted two weeks, and what consideration they gave to a longer consultation.

Answer

The move to make plug-in solar panels available in shops within months comes as government steps up its drive for clean homegrown power to get the UK off its dependency on fossil fuel markets. Plug-in solar panels provide a new, simple alternative for those who may not have the option of rooftop solar, and could offer savings of up to £110 a year on energy bills for a typical home.

It has been rolled out successfully in other countries. To safely bring plug-in solar to the UK market within this timeframe, we launched an expedited consultation on required regulatory changes alongside running a series of in-depth and targeted meetings with a wide range of stakeholders.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1470
Session
2026-27
Related items
Public Consultation
Friday, 28 August 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Public consultation Safety Solar power
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk