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UPDATE: Plug-in solar panels now legal in the UK. Regulations come into force allowing 800 W plug-in solar kits to be installed in England, Wales and Scotland. Plug-in batteries currently excluded, but under investigation. 27 Aug 2026 Plug-in solar panels are now legal across Great Britain, following a regulation change that the UK government said could save families up to GBP 110 ($150) per year. From Aug. 27, consumers in Great Britain will be able to buy and install plug-in solar kits with capacity up to 800 W - a power output that cover up to 20% of an average home's electricity use, according to the UK government. Households can install one array up to 800 W themselves, with no requirement to use a certified installer. The regulation change does not apply to households in Northern Ireland. While plug-in solar is already widely used in European markets such as Germany, British regulations had until now hindered deployment in the United Kingdom. Amendments to UK plug and socket regulations and electricity safety regulations have opened up the plug-in solar market, although plug-in battery storage devices are not covered by the changes. Information and guidance for consumers interested in plug-in solar has already been released by the UK's Energy Saving Trust. The UK government has also removed the need to apply for planning permission for plug-in solar in England. Scotland and Wales set their own planning rules. Despite the removed regulatory barriers, Josiah Mortimer of Byline Times revealed in a post on Bluesky that there are currently only seven legally-compliant plug-in solar devices on the UK government's official database. All seven of these come from just one company - UKSOL. Large UK multiple retailers have voiced support for the plug-in solar, and are expected to stock compliant products in the near future. Some have been in consultation with the UK government since it committed to plug-in solar in March 2026. A spokesperson from Screwfix told pv magazine the trade tool and hardware retailer plans to offer plug-in solar to customers in the fall. Commenting in a UK government press release, Graham Biggart, managing director of catalogue retailer Argos, said the company was "really pleased to now offer plug-in solar panels" for its customers. Amazon country manager John Boumphrey confirmed the online retailer will distribute plug-in solar products to UK consumers, with other major retailers such as Currys and Wickes also planning to list solar product lines. Solar industry figures have welcomed the change. Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK said making plug-in solar lawful would bring "cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before." While plug-in battery storage products are not covered by the rule change, Jason Howlett, chief executive officer, Energy Storage Association (ESA), told pv magazine the ESA is in discussions with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero about a full safety review of plug in batteries as part of an ongoing study that will evaluate different plug-in, self-installed battery products on sale around the world. Howlett noted that while the association would "wholeheartedly support the safe introduction of 'balcony' plug-in devices," more work is required, particularly on safety standards. UK battery storage regulations set a high bar for installers, strongly favoring outdoor installations and requiring checks of wiring and consumer units. Possible standards for plug-in batteries and their impact on household circuits are under investigation. This article was amended on Aug. 27 to include findings from Josiah Mortimer of Byline Times relating to the number of compliant plug-in solar devices on the UK government's official database. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected]. More about

New Screwfix shop for Leominster Morrisons where Next once stood. 19th August Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the Hereford area. A new retail unit could soon open in a supermarket car park where retail giant Next once had an outlet. Plans have been submitted for a Screwfix pop-up shop in the Morrisons car park on Barons Cross Road in Leominster, with the application lodged by Charlotte Mills on behalf of the company on July 20. This is what the new shop could look like. (Image: Screwfix) The proposed unit would be "psychically and functionally integrated with the host supermarket," according to the application. The shop would sell hardware, tools, and home improvement products, and offer both ordering and delivery services. If approved, the unit would operate with two full-time and five part-time employees. The location of the proposed Screwfix in Morrisons car park. (Image: Screwfix) The proposal states that the pop-up is unlikely to have any impact on trade in Leominster town centre. It would be open Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm, including bank holidays, Saturdays from 7am to 6pm, and Sundays from 9am to 4pm. Another view of the new Screwfix site. (Image: Screwfix) The unit would occupy 14 of the 427 parking spaces in the Morrisons car park, which previously housed a Next Click and Collect service. Public comments on the application can be submitted until September 11, with a decision expected by September 18.

AUDIO NEWS: Construction insolvencies drop in first half of year, and Hull is UK's hardest working city. Friday, 24 July 2026 06:00 Construction bankruptcies fall to their lowest point since 2022, tradespeople get less than five hours of sleep a night, and small housebuilders shouldn't need planning permission Construction insolvencies in the first half of the year dropped to their lowest point since 2022. According to the Insolvency Service, 3,805 building firms shut down between July 2025 and June of this year - a 5% improvement over the same period last year. Although the figure remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, it suggests that the current Middle East conflict is yet to have a long-term impact on construction bankruptcies. Hull has been named the UK's hardest-working city, with 36% of its tradespeople leaving home before 5am. The survey from Vanaways indicates that many tradies survive on less than five hours' sleep a night - well below the NHS-recommended levels. Plumbers were identified as the earliest rising trade, with half of them leaving home before 5 in the morning. Painters and decorators were the most sleep-deprived, averaging just 4.7 hours of rest. Small housebuilders should be freed from planning permission altogether when building a 'handful of homes', claims a Liberal Democrat spokesperson. Gideon Amos, MP, also threw his support behind the FMB's campaign to licence the construction industry. The trade body estimates that cowboy builders have cost consumers over £14 billion over the past five years. To listen to the construction news, please click below * Josh and Chris Discuss GOING BALD! Josh James and Chris White are joined by Tariq Kazemi, founder of BLDBRO, for an honest, funny and surprisingly wholesome conversation about hair loss, confidence, and when men should embrace going bald. * Tradesman's Warning to All Trades: Wear a Mask! * AUDIO NEWS: On average tradespeople owed nearly £,6000, and more youngsters head to site 93% of tradespeople admit that running their businesses stresses them out, more youngsters apply for CSCS cards, and two electricians evolve into entrepreneurs * AUDIO NEWS: 40% of tradespeople expect to rely on their state pension, and 200,000 firms not ready for MTD Nearly a third of tradespeople expect to work beyond state pension age, more than 200,000 businesses are not ready for Making Tax Digital, and tradies need to wear suncream while in the van * AUDIO NEWS: Local councils turn off solar panels after fires, and new PM urged to jump start housing market Local authorities turn off solar panels after a series of fires, Andy Burnham urged to stimulate the housing market, and an electrician finds Viking-era sword pommel * AUDIO NEWS: Construction output drops in May, and Screwfix partners with Google to offer AI training Construction output drops 0.8% in May, Screwfix joins forces with Google to bring AI training to the shop floor, and a plasterer expands into online training * AUDIO NEWS: A third of tradespeople are using AI on the job and a lawyer becomes a plasterer Tradespeople believe AI can help identify issues and reduce callbacks on the job, ECA members form a skills alliance, and a lawyer joins the trades