Octopus Energy's plug-in solar kits sell out but more are 'on the way'

Date:
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:45:03 +0000

Description:
Octopus Energy says its plug-in solar kits have sold out again for the second time in under a month, as buyers seek refuge from another energy crisis.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Octopus Energy says it's sold out of its plug-in solar kits for a second time More stock of the now-legal kits is apparently "on the way" Meanwhile, manufacturer UKSOL says more retailers are stocking its kits The threat of a worsening energy crisis is pushing many of us towards tech that could help cut our growing bills and Octopus Energy says it's now sold out of its plug-in solar kits for a second time in less than four weeks, after being "blown away" by the demand.

Plug-in solar kits, which can be installed without professional help, were legalised in the UK just over a month ago . Octopus Energy has been offering two DIY kits to customers, with a choice or one 460W panel (450) or two
panels (650, including VAT and curb-side delivery). The energy giant says
that "thousands of households" have been trying to get one of its plug-in kits, but supply hasn't been able to meet demand. Octopus says the first 500 kits were gone in two weeks, and it's just sold out another batch. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Because they can be mounted on either walls or the ground, plug-in solar kits are particularly appealing to renters. Octopus claims customers can save up
to 150 a year thanks to savings on their electricity bills and by using its Outgoing export tariff. However, that figure is for its dual-panel setup and can vary depending on your sunlight levels, installation and energy consumption.

That dual-panel option is apparently the most popular choice among Octopus customers, with 89% of early buyers opting for that more powerful kit. That's not hugely surprising, given household bills are predicted to see their biggest rise (16%) in four years from January. You may like Solar energy sets new UK record as plug-in solar kits head for shelves First plug-in solar
kits get regulatory green light in UK Plug-in solar just became legal in the UK 5 things you need to know Analysis: A first step, rather than a quick fix Octopus Nook batteries (above) are due to go on sale in early 2027 (Image credit: Octopus Energy) The popularity of plug-in solar kits isn't surprising given the recent headlines about energy prices, but they're far from a quick fix.

Even if you opt for the dual-panel option from Octopus, the payback period is still over four years, according to the energy giant's figures. And while plug-in solar kits are now legal in the UK, you're not currently allowed to plug them into home batteries (without professional installation) to store
the electricity. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Octopus Energy recently told me that plug-in batteries are the "the real game-changer", and it's patiently waiting for those to become legalised in
the UK. It's already announced its Octopus 'Nook Cube' battery and says it's "due to launch in Q1 next year".

In the meantime, UK residents who don't want to spend thousands on a professionally installed setup can only lay the groundwork with plug-in solar kits. While Octopus Energy has promised that more of its kits are "on the way", one of the UK's main plug-in solar suppliers has just revealed that its kits are now available in more retailers.

UKSOL, which became the first plug-in solar company to get regulatory
approval back in August, says its kits (starting at 599) are now available online from Wilko, Homebase and PlumbNation. You can already buy them from
the likes of Argos and Very, though model availability varies by retailer.

Like Octopus Energy's kits, they combine the solar panels, mounting equipment and a microinverter, plus an app for monitoring your electricity generation. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best laptops for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/energy-saving/octopus-energy-says-its-plug-in-s olar-kits-have-sold-out-again-but-more-are-on-the-way-to-save-you-up-to-gbp150 -a-year-on-bills


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