Plug In Solar: generate your own electricity from a standard socket
What is plug-in solar?
Plug-in solar is a small solar panel system that plugs straight into a standard wall socket. The panels turn sunlight into electricity, and your home uses it first, so you buy less from the grid.
The key part is the microinverter. It converts the panels’ power into the same electricity your sockets supply, so it can flow safely into your home’s wiring.
How plug-in solar works, in three steps
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Sunlight hits a panel.It generates electricity whenever it's light.
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The microinverter converts it.It turns the panel’s output into electricity your home can use.
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Your home uses it first.Power flows in through a standard socket to whatever's running, so you draw less energy from the power grid.
Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
help@instagen.co.uk
0800 988 2499
InstaGen ONE Plug In Solar Kit
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Solar PV Panels2 × 435W InstaGen solar panels
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Maximum system output800W
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Microinverter800VA
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Panel dimensions1724 x 1134 x 30 (H x W x D)
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WeightApprox. 63kg
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Cable length5m
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Mounting optionsSuitable for floor-mounted installation only
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Warranty1-year product warranty
How plug-in solar helps reduce bills
Plug-in solar brings solar generation within reach of homes where a rooftop system isn’t practical.
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Generate your own electricity.Renewable power, generated at home.
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Buy less from the grid.Every unit you generate and use is one you don't pay the grid for.
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A fraction of the cost of rooftop solar.No survey, scaffolding or hefty installation bill.
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Set it up yourself.No electrician needed for a compliant kit. Mount it, plug it in, register it, and go.
How much could you save with plug-in solar?
Government estimates suggest an 800W plug-in solar kit could provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity and save up to £110 a year.* That’s enough to help run things like your fridge, TV, Wi-Fi router and laptop while the sun’s out.
The more you use in daylight, like running the washing machine or charging devices, the more you save.
What affects your potential savings?
- Where you put the panels
- Which way they face, and their angle
- Shading, weather and time of year
- How much electricity your household uses
- How much of it you use while the panels are generating
Backed by InstaGroup, in UK home energy since 1980
InstaGen is the renewables brand of InstaGroup, a British energy-efficiency company founded in 1980. For over 45 years, we’ve helped UK homes use less energy and make their own, from insulation to solar, battery storage to heat pumps.
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Over 45 years in UK home energy
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A 1-year product warranty
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Support when you need it
Safe, compliant and designed for UK homes
Plug-in solar kits sold in Great Britain must meet specific UK safety and technical requirements.
InstaGen ONE has been designed for the UK market to meet them. It stops generating automatically if it’s unplugged or the power goes off.
Is my home suitable for plug-in solar?
Most homes with some outdoor space can use plug-in solar. Check these before you buy:
- A sunny outdoor spot
- A wall socket within reach
- Wiring in good condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Already have an InstaGen ONE Plug-in Solar Kit and need some support? Our team is here to help with any questions about your kit, installation or getting set up.
Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
help@instagen.co.uk
0800 988 2499
An InstaGen One Plug-In Solar Kit is an easy-to-install solar system that lets you generate your own electricity from sunlight. The solar panel connects to a micro-inverter and simply plugs into a standard household 3-pin socket to help power your home.
InstaGen kits are designed for customer installation by following the instructions supplied with the kit.
However, the socket you connect the system to must be suitable and correctly installed. If you are unsure about the condition of your socket or electrical installation, have it checked by a qualified electrician before connecting your kit.
Yes. You need to notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that your solar kit has been connected.
Your DNO is the company responsible for the electricity network in your area. Registration lets them know that your property can generate electricity and may send unused electricity back to the grid.
Register your kit at: https://myplugin.solar/
This depends on your property and where the kit will be installed. Extra restrictions may apply to listed buildings, flats or properties in protected areas.
If you are unsure, check with your local council before installation. If you rent your home or have shared ownership, you should also check whether permission is required.
Installation & Safety
Choose a suitable outdoor location with:
- Good access to sunlight
- Firm, level ground
- Enough clear space around the panels
- Access to a suitable socket
- Minimal shading from trees, fences or buildings
- Always install the kit in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
Your InstaGen Plug-In Solar Kit must be connected to a suitable outdoor mains socket.
The socket should be:
- Properly installed and suitable for outdoor use.
- In good condition, with no cracks, damage or signs of wear.
- Easily accessible so the kit can be unplugged when required.
- Suitable for the plug supplied with your InstaGen kit.
Do not use extension leads, adaptors, multi-plugs or smart plugs.
If your outdoor socket is damaged, looks worn, or you are unsure whether it is suitable, do not connect your solar kit. Ask a qualified electrician to check the socket before use.
Yes. Your InstaGen solar panels can be moved if you need to reposition them.
Before moving the panels:
- Unplug the solar kit from the outdoor socket first.
- Use two people to lift and move the panels safely.
- Handle the panels carefully and avoid putting pressure on the panel surface.
- Take care not to pull, trap or damage any cables or connectors.
- Never drag the panels by their cables.
- Make sure the new location is firm, level and suitable for the kit.
- Once repositioned, check that the panels are secure and all cables and connections are undamaged before plugging the kit back in.
Yes. Your InstaGen Plug-In Solar Kit is designed for outdoor use and can be left outside throughout the year.
To keep your kit safe and working correctly:
- Make sure the panels and frame remain securely positioned and correctly weighted down.
- Regularly check the panels, frame, cables and connections for any signs of damage or movement.
- After strong winds, storms, heavy rain, snow or other severe weather, check the kit before continuing to use it.
- Keep the panels clear of excessive leaves, dirt and snow.
- Never move or adjust the panels during strong winds or severe weather.
- Minimise the risk of the product or components falling or becoming detached, obstructing escape routes and endangering occupants, neighbours or members of the public
- The product shall not be modified or installed in a manner not specified by the manufacturer
If you notice any damage or anything has moved out of position, unplug the kit and do not use it until it has been checked and made safe.
If your solar panel or frame has moved out of position, unplug the kit from the outdoor socket before adjusting it.
- Use two people to carefully reposition the panel and frame.
- Check the frame, fixings, cables and connectors for any signs of damage.
- Make sure the kit is positioned on firm, level ground.
- Ensure the frame is correctly secured using a minimum of 100kg of ballast (weight), positioned as shown in the installation instructions.
- Check that no cables are trapped, stretched or damaged.
- Once everything is secure and correctly positioned, the kit can be plugged back in.
The light on your microinverter helps you check the status of your solar kit.
- Flashing Green Light – Working Normally
Your microinverter is operating correctly and your solar kit is working. - Flashing Red Light – Setup Required
Your microinverter still needs to be set up and commissioned before your solar kit is ready to operate normally.
If the red light continues to flash after you have completed the setup and commissioning process, check the setup instructions or contact InstaGen Customer Support for help.
Do not connect the kit to a damaged, degraded or unsuitable socket.
If you are unsure whether your socket or electrical installation is suitable, ask a qualified electrician to inspect it before using the kit.
The InstaGen Plug-In Solar Kit is not designed to be used in conjunction with, operated with or connected to a battery storage system.
Stop using the system immediately and disconnect it only if it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt to open or repair electrical components yourself. Contact InstaGen or the retailer you purchased the kit from for assistance.
If you see smoke or fire, move away from the equipment and call 999.
Using Your InstaGen ONE Plug In Solar Kit
Solar generation varies depending on sunlight, weather, season, temperature, shading and the position of your panels.
800VA means the microinverter can supply up to approximately 800 watts of power from your solar panels to your home.
Your home can use the solar electricity as it is generated. If the system produces more electricity than your home is using at that time, the excess may flow back into the electricity grid.
No. The microinverter is designed to automatically stop supplying electricity if the grid loses power.
This is an important safety feature and means the InstaGen kit cannot be used as an emergency backup power supply.
Where practical, use electricity while your panels are generating power. For example, running appliances such as a washing machine during daylight hours can help you use more of the solar electricity directly in your home.
App & Monitoring
Download the S-Miles Home app and follow the setup instructions provided with your kit.
The app allows you to view information about the electricity generated by your system.
Check that:
- Bluetooth is switched on during setup.
- Your phone is close to the microinverter.
- Your internet/Wi-Fi connection is working.
- You have followed the app setup instructions.
The solar system can still generate electricity if your internet connection is temporarily unavailable.
Delivery, Warranty & Support
Do not install it.
Take photographs of the packaging and any visible damage, keep the packaging and contact the retailer you purchased the kit from.
Your InstaGen kit includes a 1-year warranty, subject to the warranty terms and correct installation and use.
Keep your proof of purchase and product serial number in a safe place.
You can find full details of our returns policy, including information on returns and refunds, on our Legal Pages
Interested in InstaGen Plug-in Solar?
*Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, August 2026. Estimates only; actual generation and savings will vary and are not guaranteed.