British Gas to help more Brits generate their own power as plug-in solar arrives

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British Gas launches a competition giving 30 households the chance to win a plug-in solar unit as the technology goes on sale in the UK for the first time

• 30 households will have the chance to win a plug-in solar unit from British Gas, helping them take their first step towards generating their own electricity.

• Plug-in solar goes on sale in the UK for the first time today, opening up solar generation to more households, including renters, flat-dwellers and those without access to traditional rooftop solar.

• British Gas is helping households take greater control of their energy with customers being able to earn money on their surplus electricity exported in the coming weeks. 

British Gas is giving 30 households across the UK the chance to win a plug-in solar unit, helping more people take their first step towards generating their own electricity as plug-in solar goes on sale in the UK for the first time today.

For years, home solar has largely been an option for households able to install traditional rooftop panels. Now, plug-in solar is opening up another route, allowing eligible households to generate their own electricity from smaller-scale units that can be used in suitable outdoor spaces.

Plug-in solar offers a new way for eligible households to generate electricity from the sun, with compact units designed to be positioned in suitable outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios and gardens and connected to a standard household socket.¹

To mark the arrival of plug-in solar, British Gas is giving 30 households the chance to win a unit worth around £500. The competition will give more people the opportunity to generate their own electricity at home, with the potential to save up to £110 a year on their energy bills² – putting greater control over their energy into their own hands.

The competition forms part of British Gas’ focus on helping customers navigate the changing energy landscape and find new ways to use, generate and manage their energy – helping households move towards greater energy independence.

John Evans, Commercial Director at British Gas, said: “For a long time, generating your own solar power has meant having the right roof, the right home and the ability to make a significant investment upfront. Plug-in solar is now opening up another option for households who want to start generating their own electricity.

“We want to help more people take that first step, which is why we’re giving 30 households the chance to win a plug-in solar unit. For us, it’s about giving people more choice and control over how they generate and use their energy.

“And for eligible British Gas customers, there’s the opportunity to go one step further. In the next few weeks, customers can receive payments for eligible surplus electricity they export to the grid – meaning the energy they generate can potentially work harder for them.”

Minister McCluskey, Minister for Local Energy and Jobs said: "From today these easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes with no installation cost and provide up to 20% of average home electricity use.

"The lucky winners of this competition will be able to save hundreds of pounds on their bills, along with households across the country - good luck to all those entering!"

The launch comes as legally compliant plug-in solar products go on sale in the UK for the first time, creating a new option for households looking to generate electricity at home without a traditional rooftop solar installation.

Households can enter the British Gas competition by registering their interest in purchasing plug-in solar kit from British Gas when it becomes available here. Winners will be selected from those that register their interest before 16th September. Winners will be selected and notified between 17th – 30th September.

More information on plug-in solar panels can also be found on the British Gas site: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/the-source/news/plug-in-solar-panels-explained.html.