You may be aware that plug-in solar panels will soon be available to buy in shops across the UK, having been recently legalised by the government as a way to help more people reduce carbon emissions.
As with any alteration to a property, you will need permission from Great Places to have one of these fitted, particularly because they also come with their safety risks.
Plug-in solar panels work differently to traditional rooftop solar panels, as they’re designed to connect to standard household sockets. Whilst this sounds practical, it’s important to remember that can increase the risk of fire in certain properties.
Many plug-in solar panels are mounted on external walls, balconies, or other parts of a building. If they are not installed correctly, they could damage the building structure or become dislodged, potentially causing injury. There may also be electrical and fire safety risks depending on the type of property and the existing electrical installation.
The safety of our customers and our homes is a top priority, and so if you wish to have one of these fitted to your home, you must get written permission.
Our building and fire safety team can then assess whether the panels are a safe and suitable fit for your property. You also must not fit the panels yourselves. Any approved installation must be carried out safely and in accordance with relevant safety standards and requirements. We would advise all of our customers not to purchase them before gaining permission from Great Places.
To find out how to get written permission, and for more information about home improvements, head to our page here:
https://www.greatplaces.org.uk/customers/looking-after-your-home/home-improvements/
