What you need to know before you buy
If you are thinking about buying a plug-in solar panel system, please contact Saxon Weald first. You must have our written permission before you install, connect or use any equipment.
We support customers who want to use renewable energy. However, we must make sure any equipment is safe, suitable for your home, and does not affect the building, your neighbours, or emergency access.
What is a plug-in solar panel system?
A plug-in solar PV system is a small set of solar panels that generates electricity for use in your home. It usually connects through a standard plug or similar connection.
These systems can help reduce energy use. However, they can also create electrical, fire, structural, or safety risks if they are unsuitable, installed in the wrong place, or connected incorrectly.
What you need to do
Before installing a plug-in solar system, please:
- Contact Saxon Weald
- Tell us what equipment you want to use and where you plan to put it
- Send us product details, manufacturer instructions, and any photos we request
- Wait for our written decision before buying, installing, connecting, or using the system
- Follow any conditions included in our approval
What we will check
We will review your request and may look at:
- Whether the product is suitable and has clear manufacturer guidance
- Whether your home's electrical system can support it safely
- Whether the location is safe
- Whether it could affect fire safety, escape routes, or emergency access
- Whether it could damage the building, balcony, walls, roof, windows, or doors
- Whether expert technical advice is needed before we make a decision
Where equipment may be allowed
We assess each request on its own merits. Suitable locations may include:
- A private garden
- A private patio
- Another private outdoor area that is part of your home.
We may also consider some balconies. However, extra checks are often needed because of fire, structural, and falling-object risks.
You must not place plug-in solar equipment in:
- Communal corridors
- Stairwells
- Communal balconies
- Communal roofs
- Fire exits
- Protected escape routes
- Any area that blocks access for neighbours, contractors, or emergency services
Important safety rules
If permission is granted, you must:
- Use only the equipment approved by Saxon Weald
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Keep the equipment in good condition
- Report any damage, faults, or safety concerns quickly
- Make sure cables are secure and protected
- Allow us access if we need to complete a safety inspection
- Remove the equipment if we ask you to do so for safety, maintenance, or building work
You must not:
- Use extension leads, cable reels, or unsuitable adaptors
- Change sockets, circuits, fuse boards, or other electrical equipment
- Drill, screw, bolt, or fix equipment to the building without permission
- Connect more than one plug-in solar system unless agreed in writing
- Install battery storage without separate approval
- Block doors, windows, escape routes, or emergency access
- Store flammable materials near the equipment
When we may refuse permission
We may refuse permission if:
- We cannot confirm it is safe
- The location creates a risk
- It could damage the building
- It could affect fire safety, escape routes, neighbours, or emergency access
If you install solar panel equipment without permission
If you install a solar system without permission, we may ask you to:
- Apply for retrospective permission
- Disconnect the equipment
- Move it or make changes
- Remove it completely
If there is an immediate safety risk, we may require urgent action.
If your request is approved
We will confirm our decision in writing. Our approval may include conditions. These could cover:
- Where the equipment can be placed
- How it must be connected
- What you must do if it becomes damaged or if we need access to carry out work to your home
Any equipment you buy remains your responsibility unless we agree otherwise in writing. You will usually be responsible for maintaining it, using it safely, and removing it when your tenancy or lease ends.
Need help or want to apply?
Please contact us before buying or installing a plug-in solar panel system. We will explain what information we need and how we will assess your request.
For more information on making changes to your home and next steps, click here.
