Environment & Climate
Advocates urge Australia to legalise plug-in solar panels following UK approval
Renters and apartment dwellers remain unable to use portable solar systems despite potential annual bill savings.
The short version
- Clean energy advocates and researchers are urging Australian regulators to legalise plug-in solar panels following recent regulatory approval in the UK.
- While plug-in solar hardware is currently sold in Australia, regulations prohibit connecting the systems directly into home power outlets.
- Advocates estimate the portable systems could save capital city households between $226 and $372 annually on energy costs.
- Regulatory changes remain subject to consideration by Australian federal and state policymakers.
Key facts
- Plug-in solar technology consists of small, portable solar panels designed to plug into standard household wall sockets to power daytime appliances.[The Guardian]
- Using plug-in solar systems remains illegal under current Australian regulations, despite the hardware being available for purchase.[The Guardian]
- The United Kingdom recently legalised plug-in solar panels, joining jurisdictions including Germany, Spain, and New Zealand.[The Guardian]
- According to Energy Consumers Australia, 11% of Australian renters and 6% of apartment dwellers have access to solar power, compared to 44% of homeowners and 39% of residents in detached housing.[The Guardian]
- Researchers estimate that capital city households in Australia could save between $226 and $372 annually using plug-in solar systems.[The Guardian]
- Smart Energy Lab estimates an 800-watt plug-in solar kit costs around $1,000, achieves financial payback in three years, and has an operational life of 20 years.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Australian federal and state regulators will initiate regulatory updates to legalise plug-in solar technology remains unconfirmed.[The Guardian]