PLUG IN, POWER UP: DIY SOLAR PANELS TO CUT ENERGY BILLS – MP WELCOMES

Leighton Buzzard News

PLUG IN, POWER UP: DIY SOLAR PANELS TO CUT ENERGY BILLS – MP WELCOMES

Families across Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis and the surrounding areas will soon be able to cut their energy bills with new plug-in solar panels.

From 27 August, the likes of Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Lidl, Screwfix and Wickes will be legally allowed to sell the panels in shops and online for the first time.

That’s thanks to the Labour Government changing outdated electrical wiring rules that had effectively banned major retailers from bringing plug-in solar kits to the market.

Already popular across Europe, including Germany and Spain, where they are known as “balcony power plants”, the DIY solar setups can be hung from a balcony, terrace or shed roof and plugged straight into a standard wall socket.

They are expected to cost hundreds of pounds less than traditional rooftop solar panels because they don’t require costly installation fees. Government estimates suggest households could save up to £110 a year on their bills.

Local MP Alex Mayer said the change could particularly benefit the more than 11,000 renters across Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency, as well as flat owners and other families who may be unable to install a traditional rooftop panel system.

She said: “I welcome that local people will soon be able to plug in, power up and start cutting their electricity bills. For renters, flat owners and families on a budget, this really does open up clean energy in a way we haven’t seen before.

“It’s another important step from Labour Government in the drive to bring the benefits of clean, homegrown power to people across the country.”

Ms Mayer added that the law change could also pave the way for plug-in batteries to be used in homes across Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and beyond.

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