Advocate John Aycock of M&P Legal sheds light on a change to energy regulations which facilitates greater use of solar panels.

A SMALL but significant change in the Isle of Man’s electricity safety framework might in time have a substantial impact on the local embracing of renewable energy.

UK changes to British Standards wiring regulations (BS 7671, Amendment 4) were adopted in the island in August to permit the use of plug in solar panels, a concept already in widespread use across Europe. Technical regulations have reclassified microgeneration of up to 800 watts as a portable appliance. In the UK a Sheffield business is making a 400 watt panel sized 170cm by 110cm, with kits for two panels costing £1,199 and for one £849. Chinese made versions will follow at lower cost.

It is counterintuitive that a freestanding solar panel might be plugged straight into your home’s normal socket to generate your electricity. And unsurprisingly, the technology involved is complex. An inbuilt micro-inverter converts the electricity from solar energy and directs it to the property’s main circuit via the plug socket. There is an instant shut off when the panel is unplugged, for obvious safety reasons.

Larger roof based solar panels are a fairly common sight here, but they remain not cheap and require specialist installation; smaller portable plug in solar panels need no construction work. Provided the detailed MU requirements are followed, it seems as simple as ‘plug and play’ or should that be plug and ray. Instant solar panels on the cheap might seem too good to be true.

But there are reality checks: prior MU approval is needed before any solar generation with stringent checking to ensure compliance with recognised electricity generation standards. The following guidance is available on the MU website Plug-in Solar

And plug in solar panels are limited to a total maximum output of 800 watts. While more convenient and accessible than roof based panels, the electricity generated is relatively small - probably not enough to boil your kettle but can run lighting or the TV. Nonetheless, every little helps and a plug in panel might mean more Manx households embracing the rhythm of renewable energy. It could act as a stepping stone to a larger system to generate substantially more electricity and help with self-sufficiency.

The record summer we have just had in the Isle of Man would have been a timely boost to plug in panels. Weather trends suggest that solar panels will be a good investment over time, whether that be the portable solar kits or larger systems.

It is unclear where a portable plug in solar panel kit might be bought locally but in the UK they will reportedly be sold in supermarkets. It remains crucial to observe the MU requirements set out on their website and submit their electricity network enquiry form as a first step to ensure a plug in solar panel is compliant and legal for your property. Once an application has been made MU will write to confirm whether the solar connection has been approved or declined, it must not be plugged in until such approval is received. Application is at no cost. MU say a smart meter is required to connect a plug in solar panel to ensure electricity consumption is accurately recorded on use of the plug in system and if you move house you have to submit a new application to use your plug in panel at a new address.

Other potential legal issues arise. While tenants can use plug in solar panels, they would need prior landlord permission as well as MU approval. Also, planning permission issues might arise if a panel was sought to be affixed for example on a balcony or outside wall. All such points need checking in advance.

At a time when the nights are drawing in and we begin battening down for winter, this enlightening change to energy regulations hints at sunnier times ahead.

Advocate John Aycock has 35 years’ legal experience across three jurisdictions. M&P Legal has partner status with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, is a corporate member of Manx Wildlife Trust and conducts environmental law work in the Isle of Man. This article is not legal advice, please always take specific advice on the facts of each case.

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