Plug-in solar panels raise fresh fire safety and insurance considerations
From the 27th August 2026 the Government legalised the sale of plug-in solar panels. Zurich is urging landlords and property owners to consider the fire and insurance implications before installations begin at scale.
Plug-in solar panels – also known as balcony solar or “plug and play” systems – can be connected directly into a standard domestic socket, allowing residents to generate their own electricity without a traditional rooftop installation.
Zurich is supportive of technology aimed at cutting energy bills and reducing carbon emissions. We also recognise that care is needed to manage the product safety, electrical integrity and suitability for different types of buildings.
When do Zurich policyholders need to notify us?
To provide clarification and reassurance for our customers, Zurich is setting out a simple guideline for when we need to be notified for property insurance purposes.
For plug-in solar panels in low-rise homes, typically buildings of up to four storeys, Zurich do not need to be advised of these installations.
For medium and high-rise buildings, the fire risks can be more complex, particularly around the potential for external fire spread. For these installations, please get in touch with your local Zurich contact or broker prior to any plug-in installation as it may require a more detailed assessment. We recognise that tenants may go ahead and install such systems without notifying their landlord in advance. In these circumstances, as soon as the situation becomes known, please contact Zurich or your broker as soon as possible.
To help avoid this situation, we request that there is clear communication with residents and all those involved in managing such properties about the need for notification prior to purchase.
Please note that lease conditions and planning permissions may impose additional requirements that are separate to the property insurance policy.
What should landlords and property owners consider before approving plug-in solar?
Zurich has outlined four key areas it believes building owners should address to ensure both fire safety and insurance compliance when residents wish to install plug-in systems.
1. Are the products compliant and suitable?
Our experts stress that only UK-compliant products should be used that are bought from reputable retailers to ensure compliance against official guidance.
The Energy Saving Trust website provides valuable safety information about plug-in solar which needs to be communicated to all those involved in managing properties and those within your organisation who deal with referrals from tenants:
Only one plug-in solar system per property is permitted and the power output must be limited to 800w.
Please specifically note that Battery Storage is not yet allowed under UK regulations and must not be used.
2. Is the electrical installation suitable?
Landlords, private and social, should confirm that there is an up to date i.e. within the last 5 years, fixed electrical wiring report in place (EICR condition report).
Where leaseholders are responsible for internal wiring, Zurich recommends an Electrical Inspection & Condition Report (EICR) is completed unless there is already one in place (within the last 10 years) before any plug-in panel is connected.
Connections must be made safely. Only weatherproof outdoor sockets with an IP 65 rating should be used. Extension cables must not be used. Cables should never be run through windows or under doors, where they can be pinched or damaged, creating a potential fire hazard.
Tenants need to be reminded that it is a legal requirement to register the plug-in solar panel via this website:
3. Is the building construction appropriate?
Zurich considers that plug-in solar panels may be suitable for low-rise properties but are not automatically considered acceptable for medium to high rise buildings because of the more complex risk of external fire spread.
Even on buildings of four storeys or less, Zurich advises against installing plug-in solar panels on stacked timber balconies or where they are adjacent to combustible cladding such as timber, high pressure laminate and render systems with expanded polystyrene. For buildings where a Fire Risk Assessment for External Walls (FRAEW) is required, some of these combustible wall elements may have been deemed a ‘tolerable risk’ but Zurich argues that adding an ignition source significantly changes the risk profile and any systems present should be reflected in an updated Fire Risk Assessment for it to be considered valid.
4. What maintenance will residents need to carry out?
Residents should be encouraged to carry out basic maintenance. Solar panels should be cleaned with water and a soft brush if they show signs of dirt or bird droppings. If there are any visible issues or a significant drop in the power output then tenants need to contact a qualified electrician to inspect the plug-in solar panel and associated equipment. Longer term, the inverters, which convert the DC electricity generated by the panels into usable AC power, typically need replacing every eight to ten years.
As plug-in solar becomes more widely available, Zurich will continue to monitor developments and provide guidance to help customers make informed decisions.
If you would like further information or support, please contact your local Zurich contact or ZRS representative.
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