“Plug & play” solar panels – also known as “plug-and-play”, “plug-in”, “socket”, or “balcony” solar panels – are compact photovoltaic systems designed to be directly connected to a standard socket in your home. The most common plug-in systems are solar panel kits, also known as balcony panels, plug-and-play PV systems, micro-PV, or mini-generators. They typically consist of one, two, or more solar panels, a micro-inverter, and a standard plug. The installation is so simple that (usually) no electrician is needed.

Deze “plug-in” systemen zijn niet permanent aangesloten op het elektrische paneel van de woning, maar worden in een standaard stopcontact gestoken, net als een huishoudelijk apparaat. Het belangrijkste verschil met conventionele fotovoltaïsche- of opslagsystemen is dus de eenvoud van de installatie: plug-in systemen zijn ontworpen om in het stopcontact te worden gestoken, zonder ingewikkeld werk of de verplichte tussenkomst van een elektricien, hoewel dit in sommige gevallen kan worden aanbevolen. Bovendien zijn ze ook kleiner in vermogen (één of twee of vier panelen), in tegenstelling tot installaties op daken, die veel panelen kunnen bevatten, een vaste aansluiting vereisen en een conformiteitscontrole vereisen.

A typical plug-in solar kit includes one or two solar panels, a micro-inverter (which converts the generated electricity into usable power for your home), and a connection cable with a standard plug. Some systems also include a portable battery for energy storage, or an app for monitoring and management.

If your roof is unsuitable (small, shaded, poor orientation) or the budget is too high, a plug & play system may be a viable solution. On one hand, some of these plug-in systems can be purchased with a budget of less than 500 euros including VAT. On the other hand, these systems can be installed on a smaller area of your roof or in other locations such as your balcony, a discreet corner of your terrace, your garden, or attached to a wall.

The profitability of plug-in PV systems is generally comparable to that of traditional PV installations. Because these devices can be placed more flexibly, they can often be better oriented, which increases their yield. As with any PV system, the efficiency depends on various factors: the installed capacity (Wp), the location of the modules, your consumption profile, the share of self-consumption of the generated electricity, your current electricity cost (£/kWh), the type of electricity contract (fixed or variable, single or dual tariff, capacity charge...), the future tariff framework (future time-of-use), and also the value of the electricity you inject, etc. In Belgium, the payback period for plug-in systems usually varies between 3 and 10 years, depending on the situation. These devices are designed to last 20 to 30 years. What is certain is that a high share of self-consumption remains an important lever to maximise profitability, regardless of whether you choose a traditional fixed system or a plug-in solution. Additionally, the cost of the “plug & play” system is also a very important factor for the profitability of the investment.

This depends on your electricity price on one hand and the model you choose on the other. A plug-in solar panel system of 800W generates approximately 984kWh, which at an electricity price of about 36 euro cents per kWh results in a saving of around €210. With a “plug-and-play” system with a capacity of 2000W, approximately 1790 kWh of electricity can be generated, leading to an annual saving on the electricity bill of about €385. It is even more worthwhile if you also integrate a storage system (battery): this allows you to achieve energy consumption of up to 100% and save a total of approximately €28,433 over the next 30 years.

An extra plug-in device can certainly be relevant for households that already have a classic PV installation. One or two additional plug & play modules can increase your production capacity and improve your immediate self-consumption. Additionally, plug & play devices can be flexibly used for temporary or additional needs, without having to modify the existing installation. Thanks to their simple installation and limited size, they represent an accessible and modular extension.

You can install a plug-in solar panel set in various locations, such as a balcony or facade, a garden shed, garden, terrace, flat roof, or a sunny piece of land…. The most important thing is to choose a location that is exposed to the sun and angled in such a way that maximum output is produced at the times you want, while avoiding shade and ensuring that you comply with all local or municipal regulations. The use of extension cords or power strips is not recommended.

The lifespan of solar kits is generally good, with warranties on the panels of up to 25 or 30 years. Manufacturers typically offer warranties on the various components of these systems (inverters, cables, mounts), ranging from 12 years to 30 years for some models. If they are moved frequently, the systems may wear out slightly faster. The lifespan of portable batteries depends on their technology and usage (number of charge/discharge cycles), but is usually 10-15 years, depending on the model.

While most Western European countries set a maximum of 600 W or 800 W for the PV plug-in inverter, Belgian federal regulations currently do not impose a specific power limit for these systems. Therefore, you could theoretically install multiple systems, but this is not encouraged for safety reasons. The European Commission recommends introducing a maximum power limit of 800 W per circuit for plug-in systems. The Belgian regional authorities are currently examining the necessity of this ceiling (max 800 W recently confirmed in Flanders). Aside from the safety aspect, the maximum power you can consider for your home in Belgium depends on the technical limits of your electrical installation and electricity needs. It is crucial never to connect multiple installations to the same socket to prevent overload. Also, check the capacity of your electrical installation.

The only systematically mandatory change is the purchase of a digital electricity meter. If you still have an old electromechanical meter, it is usually replaced free of charge by your distribution network operator. In many cases, no other adjustments are necessary, as these systems are designed to be connected directly to a standard socket. However, if you have doubts about the capacity of an electrical circuit or the quality of your electrical installation, for example, if the installation is old, it is best to have your installation checked by an electrician. This way, you avoid the risk of overloading the electrical circuit to which the plug & play equipment is connected.

In most cases, there is no complicated installation or intervention from a technician required when purchasing a plug & play system. These systems are usually supplied with DIY fixtures and only need to be plugged into a socket. However, in certain cases, it may be advisable to engage an electrician. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to observe basic safety precautions.

In the event of a power outage on the grid, a plug & play PV system will not work. These systems are designed to inject electricity into the power grid when it is active and switch to safety mode in the event of a power outage to avoid any electrical risk to your home installation and the power grid. They are generally not equipped for stand-alone operation.

Not with a conventional plug-in system with a standard socket. Most of these systems are designed to be connected to the electricity grid to power your devices and potentially feed excess back into the grid. Their main purpose is self-consumption of the produced electricity, with a connection to the existing electricity network. However, there are also other systems specifically designed for autonomous operation outside the electricity grid, with various features and purposes (for example, to charge a smartphone, laptop, or other small USB-C devices).

Plug & play systems are designed to be disconnected, transported, and reinstalled elsewhere. Due to their mobility, they are a flexible solution, allowing them to

can move more easily or be temporarily used in another property. However, the distribution network operators must be informed of the source and destination addresses of the plug & play system. If the equipment is transported to another country or region, you must, of course, check the regulations at your destination address.

Plug-in systems are already profitable in Belgium on their own, which explains why there are currently no specific support measures or subsidies provided for these devices.

When determining the optimal additional capacity, various economic factors come into play, such as your consumption profile, the tariff structure of your electricity bill (fixed, variable, day/night meter, capacity tariff, dynamic tariff, etc.). In practice, it is often sufficient to add one or two panels to partially cover basic consumption (such as a refrigerator or standby consumption), or to use the system for partially charging an electric vehicle. The capacity of a plug & play system is also limited by technical factors such as the condition and capacity of your internal installation, the available space, and any regional or local regulations (such as planning rules or the 800 W power limit). Systems are already profitable in Belgium on their own, which explains why there are currently no specific support measures or subsidies for these devices.

Just like with a fixed solar PV installation or a home battery, it is recommended to check the terms of your fire or home insurance. In some cases, prior notification of the installation is required to ensure full coverage.

Flanders

You have a digital meter

▪ the total capacity of your entire installation is < 800 W: no notification or registration obligation (registration) with Fluvius

▪ the total capacity of your entire installation is > 800 W: registration with Fluvius is mandatory within 30 days of commissioning (https://www.fluvius.be/nl/in-de-kijker/plug-en-play-toestellen)

You have an electromechanical (analogue) meter

▪ the total capacity of your entire installation is < 800 W: registration with Fluvius is mandatory within 30 days of commissioning (https://www.fluvius.be/nl/in-de-kijker/plug-en-play-toestellen

▪ the total capacity of your entire installation is > 800 W: registration with Fluvius is mandatory within 30 days of commissioning (https://www.fluvius.be/nl/in-de-kijker/plug-en-play-toestellen. Afterwards, a digital meter will be installed. While waiting for this replacement, a prosumer tariff will be applied.

BRUSSELS AND WALLONIA

Registration with Fluvius is mandatory for all capacities (< 800 W or > 800 W) within 30 days of commissioning (https://www.fluvius.be/nl/in-de-kijker/plug-en-play-toestellen

Just like with a fixed solar PV installation or a home battery, it is recommended to check the terms of your fire or home insurance. In some cases, prior notification of the installation is required to ensure full coverage.

In Belgium, there is no maximum allowed capacity. Therefore, you can install more than 1, 2, or 3 plug & play panels in Belgium. However, regardless of the total capacity of your plug & play solar panel installation, only a maximum of 800 watts can be injected into your home network. This maximum capacity of 800 W is automatically regulated by the micro-inverter(s) or home batteries to which your solar panels are connected. The approved devices are manufactured and configured in this way.