Katie White OBE MP, Minister of State (Minister for Climate Transition), visited the Sheffield assembly operation supporting British solar company UKSOL’s Plug-In Solar Pro range as businesses prepared for the opening of Great Britain’s new plug-in solar market.

During the visit on Wednesday 19 August, the Minister saw how UKSOL’s new Plug-In Solar Pro systems were being assembled and prepared for the British consumer market.

The visit took place shortly before legal changes came into effect on 27 August, enabling households across Great Britain to buy and use compliant plug-in solar systems.

UKSOL became the first company to secure formal compliant listings for plug-in solar systems on the ENA Connect Direct plug-in solar device database. As of 26 August, seven UKSOL Plug-In Solar Pro systems were listed as “Compliant”.

Katie White OBE MP, Minister of State (Minister for Climate Transition), views UKSOL Plug-In Solar Pro equipment during a visit to the Sheffield assembly operation supporting the range. Credit: UKSOL.

First to compliance – now seven UKSOL systems approved

UKSOL’s proposition combines solar modules, compliant microinverter technology, cabling and app-based monitoring with a British-made integrated ground-mounting frame and ballast system. Final kit assembly and preparation take place in the UK.

The Sheffield visit provided an opportunity to see the developing domestic supply chain behind plug-in solar and the potential for the new market to support British assembly, engineering and employment.

Andrew Moore, Founder and CEO of UKSOL, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Minister White to Sheffield and show her the work taking place behind the scenes as Britain prepared for the arrival of plug-in solar.
“Britain has an opportunity to get this new market right from day one. Making solar simpler must never mean compromising on electrical safety, product quality or long-term consumer support.

“Alongside giving more households the opportunity to generate their own electricity, the growth of plug-in solar can support British manufacturing, assembly, engineering and jobs. We want British businesses to capture as much of that opportunity as possible.”

Minister for Climate Transition Katie White said:

“Seeing UKSOL’s factory first-hand in Sheffield last week really brought home how transformative plug-in solar technology can be, and even better that a British business is at the forefront of the solar revolution, creating good jobs in clean energy.

“Plug-in solar is a simple way to generate clean energy for your home and save families hundreds of pounds off their energy bills.”

UKSOL will continue working with Government, energy networks, the electrical industry, retailers and other stakeholders to support the safe and responsible development of the plug-in solar market.