UK buyer’s guide
Choose the right solar product type
Compare mains-connected plug-in systems, off-grid kits and portable power without mixing products that solve different jobs or follow different safety routes.
Reviewed 24 July 2026 · Category guide, not a hands-on review or approval list.
| Type | Primary job | Best fit | Key check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains-connected plug-in solar | Offsets household electricity use | Homes that use electricity during daylight hours | Current UK rules and product-level evidence |
| Off-grid component kit | Supplies an independent battery and loads | Sheds and specialist small systems | Compatibility and competent help for fixed wiring |
| Portable power station | Stores energy for intended portable outlets | Garden offices, backup and movable use | Usable Wh, inverter and solar-input limits |
| Installed home battery | Stores home or solar energy | Professionally designed fixed systems | Installer design and applicable standards |
Mains-connected plug-in and balcony systems
This category is designed to offset household electricity use. Check the current UK rules, the exact connection method and product evidence before buying.
EcoFlow
STREAM Balcony Solar System
A mains-connected solar product requiring current UK legal and product-level checks.
Best for: Comparing a complete balcony solar route after checking current UK rules.
- Continuous output: 800 W
- maxSolarInputW: 1200 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest pricePortable and off-grid systems
These products supply their own outlets or form part of a separate off-grid system. They are not household plug-in solar systems.
EcoFlow
DELTA 3 Series Portable Power Station
A portable power-station range with multiple capacity or expansion choices.
Best for: Expandable portable storage for off-grid use where the selected model meets the calculated load.
- Expandable capacity: 1-5 kWh
- Capacity: 1024 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 1024 Wh
- Continuous output: 1800 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceJackery
Solar Generator 1000 v2
A power station and solar-panel bundle sold together by the manufacturer.
Best for: A power station and solar-panel bundle for larger measured off-grid loads.
- Capacity: 1070 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 1070 Wh
- Continuous output: 1500 W
- surgeOutputW: 3000 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceBLUETTI
AC50B with 100W Solar Panel
A power station and solar-panel bundle sold together by the manufacturer.
Best for: A compact battery and panel bundle for modest off-grid loads.
- Capacity: 448 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 448 Wh
- Continuous output: 700 W
- maxSolarInputW: 200 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceRenogy
200W 12V/24V Premium Solar Kit with Rover 20A Controller
An off-grid solar kit containing panels and charging equipment.
Best for: A component-based shed or small garden-office system where battery, inverter and installation are planned separately.
- Panel power: 200 W
- Charge controller: 20 A
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest price| Product | Verified specifications | Best for | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Portable Power Station | Expandable capacity: 1-5 kWh; Capacity: 1024 Wh; batteryCapacityWh: 1024 Wh; Continuous output: 1800 W; surgeOutputW: 3600 W; maxSolarInputW: 500 W | Buyers comparing expandable portable capacity. | View card |
| JackeryJackery Explorer 300 Plus | Capacity: 288 Wh; batteryCapacityWh: 288 Wh; Continuous output: 300 W; surgeOutputW: 600 W | Small measured portable loads. | View card |
| BLUETTIBLUETTI AC50B with 100W Solar Panel | Capacity: 448 Wh; batteryCapacityWh: 448 Wh; Continuous output: 700 W; maxSolarInputW: 200 W; Panel power: 100 W | A compact station-and-panel bundle. | View card |
| BLUETTIBLUETTI AC200PL Expandable Power Station | Capacity: 2304 Wh; batteryCapacityWh: 2304 Wh; Continuous output: 2400 W; surgeOutputW: 7200 W; maxSolarInputW: 1200 W | Higher-output portable loads after capacity checks. | View card |
Choose mounting by fixing surface
Match the bracket to the exact panel, surface, dimensions and wind-loading requirements. A balcony, façade, flat roof and pitched roof are not interchangeable mounting jobs.
Mounting products to compare
Select only after confirming panel dimensions, fixing surface and structural requirements.
EcoFlow
Bracket - Flat Roof
A mounting product for the stated surface, subject to panel compatibility and structural checks.
Best for: Flat-roof, ground or garden positioning subject to compatibility.
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceEcoFlow
Bracket - Pitched Roof
A mounting product for the stated surface, subject to panel compatibility and structural checks.
Best for: Compatible pitched shed, garage or roof applications.
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceEcoFlow
Bracket - Lattice Balcony
A mounting product for the stated surface, subject to panel compatibility and structural checks.
Best for: Compatible lattice-balcony structures.
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceEcoFlow
Bracket - Concrete Balcony
A mounting product for the stated surface, subject to panel compatibility and structural checks.
Best for: Compatible concrete-balcony structures.
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceSuggested complete routes
Start with the calculator, then compare a complete manufacturer bundle or a clearly labelled shopping list.
Balcony solar route
Best for: Comparing a complete mains-connected balcony system after checking the current UK rules.
What it can power: Helps offset daytime household electricity use. It is not an off-grid or backup supply.
Estimate household savingsWhat is included
- SystemEcoFlow STREAM Balcony Solar SystemView latest price
- Mounting choicesEcoFlow EcoFlow Balcony Solar System collectionView latest price
Check before buying: Check the exact system, mounting method and current UK connection requirements before buying.
Garden office suggested shopping list
Best for: A laptop, monitor, Wi-Fi router and LED lights through a working day.
What it can power: Use the calculator to check battery capacity, inverter output and winter panel needs.
Size a garden office setupWhat is included
- Power station rangeEcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Portable Power StationView latest price
- Portable panelEcoFlow 220W Lightweight Portable Solar PanelView latest price
Check before buying: These separate products are not automatically compatible. Check the selected model’s solar-input limits and connectors.
Small shed setup
Best for: LED lights, charging and occasional low-power tools.
What it can power: Includes a 448 Wh power station and 100 W solar panel. Check runtime against your calculator result.
Size a shed setupWhat is included
- Station and panel bundleBLUETTI AC50B with 100W Solar PanelView latest price
Check before buying: Use the supplied or manufacturer-approved charging connections. This is not a fixed-wiring design.
Camping setup
Best for: Phones, lights, a small cool box and other modest camping loads.
What it can power: A compact power station and portable panel can cover low-power trips when sized for the full stay.
Plan a camping setupWhat is included
- Power stationJackery Explorer 300 PlusView latest price
- Portable panelRenogy 200W Portable Solar PanelView latest price
Check before buying: Suggested shopping list only. Check connector, voltage, current and wattage compatibility before combining products.
Check before choosing a retailer
- Read the current UK rules for any mains-connected product.
- Use the calculator for household generation and payback context.
- For independent power, start with the garden-office guide and shed-kit guide.
A retailer link is not evidence that a product is suitable for UK mains connection. Check the exact category and current manufacturer documentation before buying.
Estimate before you compare
Enter your own system cost and household assumptions before judging payback.
Try the calculator →