Plug-in Solar Comparison

Six checks for a plug-in solar listing, before you buy

Each of these is answerable from a listing plus the register. None of them requires you to trust the seller.

1. Is it on the ENA Type Test Register, marked Compliant?

This is the one check you do not have to take on trust. A device must be registered and confirmed compliant before it can be sold. Search the register by manufacturer or model.

2. Does the inverter output 800 VA or less?

800 VA is the ceiling on apparent power sent to the mains. 3.5 A is the ceiling on current. A listing above either figure does not meet the specification.

3. Is the total panel capacity 2000 W or less?

Panel capacity and inverter output are different figures. Up to 2000 W of panels can feed an 800 VA inverter. Above 960 W, the manufacturer must tell you to get your wiring assessed.

4. Is it free of any bundled battery?

The specification does not cover plug-in battery systems, or plug-in solar sold together with a battery. If there is storage in the box, the whole product falls outside the specification.

5. Does it come with its own moulded plug and cables?

AC plugs must be BS 1363 with BS 1362 fuse links. DC connectors must meet BS EN 62852, come from the manufacturer, and match each other within a single product family.

6. Does the seller avoid suggesting an extension lead or adaptor?

Extension cables, multi-way adaptors, RCD adaptors and travel adaptors are all prohibited. A listing that shows or suggests one does not meet the specification.

Why the register comes first

A seller can describe a kit however they like. The register entry either exists and says Compliant, or it does not. Check that first.

Run the checks now

The same six questions, with a verdict at the end.

Check a kit before you buy it

Answer six quick questions. We do not send your answers anywhere.

Is it on the ENA Type Test Register, marked Compliant?

This is the one check you do not have to take on trust. A device must be registered and confirmed compliant before it can be sold. Search the register by manufacturer or model.

Does the inverter output 800 VA or less?

800 VA is the ceiling on apparent power sent to the mains. 3.5 A is the ceiling on current. A listing above either figure does not meet the specification.

Is the total panel capacity 2000 W or less?

Panel capacity and inverter output are different figures. Up to 2000 W of panels can feed an 800 VA inverter. Above 960 W, the manufacturer must tell you to get your wiring assessed.

Is it free of any bundled battery?

The specification does not cover plug-in battery systems, or plug-in solar sold together with a battery. If there is storage in the box, the whole product falls outside the specification.

Does it come with its own moulded plug and cables?

AC plugs must be BS 1363 with BS 1362 fuse links. DC connectors must meet BS EN 62852, come from the manufacturer, and match each other within a single product family.

Does the seller avoid suggesting an extension lead or adaptor?

Extension cables, multi-way adaptors, RCD adaptors and travel adaptors are all prohibited. A listing that shows or suggests one does not meet the specification.

Answer the six above

Your verdict appears here.

Send us a listing and we will check it

Send us the listing and we will run these for you.

Paste the link or tell us the manufacturer and model. We will look it up on the register, read it against the specification, and tell you what we find, including when we cannot verify something. We do not sell kit and we take no commission from anyone who does.

You will get an emailed answer. No commission is paid to us and no seller is copied in.