The legislation

2.1Identification and commencement

Source: legislation.gov.uk

2.2The position before commencement

Plug-in solar microgenerators could not lawfully be sold, supplied or used in the UK. Two separate obstacles applied at once.

The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 required electrical installations to comply with British Standard Requirements, principally BS 7671, which is written around fixed installations. Separately, BS 1363 does not permit plugs and socket outlets to be used for connecting electricity generating equipment, so the products did not satisfy the Plugs and Sockets Regulations.

Source: DESNZ plug-in solar consultation

2.3What is amended

Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994

Regulation 8 is amended so that notified bodies may approve a standard plug for a plug-in microgenerator where it complies with the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification and meets every other BS 1363 requirement, the prohibition on generating equipment aside.

Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002

A definition of plug-in microgenerator is added, and such devices are required to comply with the Interim Product Specification rather than the generic British Standard Requirements.

2.4Statutory definition

A plug-in microgenerator is a device that generates electricity from the direct conversion of sunlight, with a maximum rated alternating current output not exceeding 800 watts, intended for connection to a low voltage installation through a standard plug and socket, and designed to operate in parallel with a distributor's network.

2.5Extent

The split matters. The product side reaches Northern Ireland; the electricity safety side does not. See clause 6.