Plug-in solar panels for UK homes
Thunder Energy is one of the first UK companies installing compact solar on balconies, fences and gardens, with kits designed to plug straight into a standard household socket. Choose lightweight Storm kits for balconies and fences, or rigid Bolt panels for gardens and sheds.
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ENA Connect Direct listed
Bolt 460W & 920W · THUNE/21203 · THUNE/21204
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800W plug-in ready
Every kit uses a microinverter capped at 800W AC.
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Free UK delivery
In stock, with no pre-order wait and no pallet charge.
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London installation
We arrange the electrician, the wiring and the G98 notification.
Find your kit in three questions
Tell us where the panels will go, how much space you have and what you want from solar. We'll match you to the right kit in under a minute, no email needed.
Our plug-in solar range
Storm 360W Flexible Plug-In Solar Kit
Flexible Solar Panel 180W
Vault 1.92 kWh Plug-In Home Battery
Storm 710W Flexible Plug-In Solar Kit
Storm Plus 360W Plug-In Solar Kit with Battery
Storm Plus 710W Plug-In Solar Kit with Battery
Bolt 460W Plug-In Solar Kit
Bolt 920W Plug-In Solar Kit
Bolt Plus 460W Plug-In Solar Kit with Battery
Bolt Plus 920W Plug-In Solar Kit with Battery
Storm 360W / 710W · from £499.99
A compact plug-in solar kit with two or four lightweight flexible panels and a microinverter. Ideal for smaller balconies, fences or first-time solar users.
- 2 or 4 lightweight flexible panels
- Microinverter with app monitoring
- Total system weight 10 to 17 kg
- Generates up to 525 kWh a year · saves around £130 a year
- Mounts on fences, balconies, shed walls
Bolt 460W / 920W · from £549.99
Rigid TOPCon glass panels with microinverter and monitoring. Generates up to 820 kWh a year and saves around £205. Free UK delivery.
- 1 or 2 rigid mono TOPCon glass panels
- Microinverter with app monitoring
- Panel weight around 15 to 30 kg
- Generates up to 820 kWh a year · saves around £205 a year
- For shed roofs, flat roofs and ground mounting
Professional installation · from £399.99
Add expert installation to any Thunder kit. We handle mounting, electrical connection, DNO notification and system testing across Greater London.
- For any Storm or Bolt kit
- Installation by qualified electricians
- Fully UK compliant
- G98 DNO notification
- Available across Greater London
How does Thunder do it?
Plug-in solar systems are compact solar panel kits designed to mount on balconies, fences, garden walls and other outdoor surfaces. They generate free electricity and feed it into your home, so you buy less from the grid.
Thunder has been installing compact solar on balconies, fences and garden walls under current UK regulations since before the plug-in announcement. We connect via a fused spur on a dedicated radial circuit, carried out by a qualified electrician. Now that the UK plug-in rules are in force, our systems connect through a standard socket.
Thunder's plug-in kits are already generating power for UK homes, and every one of them meets the current rules.
How Thunder compares
Thunder Storm (flexible) | Thunder Bolt (rigid) | EcoFlow | Generic import kit | Typical Rooftop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel format | Lightweight flexible | Rigid but light (~15 kg/panel) | Rigid (~22 kg/panel) | Mixed | Rigid glass |
| System weight (as sold) | ~10 to 17 kg | ~15 to 30 kg | ~44 kg+ | 20 to 40 kg or more | ~150 kg+ |
| Peak output | 360W to 710W | 460W to 920W | 800W | 400W to 800W | 3 to 4 kW+ |
| Plug-in ready | No | ||||
| Mounting surfaces | Fence, wall, balcony, shed | Garden, flat roof, shed roof, ground | Structural support needed | Mixed | Roof only |
| Professional install (Greater London) | Separate | ||||
| UK compliance | |||||
| Battery compatible | |||||
| Free UK delivery | |||||
| UK support and installation | Product only |
Thunder offers lightweight flexible kits, a rigid garden panel and professional installation across Greater London, with real UK projects behind all three. Our flexible panels weigh about a third of a standard rigid glass module, so they work on fences, walls and balconies where heavier panels can't go.
Who is plug-in solar for?
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Flat owners and leaseholders
You have a balcony or terrace but no access to the building roof. Plug-in solar turns that unused space into a power source without any structural changes to the building.
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Renters
Nothing is permanently fixed, so you take the system with you when you move. It doesn't affect your tenancy and there are no landlord permission issues.
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Homes with unsuitable roofs
If your roof is old, faces the wrong way, can't take the weight, is listed or sits in shade, you can mount panels on a garden fence or wall instead.
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First-time solar users
Try solar at low cost before committing to a full rooftop installation. A Storm 360W kit starts from £499.99 and pays for itself within a few years.
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Home workers
Offset your daytime electricity use with solar power generated right outside your window. Your laptop, monitor and router can run on free energy.
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Outdoor space owners
Have a garden, shed roof or flat roof? Start with a single Bolt 460W rigid panel and easily expand your system later.
What our customers say
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Good customer care
I bought a rigid pv panel, floor mount and Uk mains cable to micro inverter lead. All were delivered very quickly. Support from Hannah has been a stand-out part of the customer experience: helpful, responsive and no hard sales push.
Storm Plus 360W Solar Kit with Battery - Excelent Package System
The system is now installed and working well. At this stage it is largely a matter of fine-tuning the battery settings to suit the flat’s actual usage pattern.
Hoymiles microinverter
Ordered a microinverter and delivered 2 days later. Amazing service. Easy to connect and set up after an account was set up for me. Amazing service from Hannah. Would highly recommend.
Hoymiles micro inverter
Supplied micro inverter. Arrived quickly. I had a few issues connecting it but Thunder were so helpful via WhatsApp - really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy - highly recommended company.
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it…
Got Storm 360W for our balcony and it has worked brilliantly for us. Makes lots of sense to have this for us, as I’m WFH and has been a strong boost for energy saving for us.
Amazing Sevice
I have a big, south facing garden but our dormer means that traditional solar panels aren’t cost effective. I came across Thunder who offered an greats alternative… they quickly arranged and installed a 1.07kWp system together all for under £1000! Highly recommend Thunder!
A young team who helped us
A young team who helped us with the whole process - thanks Matt!
Very happy with our storm kit
We installed Storm 360W on our balcony with some small adjustments and have been very happy with it. Its been fun to see how much we electricity produce everyday!
Innovative and professional startup
I'm so glad to try Storm710W from this company. It significantly reduced my electricity costs, and the company was extremely helpful and professional. They're a successful, innovative startup that takes a very close interest in its customers.
Balcony solar in North London
A new residential building in North London needed additional solar capacity to meet SAP compliance requirements. Rooftop space alone was not enough. Thunder designed and installed compact balcony-mounted systems across six flats, which brought the building into full compliance. The systems are now live and generating.
Plug-in solar FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Legality, savings, the 800W limit and how Thunder is different.
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Yes, from 27 August 2026. The government signed the enabling regulations on 16 July 2026 (SI 2026/848), and they came into force on 27 August 2026. From that date, solar devices with a maximum rated AC output of 800W can be connected to a standard household socket, provided the product is certified to the government's Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification. Before that date, the compliant route was a fixed connection by a qualified electrician, which is how Thunder has always installed. Either way you can start generating now.
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Yes. Since 27 August 2026, new regulations (SI 2026/848) allow certified plug-in solar kits of up to 800W to be connected directly to a standard three-pin socket in Great Britain, with no electrician required. The kit must be certified as a complete product, plugged straight into a fixed wall socket (no extension leads or adaptors), and limited to one plug-in device per household. Thunder kits are designed and certified for exactly this, so you can start generating the day your system arrives.
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Savings depend on your electricity tariff, how much energy you use during daylight hours, and how your panels are mounted. A Storm 710W kit on a vertical balcony or fence generates around 525 kWh in year one, worth about £130 at 25p per kWh, and roughly £3,276 over 20 years. A rigid Bolt 800W angle-mounted in a garden can generate around 820 kWh in year one, worth about £205. Angle and orientation make a large difference, so garden mounting at optimal tilt outperforms vertical fence mounting. Adding a Vault battery increases savings further by letting you use stored solar energy in the evening.
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The regulations define a plug-in solar device as having a maximum rated AC output of no more than 800 watts, measured at the microinverter rather than at the panels. This matches the approach used in Germany and much of Europe. All Thunder kits, Storm (360W and 710W) and Bolt (460W and 920W), sit within this limit, because every kit uses a microinverter capped at 800W.
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Not necessarily. Plug-in systems are designed to connect to a standard socket rather than needing a rewire. Many customers still choose our professional installation for the tidiest, safest result, especially for rigid Bolt panels or where a fixed connection is preferred. Either way, Thunder can handle all paperwork including G98 DNO notification.
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Storm kits use lightweight flexible panels that hang on balconies, fences and walls, ideal where you cannot drill or add weight. Bolt kits use rigid aluminium-framed glass panels designed for gardens, shed roofs and flat roofs, where they can be angle-mounted for higher output. Both are plug-in ready, and both qualify for our professional installation. Choose Storm for vertical surfaces, Bolt for open outdoor space.
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Most imported kits give you one option. Thunder gives you two: lightweight flexible Storm panels that weigh roughly a third of conventional rigid glass, for fences, walls and balconies that cannot take heavy panels, and rigid Bolt panels built for gardens, sheds and flat roofs, still far lighter than typical rigid modules. Beyond the hardware, Thunder offers professional installation across Greater London, handles your G98 DNO notification, provides PV system design based on your specific property, includes free UK delivery, and has completed real solar projects on UK homes. We also cover everything from a 360W garden kit to a full MCS certified rooftop installation, so you can add to your system as your needs change.
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No. We offer free UK delivery on all Storm and Bolt kits. Many rigid-panel suppliers add a pallet delivery charge on top of the headline price. With Thunder, the price you see includes delivery to your door.
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Storm flexible panels go on garden fences, balcony railings, shed walls, garage walls, garden walls and any solid sun-facing exterior surface. They are lightweight, conform to slight curves, and are secured with straps, hooks or screws depending on the surface. Bolt rigid panels are designed for gardens, shed roofs, flat roofs and ground mounting, where the angle bracket lets you tilt them towards the sun for higher output. A detailed installation guide is included with every kit.
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Yes. Thunder has completed a project in North London where balcony-mounted solar systems helped a new residential building achieve SAP compliance when rooftop capacity alone was insufficient. Compact solar is relevant not only for bill savings but also for property developers working under the Future Homes Standard, which requires most new homes to include on-site renewable generation from 2028.
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In most cases, no. Compact solar panels mounted on fences, walls, balconies and in gardens typically fall within permitted development rights. Restrictions may apply for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
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You start generating electricity immediately with a compliant installation. When the plug-in standards take effect, your Thunder system can be converted to a socket connection if you prefer, or you can continue using the existing setup. Your panels and microinverter remain exactly the same. Nothing you've bought goes to waste.
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Yes. Thunder systems are designed to be portable. Storm panels are lightweight and mount with straps or brackets that can be removed without damaging the surface, and Bolt panels are freestanding or bracket-mounted rather than built into the property. Taking your system to a new home is as simple as unplugging it.
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Still have a question?
Our UK team is happy to help with anything from a feasibility check to DNO paperwork.
Contact usUnbox the future of home solar
Thunder on Skillbuilder
Start generating solar power today
Thunder systems are in stock, meet the current rules and are already running on homes across London. Two ways to get started:
Option A · Installed
Add professional installation to your Storm or Bolt kit from £399.99. Kit, electrician, wiring and DNO notification all handled.
Option B · DIY
Buy a Storm kit (from £499.99) or a Bolt kit (from £549.99) and set it up yourself.