Frequently asked questions

Plug-in solar usually refers to a small solar system that generates electricity for home use without the complexity of a full conventional rooftop setup. It typically uses one or two panels and a microinverter that feeds power into your home circuits.

The panels generate electricity from sunlight, and a microinverter converts that into usable AC power for the home. When solar power is being produced, it can reduce the amount of electricity you need to draw from the grid, especially for background daytime loads like fridges, routers, and standby devices.

It can reduce bills by lowering the amount of daytime electricity you buy from the grid. The benefit is usually greatest when you have steady daytime usage and can align that use with when the panels are generating.

Not exactly. Plug-in solar is generally smaller and simpler, often mounted on a balcony, wall, or in a garden. A full rooftop solar system is usually larger, planned as a whole‑roof installation, and often designed to cover a much bigger share of your annual electricity use.

It may be attractive if you want a lower‑cost, lower‑commitment way to explore solar, especially where space is limited or a full rooftop system is not practical. It can also suit renters or flat owners where permanent roof changes are not possible.

Usually no. Typical systems are a few hundred watts, so they are better at offsetting part of your daytime electricity use than powering everything. Think of them as shaving a slice off your daytime consumption rather than replacing your supply entirely.

Most modern solar panels are designed to last 20–25 years or more, with gradual performance degradation rather than a hard stop. Many manufacturers offer 20–25 year power warranties, so it is reasonable to treat a panel as a long‑lived asset if it is installed and used correctly.

Many plug‑in systems fall in the 300–800 W range, often using one or two panels and a matched microinverter. A smaller kit may suit a shaded balcony or low daytime usage, while larger wattages make more sense if you have good sun exposure and higher daytime loads. The calculator can help you compare different sizes.

Some kits are designed for partial DIY installation, but local rules and safety requirements matter. In many cases you may be allowed to mount the panels and run the cabling yourself, while the final electrical connection or sign‑off needs a qualified electrician. Always check current regulations and your kit manufacturer’s guidance.

The calculator is designed to help you compare likely ranges for energy generation, self‑use, and possible savings based on the assumptions and inputs you provide. It gives you ranges rather than a single number so you can see how sensitive the results may be.

No. They are estimates intended to help you compare scenarios rather than precise predictions. Actual results can vary because of weather, shading, panel position, home electricity use, pricing, and system details.

Performance can vary depending on sunlight, orientation, shading, system size, seasonality, and how closely your electricity use matches the times when solar generation is available. Even small changes in angle, shade, or local climate can shift the outcome.