Campaigning trade association SELECT backs calls for qualified electricians to check homes before installation of plug-in solar panels now available on High Street
Posted by: user_amy 28th August 2026
Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has backed calls for home owners to have their wiring checked by a qualified electrician before buying plug-in solar panels.
The electrotechnical body said this week’s alert by Electrical Safety First (ESF) echoes their own concerns about the potential safety issues posed by the photovoltaic (PV) products, which can now be bought off the shelf in DIY shops and High Street retailers.
ESF has issued its own guidance to help households reduce risk, including having electrics checked by a registered electrician before buying panels, particularly in older properties or where the age and condition of the wiring is unknown.
Robert McGoogan, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “It is encouraging to see ESF reinforcing a message that SELECT and other industry bodies have been stressing for some time. While we fully support efforts to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, safety must never be treated as an afterthought.
“Many homes across Scotland and the wider UK have electrical installations that have been altered, extended or simply aged over many decades. Introducing a new source of electricity into those systems without first establishing their condition and suitability could create risks that householders are entirely unaware of.
“Plug-in solar products are not the same as buying a toaster or a kettle. They interact directly with a property’s fixed wiring and protective devices, which is why the installation should always be assessed by a competent, qualified electrician before any equipment is connected.”
From this week (Thursday 27 August), compliant plug-in solar PV systems – sometimes referred to as “balcony solar”– will have a legal route to market in Great Britain.
The change follows the UK Government’s recent introduction of a new regulatory framework and accompanying Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, which sets out the technical and safety requirements that products must meet before being sold.
Sharon Miller, SELECT Managing Director, added: “Consumers understandably want to reduce their energy bills and play their part in the transition to net zero, and technologies such as plug-in solar may have an important role to play in the future.
“However, accessibility must go hand in hand with electrical safety. The advice from ESF demonstrates why professional involvement remains essential, even where products are marketed as simple, off-the-shelf solutions.
“Registered electricians have the expertise to verify whether an installation can safely accommodate local generation equipment and identify any remedial work that may be required. That professional assessment provides peace of mind for householders and helps ensure the benefits of renewable technologies can be enjoyed safely.
“Using a SELECT member guarantees that your electrician is fully trained and competent, so find your nearest professional on our website for complete safety and peace of mind.”
The alert follows a previous joint statement by SELECT and other industry bodies in June, which urged the UK Government to “proceed with caution and ensure that safety, product assurance, competence and system resilience are designed into any rollout”.
Mr McGoogan added: “The electrical industry is committed to supporting the transition to cleaner energy, but that transition will only succeed if public confidence is underpinned by robust safety standards and professional installation practices.
“Our message is simple – before investing in any plug-in solar technology, speak to a qualified and registered electrician. A straightforward inspection could prevent significant problems tomorrow.”
