Industry bodies urge caution on plug-in solar panels

Leading electrical industry bodies, including the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), are warning that plug-in solar PV units should not be widely introduced until robust safety, regulatory, and technical frameworks are established to protect consumers and the electricity network. The ECA, Electrical Safety First (ESF), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), NICEIC, and SELECT have issued a statement making it clear that public safety must be the first principle in any rollout of plug-in solar PV units. Whilst the organisations support wider access to cheap and clean energy, they believe these products should only enter the mass market once the necessary regulatory, technical, and product safety framework is fully in place. Without that foundation, they say there is a serious risk of avoidable hazards in homes, uncertainty for the electricity system, and lasting damage to public confidence in the energy transition. Public safety considerations The organisations note that it remains unclear how plug-in solar panels will interact with the millions of existing electrical installations in UK homes. A product marketed as simple and consumer-friendly could in practice be connected to electrical installations that were never assessed for this type of product. In such cases, there could be an increased risk of fire and danger to life due to the inability of the circuit to deal with the importation of power. The organisations note six public safety issues: 1. Bi-directional flow Plug-in solar PV units operate differently to the conventional appliance plugged into an electrical installation. Rather than just supplying power to an appliance, with plug-in PV units, the installation now has to import power, meaning that power flow is in both directions. This introduces technical issues that leave most homeowners unaware of the dangers. With electrical sources being applied to what we often refer to as the ‘load side’ of protective devices, Amendment 3:2024 to BS 7671:2024 addressed this very issue. Under certain conditions, the RCD, a key protective device in the home’s consumer unit, can be compromised. It may be possible to reset, but the protective device may not operate as normal. This could be dangerous as the assumed protection will not be active. 2. Fire risk Over 50% of UK housing stock is more than a century old. These properties may have old, damaged, or deteriorating electrical wiring, unfit to carry extra load. Without a proper electrical assessment, it is unwise to add a plug-in solar PV unit and is indeed contrary to existing British Standards, i.e. clause 5 of BS 1363-1. Plug-in solar PV units, especially multiple units, can increase the risk of localised overheating of cables. 3. Inconsistent and dangerous product standards The Government has announced that plug-in solar panels will be made available quickly, but if products reach the retail market before a robust and enforceable UK standard is fully embedded, consumers may be exposed to inconsistent quality, unclear compliance requirements, and unsafe imports. 4. Grid capacity is vital to network resilience One of the central safeguards in the UK electricity system is that new electricity-generating technologies are introduced in a way that network operators can monitor and manage. Industry advice has long been that new installations such as solar PV units and EV chargepoints should be notified to the local DNO because cumulative demand and generation affect local network capacity and stability. If plug-in solar PV units are normalised as an off-the-shelf consumer purchase without a clear notification and oversight regime, visibility of what is connected to the system will be reduced at the very point when visibility matters most. The electrical industry recommends that clear guidance is given to consumers to notify the DNO, before a device becomes operational. 5. Liability and insurance questions remain unresolved There are also serious unanswered questions about insurance and liability. If a fire or electrical fault is linked to a plug-in solar PV unit, it is not yet clear how insurers will assess cover where the product was self-installed, not declared in advance, or connected to an unsuitable electrical installation. Consumers should not be encouraged to adopt these products before they fully understand the consequences, potentially leaving landlords, leaseholders, and insurers to manage the fallout. 6. Daisy-chaining Consumers, seeking convenience, may use extension leads, adaptors, or multiple devices on the same circuit. Improvised installations significantly increase the likelihood of overheating and fire, as well as creating trip and fall hazards from trailing cables. A low upfront cost must not override safety The appeal of plug-in solar PV units is obvious: low cost, visible, and quick to deploy. But affordability alone is not a sound basis where electrical safety is concerned. If cost becomes the dominant driver, there is a danger that quality assurance, competent installation, enforcement, and consumer protection will be treated as optional rather than essential. A poorly regulated bargain product may reduce bills in the short term, but it can also transfer risk onto households, emergency services, insurers, network operators and, ultimately, the Government. A rushed rollout could potentially weaken confidence in the energy transition. The electrotechnical industry advocates innovation and recognises the potential role that new technologies can play in expanding access to cleaner energy, but plug-in solar PV units should not be rolled out unless and until the supporting framework is in place: clear product standards, robust enforcement, competent installation pathways, appropriate consumer guidance, and a mechanism to protect both householders and the electricity distribution network. For more from ECA, click here.

Rointe introduces High Heat Retention storage heater

The Onyx High Heat Retention storage heater from Rointe combines advanced design, intelligent connectivity and real energy savings, delivering efficient, comfortable, and smart heating for modern homes. High heat retention Rointe states that Onyx, which is SAP-accredited, offers the highest heat retention on the market, resulting in a more efficient and smarter home. The company notes that the heater retains over 55.3% of its stored heat even after 16 hours, as verified by independent laboratory tests. Charging only what's necessary Smart charging allows the Onyx storage heater to charge more intelligently, instead of simply heating throughout the entire off-peak tariff period. With this mode activated, the heater uses an advanced algorithm to calculate how much heat it needs for the following day and when it should start charging to reach that level on time. By charging later, only when necessary, Onyx minimises heat loss and reduces unnecessary energy use. Smart charging means the heater never charges more than necessary, never charges earlier than necessary, and always aims to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency, automatically. Connectivity: goodbye to gateways With Wi-Fi Direct built in, ONYX connects directly to the user’s home router, enabling seamless data transmission and smart control without the need for external gateways or additional hardware, making installation quicker, easier, and more convenient. Smart adaptive technology: stable temperature With Rointe Smart Adaptive technology, Onyx maintains a stable temperature without constant cycles. The system provides consistent heat, improves comfort, and significantly reduces unnecessary energy waste. Precise control: visual display Thanks to its visual and touch panel, you can view the charge percentage, selected temperature, schedules and operating modes at all times in a practical and intuitive way, giving you complete control over your heating and making it easier to adapt comfort levels to your daily routine and lifestyle. Aesthetically attractive Onyx is designed to fit into any room thanks to its elegant and attractive design, making it the ideal solution for homes that need efficient heating without compromising on style, comfort or interior aesthetics. Helps improve EPC ratings Thanks to its high heat retention and smart energy management, Onyx helps transform electric heating into a more efficient system. It’s designed to align with modern UK EPC requirements for rental and sale properties. Rointe Universe: Rointe Nexa app Users can combine Rointe heaters, water heaters, cooling systems, and storage heaters for a more energy-efficient home. Furthermore, everything can be managed through Rointe Nexa: you can adjust temperatures, set schedules, monitor consumption, lock devices, and create automatic scenarios based on your location - all from anywhere. Rointe says that ONYX strengthens the company's leadership in smart electric heating, bringing together high performance, easy installation, and connected control in a refined, elegant solution. To read more about ONYX, click here. For more from Rointe, click here.

Ansell Lighting launches Go-Cell LED strip kit

Lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has launched Go-Cell, a complete plug-and-play LED strip kit to simplify installation. Designed for greater flexibility and professional results, the product is supplied as a coordinated kit of a 5m reel of Ansell’s popular C-CELL LED strip, a compatible 24V driver a remote and receiver. Flexible and straight connectors are also included, along with a pre-fitted mains lead to ensure a fast and straightforward installation. Manufactured with continuous phosphor technology, the Go-Cell strip kit delivers seamless, dot-free illumination in warm and cool white, RGBTW, and RGBW Pixel. The RGBW Pixel versions also offer individually addressable LEDs for dynamic effects. Ideal for use in residential, retail, and hospitality environments, the kit removes any on-site guesswork and ensures consistent performance across every project. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “We’re always striving to deliver innovative and versatile products, especially across our LED range, which has become hugely popular with installers and designers since its launch. “Go-Cell simplifies installation even further to deliver smooth, professional output. We believe it will be a valuable product for installers, who can eliminate the need for soldering thanks to the plug-and-play connections.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

LIA announces sponsors for TECH-X 2026

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), a UK trade body for lighting manufacturers and suppliers, has announced the sponsors for TECH-X 2026, which will take place on 2 July 2026 at Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre in Birmingham. This year's sponsors include Legrand, Sales Layer, DALI Alliance, ECN, Helvar, CEF, and Tamlite Lighting. In addition, Luceco will sponsor the event's drinks reception. TECH-X was established to address both sector-specific challenges and wider supply chain developments affecting the lighting industry. Whilst compliance and standards remain central themes, the conference also focuses on areas including sustainability, health and wellbeing, visual comfort, environmental responsibility, and intelligent building integration. The event brings together contractors, manufacturers, designers, consultants, engineers, wholesalers, and policymakers to discuss current industry issues and emerging opportunities. Industry focus extends beyond compliance The 2026 programme has been developed around key topics currently shaping the lighting sector, including standards, sustainability, connected lighting, and lighting design. According to the LIA, growing attention is being paid to the quality of light within buildings, independent living, responsible artificial light at night, and the wider impact lighting can have on people and the built environment. Dan Griffiths, Technical Operations Manager at the LIA, says, "The support we have received from sponsors across the industry demonstrates the growing importance of the conversations taking place at TECH-X. "Each sponsor represents a key part of the lighting and built environment ecosystem, and their involvement helps us create a platform that reflects the real challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. "Collaboration across manufacturers, technology providers, designers, and industry organisations is essential as lighting continues to evolve." Neil McLean, Chair of the LIA’s Technical Management Group and Chair of the Government and Public Affairs Committee, adds, "TECH-X is already firmly established as a must-attend event for the lighting industry, building on the strong legacy of its predecessor. "Even in its current form, now in its second year, it continues to be an essential forum for anyone involved in - or responsible for - lighting technology, design, and its regulation. "The event reflects not only where the industry has come from, but, crucially, where it is going. Its programme is deliberately shaped to drive informed, practical discussions around sustainability, connected technologies, lighting quality, and responsible application. "More than just a conference, TECH-X is a key opportunity for the industry to come together, share expertise, and actively shape how lighting will continue to support people, buildings, and the wider environment." The LIA says TECH-X forms part of its wider commitment to supporting the lighting sector through technical guidance, collaboration, and knowledge sharing as the industry responds to changing regulatory, technological, and environmental requirements. For more from the LIA, click here.

Allume launches SolShare 2 for shared solar installations

Cleantech company Allume Energy has launched SolShare 2, the latest version of its shared solar technology designed to connect a single rooftop solar PV system directly to multiple flats. Available to UK installers from August 2026, the updated device introduces increased capacity, expanded battery integration capabilities, and installation improvements aimed at apartment blocks and multi-occupancy residential developments. The technology is designed for both retrofit and new-build projects, enabling multiple dwellings to share electricity generated from a single rooftop solar array without requiring an inverter in each individual property. SolShare 2 supports up to 15 connections and increases system capacity from 20kW to 30kW, providing additional flexibility for larger installations. According to Allume, more than 10,000 homes globally have used SolShare technology since its introduction, with UK deployments dating back to 2021. Battery integration and apartment buildings A key feature of SolShare 2 is support for communal battery storage systems, which can be installed in dedicated plant rooms or external locations rather than within individual flats. The company says this approach addresses practical and regulatory challenges associated with installing batteries inside residential apartments. The updated platform connects to battery storage via ethernet and is designed to work with a range of solar PV and battery technologies. The system also enables residents to export electricity to the grid, while grid-charging functionality is expected to be added in the future. According to Allume, a recent solar and battery installation serving 24 flats in Cardiff reduced grid energy consumption by between 60% and 70%. Cameron Knox, CEO and co-founder of Allume Energy, says, "Coming from Australia, with one in three of our homes having rooftop solar, we've seen how powerful it can be when you combine solar with battery storage. "Even with volatile global energy prices, power bills are set to fall in parts of Australia this year thanks to a record number of batteries being added to the grid. "Until now, compliance and regulations have made it all but impossible to install these integrated solar and battery systems in flats, but SolShare 2 changes that. "The system responds to the feedback we’ve had from installers across the UK, which has seen our teams comprehensively redesign the hardware, making the systems even easier and faster to install. "Combined with the Government’s ambitious targets and funding into green energy, the update opens the doors to flats to benefit from solar and batteries. We’re excited to be playing a part in brightening up Britain’s energy mix." Projects demonstrate shared solar approach At Odet Court in Cardiff, Wales & West Housing installed the technology as part of a solar and battery project serving residents in a multi-occupancy building. Joanna Davoile, Executive Director (Assets) at Wales & West Housing, says, "The SolShare system seems to be a much fairer solution as the energy generated by the building can be shared equally to help our residents keep their electricity costs down rather than going back to the grid." A separate project at Scott Court in Dundee saw Hillcrest and Allume Energy install shared solar arrays using ECO4 funding to improve EPC ratings and reduce tenants' energy bills. David Conway, Head of Asset Management at Hillcrest, notes, "This project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through innovation, perseverance, and partnership. "At Hillcrest Homes, we are incredibly proud to have been part of a project that not only overcame significant planning and architectural challenges but also delivered life-changing benefits to our tenants. "The installation has helped bring modern energy efficiency to a historic, listed building. "Many of our tenants at Scott Court have already reported noticeable savings on their energy costs, with some saying they’re topping up their pre-payment meters far less frequently. This is a real and tangible step forward in our mission to tackle fuel poverty." The housing association says it is exploring opportunities to deploy similar systems across its wider housing portfolio following the project.

Makita launches its most powerful impact driver

Expanding its offering of tools for fixing and fastening, Makita has launched a new impact driver, which is the most powerful in its XGT line-up. The TD004G 40VMax XGT Brushless Impact Driver has been designed for superior performance for a range of applications, including heavy duty tasks. Powered by Makita’s 40VMax XGT Li-Ion battery, the TD004G offers a maximum fastening torque of 230 Newton metres (Nm), a no-load speed of up to 3,900 rpm and delivers up to 3,900 impacts per minute (ipm) for exceptional driving efficiency. Despite its power it is still compact and lightweight, making it easy and comfortable to use. The high torque of the TD004G means it can provide enhanced speed and efficiency on fasteners that are not prone to cam-out, such as hex head and hexalobular (star shaped hole head screws). In addition, the TD004G is ideal when working with hard materials such as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The TD004G also offers excellent control. It features a variable speed trigger and four power modes that alter the speed, impacts per minute, and torque for easy adjustment to the type of fastener and material. It also has a T mode to reduce the risk of screw stripping when driving self-drilling screws (Tek screws) into metal sheets. The brushless motor of the TD004G reduces wasted energy and improves power delivery compared with a conventional brushed motor. This means longer runtimes on a single charge and fewer interruptions to swap and charge the battery. For ease of use, the TD004G features one-touch tool-less bit change with reduced resistance for easier fitting, and twin led job lights with pre-glow and after-glow functions for better visibility of the workpiece. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, comments, “This latest addition to our range of 40VMax XGT impact drivers has been designed to help achieve greater speed and efficiency on the most demanding fixing and fastening tasks. This, alongside its simple power adjustment based on the job at hand, makes the TD004G a valuable addition to many professionals’ kit.” For more from Makita, click here.

Zumtobel supplies lighting upgrade to Telford school

Hadley Learning Community Secondary School in Telford has completed a classroom lighting refurbishment, replacing ageing fluorescent luminaires with a bespoke LED system from Zumtobel Lighting, an Austrian company specialising in professional indoor and outdoor lighting. The project was designed to improve classroom lighting quality, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of the school's existing ceiling infrastructure, whilst also avoiding the need for major alterations to teaching spaces. The upgrades form part of a £70 million campus development by Hadley Learning Community, which provides education for pupils aged three to 16. Facilities management at the site is delivered by Mitie Engineering. As the existing fluorescent lighting technology neared the end of its lifecycle, the school sought an upgrade that would modernise the classroom environments while retaining the suspended raft ceilings already installed throughout the building. A bespoke LED design Mitie worked with Zumtobel to develop a replacement system capable of meeting glare control requirements, reducing connected load, and integrating with the existing raft luminaires. The brief also called for tunable white lighting and variable output functionality to support different teaching activities and learning environments. To create a suitable replacement, an existing fluorescent cassette was removed and sent to Zumtobel's Custom Product team in Spennymoor. Working alongside project stakeholders, the team then developed a bespoke LED cassette designed to match the dimensions of the original fitting while improving lighting performance. A sample unit was installed and assessed on site before the wider rollout, allowing the project team to evaluate glare control, light distribution, and installation requirements. The final design uses a custom LED cassette with an opal diffuser, delivering 4,024 lumens at 35W and an efficacy of 115lm/W. Tunable white controls allow teachers to adjust colour temperature and light levels to suit different classroom activities. Emergency lighting variants were also incorporated to maintain a consistent appearance throughout the learning spaces. By retaining the existing raft ceiling infrastructure, the project reportedly reduced installation complexity and minimised disruption to teaching areas. A focus on energy efficiency and student wellbeing According to the project partners, the refurbishment has reduced connected load and lowered the site's carbon impact, whilst also improving visual comfort for pupils and staff. The tunable white functionality is intended to support wellbeing by allowing lighting conditions to be adjusted throughout the day to suit different learning environments. Kevin Evans of Mitie Engineering says, "This project required a solution that balanced performance, wellbeing, and practicality. "Zumtobel Lighting’s custom approach allowed us to retain the existing ceiling design while delivering a modern, efficient lighting upgrade that meets both operational and educational needs. "The collaborative development process made installation straightforward and ensured the client’s expectations were fully met." The project, the companies state, demonstrates how existing educational facilities can be upgraded with LED lighting while retaining key building features and reducing disruption during installation. For more from Zumtobel, click here.

Wylex and Crabtree announced as 2026 ECN Awards sponsors

ECN is delighted to announce that Wylex and Crabtree, brands of Electrium, are to sponsor two significant awards at the upcoming 2026 ECN Awards taking place this December. Firstly, Wylex is proud to support the Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5M) Award, recognising the hard work and high standards set by smaller electrical contractors. These businesses are vital to the industry, often building strong reputations through consistent, high-quality work. Wylex says that supporting this award is about recognising those doing the job well and backing the people who keep the industry moving. Meanwhile, Crabtree is proud to support the Training Provider/Initiative of the Year Award at the ECN Awards, recognising those investing in skills, knowledge, and the future of the industry. Quality training is essential to maintaining standards, improving safety, and supporting long-term growth. Supporting this award reflects Crabtree’s commitment to developing talent and backing the people and programmes that keep the industry moving. More about Wylex and Crabtree Wylex is a trusted name in the electrical industry, delivering reliable, high-quality circuit protection. With a strong focus on safety and practical innovation, its products are widely specified across residential and commercial installations. The brand stands for consistent performance, compliance, and giving contractors confidence on every job. Crabtree delivers high-quality, dependable circuit protection, designed to meet the practical demands of everyday electrical installations. Its products are built to offer consistent performance, reliability, and ease of use, giving contractors confidence across a wide range of applications. With innovation and reliability at its core, its solutions are widely used across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The Crabtree Starbreaker range provides a reliable, easy-to-install plug-in residential platform, alongside a comprehensive three-phase offer designed for commercial applications. Entries for the 2026 ECN Awards are now open. To enter, and for more information about the Awards taking place on 3 December in Coventry, click here. For more from Wylex, click here, and for more from Crabtree, click here.

New website marks step forward for Doepke

Doepke UK has unveiled its newly redesigned website, creating a central hub for electrical professionals seeking product information, technical guidance, and support. The new site has been designed to make it easier to navigate Doepke's range of residual current protection devices, download documentation, and find the latest industry and company news. A key addition is the new Distributor Map, giving users a simple way to locate Doepke stockists throughout the UK. The interactive feature helps installers, contractors, and wholesalers identify their nearest supply partner, making it quicker and easier to source Doepke products wherever they are working. The website also features an updated product catalogue, improved search functionality, and a dedicated resource centre for technical information and support. The launch reflects Doepke UK's ongoing commitment to supporting the electrical industry through practical solutions, technical expertise, and accessible information. As technologies and installation requirements continue to evolve, the new website provides a platform that will continue to grow alongside the needs of the market. Find products, access support, and locate stockists by visiting the new website today. The new website can be found at doepke.co.uk. For more from Doepke, click here.

KNIPEX launches PreciForce SAC PV tool

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has introduced the PreciForce SAC, a hand tool designed to combine cutting, stripping, and crimping functions for photovoltaic (PV) installations. Developed for use with MC4 and MC4 Evo 2 connectors, the tool is intended for installers carrying out solar installation, maintenance, and repair work. By integrating multiple functions into a single tool, the PreciForce SAC is designed to reduce the need to switch between tools during installation and maintenance tasks. The tool incorporates a lever transmission system to reduce the force required during crimping while maintaining consistent results. An integrated release lock compliant with IEC 60352 requirements prevents crimp completion until the required pressure has been reached. Designed for MC4 solar connector systems The crimping pressure is factory set and locked, while a fixed die is intended to provide consistent performance when working with MC4 connector systems. KNIPEX says the tool has been designed to be compact and lightweight, helping improve handling during extended periods of use and when working in confined spaces. The PreciForce SAC is also compatible with the KNIPEX Set of Mounting Tools, allowing installers to use it as part of a wider PV installation toolkit. The company says the combination of cutting, stripping, and crimping functions is intended to simplify workflows for solar installers and reduce the number of tools required on site. For more from KNIPEX, click here.