Are Plug & Play solar panels worth considering?

Last updated on 16 April 2025

Do you dream of producing your own energy, but lack the resources or space to install traditional photovoltaic panels? Plug & Play solar panels offer a simple solution for getting started with sustainable energy and contributing to the energy transition.

NB : Some of the requirements mentioned in this article are specific to the Brussels region. The applicable rules may differ depending on your region.

Is it profitable?

Given their small size, Plug & Play installations produce relatively little energy. Most of their production is therefore directly self-consumed instead of being fed into the grid. This makes Plug & Play panels a fairly cost-effective system.

With a conventional installation, self-consumption averages 30% of production. With Plug & Play panels, self-consumption can potentially exceed 80%. Enough to cover all your household's daytime standbuy consumption.

However, in Brussels, unlike traditional panels, Plug & Play panels do not qualify for green certificates.

Example

With 2 Plug and Play solar panels, an average household can expect to see a return on investment in 5 to 7 years (depending on the power of the panels and the solar potential of their location).

Should I call in a professional?

One of the main advantages of Plug & Play panels is their ease of installation. As their name suggests, all you have to do is plug them into a simple electrical socket and that's it! So, there's no need to modify the electrical panel or install an inverter (which is built into the panels themselves).

There are also a few things to bear in mind:

Circuit: The total power of the panels cannot exceed the capacity of the circuit to which they are connected. If other appliances are connected to the same circuit, this must also be taken into account. This is why this type of installation usually consists of one or two panels.
Socket: If the panels are connected to an external socket, for example on a balcony, the socket must be suitable for outdoor use.
Support: The structure that holds the panels must be strong enough, and the panels well anchored. You could be held liable if the panels become detached.
Orientation: The ideal orientation is due south. If you have an east-west exposure, you can opt for a panel in each orientation to maximise your production at the beginning and end of the day.

Although it's not compulsory, it's a good idea to consult an electrician about technical matters such as circuit capacity and the location of the outdoor socket.

What are the formalities in Brussels?

The procedures for installing Plug & Play panels in the Brussels-Capital Region are fairly straightforward.

A smart meter is required to use Plug & Play panels.
The panels must be declared to the grid operator (Sibelga).
The panels must be approved by Synergrid (find approved panels here).
A planning permit may be required in some communes.
In apartments, the agreement of the co-owners may be required, as the panels may have an impact on the electrical installation or the aesthetics of the building.

Buying panels abroad?

In neighbouring countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, Plug & Play solar panels are a big hit. If you want to buy panels there, make sure they are on the list of installations approved by Synergrid.

Can I combine Plug & Play panels with a Plug & Play battery?

This is entirely possible. However, given the modest size of these installations, most of the production will potentially be self-consumed. A domestic battery is therefore of little use in this scenario, as it will rarely be used.

If the panels produce a surplus of electricity, it will be fed back into the grid via your electrical panel.

Can I sell my excess electricity?

Yes, under certain conditions. Electricity fed into the grid can be sold to an electricity supplier. This means:

In all cases, a smart meter is compulsory and free of charge. It will make it possible to distinguish between electricity consumption and injection.
A contract with a supplier who agrees to buy the energy fed in.

However, the price offered for buying back the electricity is generally quite low. That's why it's advisable to consume your own electricity as much as possible.

Plug & Play panels or traditional panels?

Plug & Play panels are an interesting alternative for solar energy, but they do have certain limitations compared with traditional installations.

Advantages

Simplicity: No need to call in a professional installer.
Cost: A Plug & Play system is more affordable than a complete photovoltaic installation.
Flexibility: They can be easily repurposed or taken with you if you move house.

Disadvantages

Power: A Plug & Play installation offers relatively modest power (between 300 and 450 peak watts per panel).
Profitability: Plug & Play panels are not eligible for green certificates. However, they are still cost-effective because of their high self-consumption potential.

In conclusion

Plug & Play panels can be a practical and affordable solution for a modest reduction in your electricity consumption.

They may be particularly suitable for people living in small flats with moderate consumption.

They also offer a practical solar solution for tenants, as they require no major work and can be taken with you when you move house.

They are also fairly profitable, as most of their output is directly self-consumed.

They are not, however, a substitute for a traditional photovoltaic installation for a significant lower electricity bills or greater energy autonomy.