Plug-in Solar News

The whole sequence

As of
13 September 2026

This site tracks ten documents published over sixteen months. Eight of them were published in the last five. Each entry is dated from the document itself.

  1. ENA raises the G98 changedone

    The Energy Networks Association raises Distribution Code modification DCRP/MP/26/02, seeking to amend Engineering Recommendation G98 to allow plug-in solar to connect.

  2. BS 7671 Amendment 4 publisheddone

    The IET and BSI publish Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671:2018. It may be implemented immediately. The previous version is withdrawn six months later.

  3. Interim Product Specification, Version 1.0done

    DESNZ publishes the first Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification. It is later withdrawn and superseded, and copies still circulate stamped Withdrawn.

  4. Consultation opensdone

    DESNZ consults on amendments to the Plugs and Sockets Regulations and on the Interim Product Specification. It runs for two weeks.

  5. Consultation closesdone

    Respondents raise batteries, leaseholder and landlord consent, older wiring, and how the standards would apply in Northern Ireland.

  6. Government response and Version 2.0done

    DESNZ publishes its response and the Interim Product Specification Version 2.0. The exclusion of batteries is retained despite objections that it reduces payback.

  7. The instrument is madedone

    SI 2026/848 is made, and laid before Parliament the following day.

  8. Ofgem approves the G98 changedone

    The Authority approves DCRP/MP/26/02. Implementation is tied to the legislation coming into force.

  9. Everything commences at oncein force

    SI 2026/848 comes into force, the G98 amendment takes effect, and the permitted development right for solar equipment is updated on the same day.

  10. Planning transitional period endsupcoming

    After this date the pre-27 August 2026 permitted development rules can no longer be relied on.

Why the last stage moved fast

Four of these fall between 16 June and 27 August 2026: a two week consultation, a government response, a made instrument, a regulator approval and commencement. That is quick for a change touching two statutory regimes, a British Standard, a distribution code and the planning system. Because of that pace, a lot of published advice is out of date, or based on the withdrawn Version 1.0 specification.

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