Best plug-in solar kits right now

Cheaper kits often make less electricity, and bigger kits cost more, so neither price nor wattage tells you which is better value. We divide each kit's lowest in-stock price by the electricity we estimate it will make over 10 years. The lower the pence per kWh, the better the deal.

Output comes from PVGIS solar data for Birmingham, with the 800 W output cap applied hour by hour and a household using about 170 W in the daytime. We haven't tested these kits ourselves, and commission never changes the order. The full method is on our methodology page.

• It's Compliant on the ENA register. Only kits listed as Compliant can legally be sold as plug-in solar in Great Britain, which is why we leave the rest out. Compliance checklist.
• The size suits your usage. A second panel adds output, but you only save on what you use as it's made. 400 W vs 800 W.
• The mounting fits where it's going. Balcony, wall, garden and flat-roof kits come with different brackets. Mounting guide.
• You have a suitable socket. Sockets and wiring.
• You have permission if you need it. Renters and leaseholders need the landlord or freeholder's agreement. Landlord permission.
• You tell your network operator. How to register.

New to all this? Start with is plug-in solar legal? and is it worth it?