British households able to use plug-in solar panels to help with energy costs

LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - British households will be able to buy and use plug-in solar power kits from Thursday, the government said as it seeks to offer households options to curb their energy costs.

• The announcement comes after energy regulator Ofgem upped its domestic energy price cap level by 4% from October as the war in Iran drives up wholesale energy costs.

• Changes to the country’s plugs and sockets safety legislation mean households will now be able to legally use the solar kits capable of producing up to 800 watts of electricity, enough to power roughly 20% of an average home's power use, the government said.

• It estimates using the units could save households up to £110 ($150) a year.

• Major retailers including Amazon, Currys, Argos and Wickes have committed to stocking the panels in stores and online.

• The 800W kits are currently available from around £400 to £600 in Europe, an earlier government consultation on the plans said.

• Buyers are advised to check for landlord, freeholder or planning permissions before installing devices, particularly in rented or shared properties, the government said.

($1 = 0.7344 pounds)

(Reporting by Susanna Twidale; Editing by Jan Harvey)