Major power supplier launches £500 energy-saving gadget giveaway to slash your bills by £110 – how to enter

BRITISH Gas is giving away plug-in solar units worth around £500 each, as the technology officially goes on sale in the UK for the first time. The move means households could shave up to £110 a year off their energy bills, according to the energy giant. Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, plug-in solar kits can be used by renters, flat-dwellers and anyone without the roof space or cash for a full installation. The compact units simply plug into a standard socket and can be placed on balconies, patios or in gardens. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! British Gas says eligible customers will soon be able to earn money on any surplus electricity they generate and export back to the grid. To be in with a chance of winning one of the 30 units available for free, households need to register their interest in buying plug-in solar kit from British Gas before September 16. Winners will then be picked at random and notified between September 17 and September 30. John Evans, Commercial Director at British Gas, said: “For a long time, generating your own solar power has meant having the right roof, the right home and the ability to make a significant investment upfront. Plug-in solar is now opening up another option for households who want to start generating their own electricity.” He added: “We want to help more people take that first step, which is why we’re giving 30 households the chance to win a plug-in solar unit. For us, it’s about giving people more choice and control over how they generate and use their energy.” Mr Evans continued: “And for eligible British Gas customers, there’s the opportunity to go one step further. In the next few weeks, customers can receive payments for eligible surplus electricity they export to the grid – meaning the energy they generate can potentially work harder for them.” Most read in Money Minister McCluskey, the Minister for Local Energy and Jobs, welcomed the scheme, saying: “From today these easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes with no installation cost and provide up to 20% of average home electricity use.” The Minister added: “The lucky winners of this competition will be able to save hundreds of pounds on their bills, along with households across the country – good luck to all those entering!” The launch coincides with legally compliant plug-in solar products becoming available to buy in the UK for the very first time, giving households a fresh alternative to costly rooftop installations. Households wanting to enter the giveaway can register their interest in buying plug-in solar kit from British Gas via the firm’s website. Comment now