Plug & Play Solar Kits 2025: Complete Guide Belgium & France

Introduction: The era of Plug & Play solar kits in 2025

The year 2025 marks a historic turning point for photovoltaic self-consumption in Europe. In Belgium, since April 17, 2025, plug-and-play solar kits up to 800 VA have been officially legalized, paving the way for thousands of individuals wishing to produce their own electricity without complex installations. In France, the ENEDIS framework, with the Convention for Self-Consumption Without Injection (CACSI), structures access to these innovative solutions.

These mini home solar power plants plug directly into a standard electrical outlet and allow you to immediately reduce your electricity bill. But how do you choose the right kit? What are the exact regulations? Can you add a plug-and-play kit to an existing photovoltaic installation? This article provides all the technical and practical answers you need to successfully complete your project by 2025.

"Plug & play kits represent the democratization of solar energy: accessible, safe and profitable in less than 3 years."

2025 Legislation: Belgium and France Deciphered

Belgium: Legalization of 800 VA kits with strict conditions

Since April 17, 2025 , Belgium has allowed the installation of plug & play solar kits under certain conditions. This framework was formalized in Wallonia through the adaptation of Synergrid's C10/11 standard , validated by the CWaPE (Walloon Energy Commission), but the Synergrid approval process applies at the Belgian level.

• Maximum power: 800 VA (apparent output power of the micro-inverter)
• Mandatory certification: Synergrid C10/11 approval to guarantee safety and compliance
• Declaration to the DSO: Notification to the Distribution Network Operator (Ores, Fluvius, RESA depending on your region)
• Network injection: Tolerated under certain conditions, but without tariff compensation
• Meter compatibility: Works with digital and electromechanical meters (beware of the "counter running backwards" issue, which is being phased out)
• Home insurance: Check the clauses of your contract to ensure coverage for installation

Crucial point: Unlike conventional photovoltaic installations, plug & play kits <800 VA are not subject to the prosumer tariff in Wallonia (at the date of writing this article, subject to regulatory changes), which significantly improves their profitability.

France: CACSI and ENEDIS framework

In France, the ENEDIS regulatory framework distinguishes several types of installations. As soon as a solar kit is connected to the public grid, even via a simple domestic socket, a declaration is generally required.

Self-Consumption Agreement Without Injection (CACSI):

• Mandatory upon connection: Even for a plug & play kit <800 VA connected to a socket, ENEDIS officially recommends a CACSI declaration
• Self-consumption without injection: Surplus production must not be injected into the grid (anti-injection device recommended or strict sizing according to base consumption)
• Selling surplus: If you wish to sell your surplus, you need a different type of contract (Solar OA, CRAE, etc.).
• NFC 15-100 compliance: Type A residual current device (RCD) protection, minimum cable cross-section 2.5 mm², suitable circuit breaker

⚠️ Important note: In practice, some households plug small kits into outlets without formally notifying ENEDIS. However, this is not in accordance with the official regulations. To remain compliant and avoid any issues with your home insurance or the network operator, it is best to declare the installation via a CACSI, regardless of the power rating.

Installations up to 3 kVA: Above 800 VA, CACSI becomes mandatory and generally requires installation by a qualified professional with Consuel certification.

Understanding a Plug & Play kit technically

The essential components

A plug & play solar kit consists of:

• 1 or 2 photovoltaic panels: Generally between 400 and 450 Wp per panel
• 1 micro-inverter: Converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into 230V alternating current (AC) compatible with your home network
• Wiring and connectors: DC solar cables, AC cable with Schuko or Wieland plug
• Mounting options: Balcony bracket, floor triangle, wall mounting depending on location

800 VA ≠ 800 Wp: understanding peak shaving

A common source of confusion concerns the difference between:

• VA (Volt-Ampere): Apparent output power of the micro-inverter, fixed by regulations (800 VA in Belgium/France)
• Wc (Watt-peak): Nominal power of photovoltaic panels under standard conditions (STC: 1000 W/m², 25°C, AM 1.5)

The principle of peak shaving: Installing two 450 Wp panels (900 Wp total) on an 800 VA micro-inverter is perfectly normal and recommended . The micro-inverter will simply limit the output power to 800 W during peak production periods (generally a few hours per day in summer). This practice maximizes annual production by compensating for losses related to tilt, orientation, shading, and high temperatures.

⚠️ Always check the datasheet: Microinverter manufacturers often indicate a recommended DC oversizing (e.g., 120% or 135% of the nominal power). Always consult this value in the technical specifications before choosing your panels.

"Oversizing the peak power of the panels by 20 to 40% compared to the micro-inverter optimizes annual yield without technical risk."

Anti-islanding security: mandatory protection

All certified microinverters incorporate an anti-islanding function compliant with EN 62109 and VDE 0126 standards. This protection automatically detects a power outage (mains failure, tripped circuit breaker) and immediately stops the microinverter's power production in less than 0.2 seconds. This ensures:

• There is no risk of electrocution for technicians working on the network.
• No devices will start during a power outage
• Compliance with network manager requirements

The 800 VA plug & play kits available on 🔗 See the kits all include this standard protection.

Compatibility with an existing photovoltaic installation

A recurring question: can I add a plug & play kit to my existing solar installation? The answer depends on your current setup.

Case #1: House without photovoltaic installation

Status: ✅ COMPATIBLE WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS

This is the ideal situation for getting started with a plug-and-play kit. You simply plug the kit into a dedicated outlet on your electrical panel (or a reinforced wall outlet) and immediately benefit from self-consumption. Any surplus energy not consumed is fed into the grid (permitted without compensation in Belgium, but not recommended in France due to CACSI regulations).

 PLAN :
PV panels → 800VA micro-inverter → 230V outlet → Electrical panel → Home network
                                                        ↓
                                                  Linky/digital meter

Case #2: House with string inverter (non-hybrid)

Status: ✅ COMPATIBLE WITH PRECAUTIONS

You can add a plug & play kit in parallel with your existing string inverter installation (SMA, Fronius, Huawei, SolarEdge...). The two systems operate independently :

• The string inverter feeds its output into the grid via a dedicated AC connection.
• The plug & play micro-inverter directly powers your home energy consumption.

⚠️ Important note: Check the total installed power to remain compliant with the limitations of your connection contract (generally 10 kVA max in Belgium for installations <10 kWp).

 PLAN :
Existing installation: Panels → String inverter → AC board → Meter
Plug & play kit: Panels → 800VA micro-inverter → Socket → Electrical panel
                                                                    ↓
                                                          Priority consumption

Case #3: House with hybrid inverter + battery

Status: ⚠️ COMPATIBLE WITH LIMITATIONS

If you already have a system with a hybrid inverter (Growatt, Victron, Deye, Solis Hybrid...) and storage battery, adding a plug & play kit is technically possible but not optimal :

• Advantage: Instant additional production without modifying the existing installation
• Drawback: The plug-and-play micro-inverter feeds directly into the home grid, bypassing the battery . As a result, the kit's output cannot be stored for nighttime use.

Wattuneed Recommendation: In this configuration, prioritize expanding your existing installation with additional panels connected to the hybrid inverter via dedicated optimizers or MPPT controllers. Contact our technical support for a customized sizing solution.

Case #4: House with micro-inverters already installed

Status: ✅ COMPATIBLE WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS

If your existing installation already uses microinverters (Enphase, APSystems, Astro-E, etc.), adding an 800 VA plug & play kit is perfectly compatible . Microinverters operate in a decentralized manner and automatically adapt to the grid load.

Tip: Simply respect the maximum connection power allowed by your DSO (generally 10 kVA in Belgium for a single-phase meter).

Case #5: Installation in overproduction (constant injection)

Status: ❌ NOT RECOMMENDED

If your current photovoltaic system already produces more than you consume (continuous injection into the grid), adding a plug & play kit will not provide any financial benefit . You will simply increase the amount of electricity you are feeding into the grid without compensation.

Alternative solution: First optimize your self-consumption by shifting your usage (programming washing machine, dishwasher, water heater) or invest in a storage battery to make use of your surplus.

Case #6: Electromechanical meter (Belgium)

Status: ⚡ COMPATIBLE BUT TRANSITION IN PROGRESS

The electromechanical (rotating disc) meters still used in Belgium allow for the "counter running backwards" during injection. However, this compensation is being progressively phased out.

• Wallonia: Scheduled end for all new installations (decree of October 12, 2023)
• Flanders: Capacity-based system with prosumer tariff already in place
• Brussels: Temporary maintenance but changes expected

Recommendation: Anticipate the switch to digital meters by sizing your plug & play kit to maximize instantaneous self-consumption rather than injection.

Optimal sizing: choosing the right power

Essential technical formulas

To ensure the compatibility and safety of your plug & play kit, follow these calculations:

1. Maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc):

The open circuit voltage (Voc) of the panels must not exceed the input limit of the micro-inverter, especially in negative temperatures.

⚠️ WARNING: 800 VA microinverters for plug & play kits generally accept two MPPT inputs in parallel , not in series. Each panel connects to an independent MPPT input. Always check the microinverter's datasheet for the maximum input voltage per MPPT and the permissible short-circuit current (Isc).

2. Recommended oversizing:

• 800 VA micro-inverter: Install between 800 and 1000 Wp of panels (ratio 1.0 to 1.25)
• Advantages: Compensation for losses (temperature, dirt, suboptimal tilt), maximized production in winter and mid-season
• Limit: Beyond 1100 Wp, clipping becomes excessive and the return on investment for additional panels decreases.
• Recommended typical configuration: Dedicated 16A / 2.5 mm² circuit protected by a 30 mA type A RCD

Orientation and tilt: impact on production

The annual yield of your plug & play kit varies greatly depending on the orientation and tilt:

Wattuneed tip: For plug & play kits intended for self-consumption, favour East-West orientations which smooth production throughout the day and coincide better with your domestic consumption (breakfast, return from work).

Mounting structures available

Wattuneed offers several mounting solutions suitable for all locations:

• Balcony fixing kit: Fixes to railings or balustrades, ideal for apartments 🔗 See the balcony kit
• Tilting ground triangle: Ground support for garden, patio, flat roof with adjustable angle 🔗 See the ground triangle
• Wall mounting: Vertical mounting on a south-facing facade
• 40x40 mm aluminum rails: Modular system for custom configuration 🔗 View the rails

Profitability 2025: ROI in Belgium and France

Calculation assumptions

To assess the profitability of an 800 VA plug & play kit, we use the following assumptions:

Calculating the return on investment

Example Belgium (Brussels):

• Annual production: 750 kWh
• Self-consumption: 750 × 70% = 525 kWh/year
• Annual savings: 525 × €0.35 = €183.75/year
• ROI (without inflation): €650 / €183.75 = 3.5 years
• Cumulative savings over 15 years: €183.75 × 15 = €2,756

Example France (Paris):

• Annual production: 950 kWh
• Self-consumption: 950 × 70% = 665 kWh/year
• Annual savings: 665 × €0.25 = €166.25/year
• ROI (without inflation): €650 / €166.25 = 3.9 years
• Cumulative savings over 15 years: €166.25 × 15 = €2,494

"With an average ROI of 3 to 4 years and a lifespan of 25 years, plug & play kits offer a higher financial return than most bank investments."

Optimizing self-consumption

To maximize your savings, program your energy-intensive appliances during solar production hours (10am-4pm):

• Washing machine / Dryer: Delay start 11am-2pm
• Dishwasher: Cycle after lunch
• Electric water heater: Daily heating programming (if tank >150L)
• Pool pump: Daytime operation only
• Air conditioning: Cooling the house before 4pm

Incompressible consumption covered automatically: refrigerator, freezer, ventilation system, internet box, standby power, reduced natural lighting.

Safety and standards: ensuring a compliant installation

Mandatory electrical protection

Even for a plug & play kit, compliance with electrical safety standards is imperative :

• Type A residual current circuit breaker (RCCB): 30 mA minimum to detect current leaks, mandatory on the circuit where the kit is connected.
• Cable cross-section: 2.5 mm² minimum for the line supplying the kit's socket (16A max circuit breaker)
• Dedicated socket: It is strongly recommended to use a non-shared socket to avoid overloading (combined kit + other devices).
• Surge protector: Recommended if installed in an exposed area (roof, open ground) to protect the micro-inverter
• Connections: Prefer Wieland sockets (secure locking) to standard Schuko sockets

⚠️ Major risk: Plugging a plug & play kit into a standard household power strip is dangerous . The power strip is not designed for a continuous power flow of 800W for 8-10 hours/day; there is a risk of overheating and fire.

Choosing a micro-inverter: avoid low-cost products

The micro-inverter is the heart of your plug & play kit. Choose certified brands:

• Astro-E TM-L800Mi (Wattuneed best-seller, built-in WiFi, real-time monitoring, 2 independent MPPTs) 🔗 Astro-E 800W
• Enphase, APSystems (high-end, 25-year warranty)
• Solenso (certified economic alternative)

Selection criteria:

• CE, TÜV, VDE 0126, EN 62109 certified
• Synergrid approval (Belgium) or equivalent NF (France)
• Manufacturer's warranty ≥ 10 years
• MPPT efficiency ≥ 96%
• IP65 protection (outdoor waterproofing)
• Integrated monitoring (WiFi or Zigbee) for production tracking

Reference standards

Step-by-step installation

Materials needed

• Complete plug & play kit (panels + micro-inverter + cables)
• Suitable fixing structure (balcony, floor, wall)
• Basic tools: screwdriver, adjustable wrench, drill (if wall-mounted)
• Multimeter (voltage check, optional)
• Spirit level (for panel alignment)

Installation procedure (typical balcony kit)

Step 1: Preliminary check of the electrical panel

• Identify the circuit where the kit will be connected
• Check for the presence of a 30 mA type A residual current device (RCD) on this circuit.
• Check the cable cross-section (minimum 2.5 mm²)
• Ensure that the circuit breaker is ≤ 16A

Step 2: Assembling the balcony structure

• Secure the balcony brackets to the railing using stainless steel clamps.
• Check the sturdiness (load 20-25 kg per panel)
• Adjust the tilt (usually 30-45° for a balcony)

Step 3: Installation of photovoltaic panels

• Secure the panels to the frame using the provided clamps.
• Respect the ventilation space (minimum 10 cm under the panels)
• Connect the DC cables from the panels to the micro-inverter (polarity +/-)

Step 4: Connecting the micro-inverter

• Mount the micro-inverter under the panels or on the structure (in the shade if possible).
• Connect the MC4 connectors from the panels to the two independent MPPT inputs.
• Connect the supplied 230V AC cable to the micro-inverter output.
• Route the cable to the dedicated socket (window passage with a watertight seal).

Step 5: Commissioning

• Connect the AC plug of the kit to the dedicated socket (armed DDR).
• The micro-inverter starts automatically after a network check (30-60 seconds).
• Check the micro-inverter status LED (green = production OK)
• Install the WiFi monitoring application (Astro-E) to track production in real time

Step 6: Administrative Declaration

• Belgium: Declare the installation to your DSO (online form Ores/Fluvius/RESA) within 30 days
• France: CACSI is recommended to ENEDIS upon connection to the public network

Checking proper operation

To confirm that your kit produces correctly:

• Consult the WiFi monitoring application (real-time production in watts)
• Observe your electricity meter: the displayed consumption should decrease during periods of sunshine (except for digital meters without instant display).
• Measure the AC output voltage of the micro-inverter with a multimeter: it should be 230V ± 10V
• Check daily production: should correspond to approximately 3-5 kWh/day (Belgian summer) for an 800 VA kit facing south/35°

Wattuneed 2025 Product Recommendations

Additional accessories:

• Astro-E TM-L800Mi Microinverter - 800W: Bestselling solution with built-in WiFi, real-time monitoring, 2 independent MPPTs, manufacturer's warranty 🔗 Astro-E 800W
• Ground structure fixing kit: Aluminum triangular support for garden/terrace/flat roof installation 🔗 Ground triangle
• Balcony fixing kit: Universal railing mounting system 🔗 Balcony fixing
• 40x40 mm aluminum rails: Modular rails for custom configurations 🔗 Aluminum rails

Wattuneed Tools and Resources

To support you in your project, Wattuneed provides you with a complete toolkit:

• Solar sizing tool: Calculate the optimal power based on your energy consumption . Access the tools.
• Profitability calculator: Estimate your ROI based on your location and electricity rate
• Technical support: Email and phone assistance for custom sizing. Contact support.
• Photovoltaic blog: Technical guides, regulatory news, product comparisons . Visit the blog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I install an 800 VA plug & play kit myself in Belgium?

Answer: Yes, since April 17, 2025, certified plug & play kits can be installed by individuals without the need for a licensed electrician, provided that safety instructions are followed (Type A residual current device, dedicated 16A socket, 2.5 mm² cable cross-section). Notification to the grid operator remains mandatory within 30 days of commissioning.

2. What is the difference between 800 VA and 800 Wp?

Answer: The 800 VA (Volt-Ampere) refers to the maximum output power of the microinverter to the 230V household grid. The 800 Wp (Watt-peak) represents the nominal power of the photovoltaic panels under standard conditions. It is recommended to install between 800 and 1000 Wp of panels on an 800 VA microinverter to compensate for losses and maximize annual production.

3. Does my plug & play kit work during a power outage?

Answer: No. All certified microinverters include islanding protection that automatically shuts down power production in the event of a grid outage (in less than 0.2 seconds). This safety feature is mandatory to protect technicians working on the grid. To have power during an outage, you need to invest in a system with a battery and a hybrid inverter in "off-grid" or "backup" mode.

4. Can I plug my kit into a power strip?

Answer: No, absolutely not. Household power strips are not designed to handle a continuous current of 800W for 8-10 hours a day. This presents a major risk of overheating and fire. You must use a dedicated wall outlet protected by a 16A circuit breaker and a 30mA Type A residual current device (RCD).

5. What happens to the surplus production that is not consumed?

Answer: The surplus is fed into the electricity grid . In Belgium, this injection is tolerated but not remunerated (except under a specific contract with a supplier). In France, with CACSI, injection is not theoretically permitted (self-consumption without injection); to sell the surplus, a different type of contract is required (OA Solaire, CRAE). To avoid injection, size your kit according to your base consumption (devices on standby, refrigerator, ventilation system) or add a storage battery.

6. Does my home insurance cover a plug & play kit?

Answer: It depends on your policy. Contact your insurer to declare the installation and check your coverage. Most Belgian and French insurers cover plug & play kits under 800 VA without an additional premium, provided they are certified (CE, Synergrid, NF) and correctly installed. Keep the invoices and certificates of conformity.

7. Do I need to declare my plug & play kit in France?

Answer: Yes, according to ENEDIS, as soon as a production system is connected to the public grid (even a plug-in kit), a declaration via CACSI (Self-Consumption Agreement Without Injection) is recommended to remain compliant with the official regulations. This also ensures your installation meets the requirements of your home insurance policy.

8. Can I oversize my panels relative to the micro-inverter?

Answer: Yes, it's even recommended. Oversizing by 20 to 40% (for example, 900-1000 Wp of panels on an 800 VA microinverter) helps compensate for losses and optimize annual production. Always check the microinverter's datasheet to find the maximum DC oversizing ratio recommended by the manufacturer (usually 120-135%).

Conclusion: 2025, the year of Plug & Play in Belgium and France

Plug & play 800 VA solar kits represent an accessible revolution in photovoltaic self-consumption. With Belgian legislation in April 2025 and the French ENEDIS framework via CACSI, thousands of individuals can now produce their own electricity without heavy investment or complex installation.

The advantages are numerous:

• Installation in less than an hour, without an electrician (subject to electrical compliance)
• ROI between 3 and 4 years depending on your location
• Immediate reduction in your electricity bill (€150-200/year)
• No maintenance required for 25 years
• Compatible with most existing installations
• Scalable: additional panels can be added

To ensure the success of your project, remember these key points:

• Opt for certified kits (Synergrid Belgium, CE France)
• Check electrical compatibility (DDR type A, 2.5 mm² cross-section, dedicated socket)
• Declare your installation (GRD in Belgium, CACSI in France)
• Optimize the orientation (East-West for maximum self-consumption)
• Size according to your basic consumption (700-900 Wp for an 800 VA kit)
• Monitor your production via WiFi to adjust your usage.

"Plug & play solar energy is no longer reserved for experts: by 2025, everyone can become a producer of green electricity from their balcony."

Wattuneed supports you through every step of your project: from choosing the right kit for your needs to production monitoring and personalized technical support. Discover our complete range of 2025-certified plug & play kits and join the community of solar self-consumers!

Wattuneed SPRL
Belgian specialist in photovoltaic and renewable energy solutions
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Your trusted partner for solar self-consumption since 2015