What Is Plug-in Solar? UK Beginner’s Guide | Jackery UK

SolarVault 3 Pro accepts PV input and provides grid-tied output up to 1200W (default to 800W). It is ideal for standard household needs.

SolarVault 3 Pro Max also accepts PV input, with output boosted to 2500W for higher energy demands.

SolarVault 3 Pro Max AC does not accept PV input; it is a battery-only unit designed for adding storage to existing PV systems (such as SolarEdge, Huawei, etc.). All three models support battery expansion, but only the Pro Max AC is suitable for retrofit installations.

Yes. The system is modular. The base unit provides 2.52kWh of capacity, which can be expanded up to 15.12kWh by adding BP2500 expansion battery packs (each 2.52kWh).

With up to three base units in parallel, you can reach a total capacity of 45kWh. (Note: Parallel connection functionality is currently in development and will be available in the future.)

The base unit has a charging power of 1800W. Adding BP2500 expansion packs increases the total charging power as follows.

For the SolarVault 3 Pro and Pro Max, it is 3600W with one battery pack and 4500W with two or more. For the SolarVault 3 Pro Max AC, it is 2500W with one or more battery packs.

For singles or couples, we recommend SolarVault 3 Pro with two 500W solar panels.

For families of four or larger households, we recommend SolarVault 3 Pro Max with expansion battery pack(s) and four 500W solar panels.

If you already have an existing PV system, we recommend SolarVault 3 Pro Max AC regardless of household size, and you can add capacity as needed.

You can also refer to the real-time energy consumption data in the Jackery App for final configuration decisions.

Yes, provided they meet the electrical specifications: Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) of 16V to 60V; Short-Circuit Current (Isc) ≤ 28A; no more than 1000W per MPPT channel; and no more than 4000W total across all four MPPT channels. We do not recommend connecting solar panels rated over 400W in series, as the higher voltage may exceed the unit's limits. If you wish to connect two panels in parallel on the same channel, you will need to purchase a Y-branch parallel cable separately.

Yes, via the device's AC socket interface. With at least one battery pack installed, the maximum supported input power is as follows. SolarVault 3 Pro supports 2300W (grid-tied) and 1200W (off-grid). SolarVault 3 Pro Max and Pro Max AC both support 2500W (grid-tied) and 2500W (off-grid). The system is currently compatible with major microinverter brands including Enphase, Hoymiles, and APS.

During the day, solar power runs your home and charges the battery with any surplus. At night or on cloudy days, the battery takes over to keep your home powered. You can also enable AI Smart Mode via the App, which considers electricity tariffs, solar forecasts, and your usage patterns to determine the most cost-effective operating strategy.

The Jackery SolarVault battery storage system combines solar generation with battery storage to help you use more of the solar energy you generate. During the day, solar power is used to run your home first, and any excess is automatically stored in the battery. At night or when sunlight is limited, the battery powers your home, reducing the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid.

Yes. Even without solar panels, the system can charge during off-peak hours (such as overnight) and discharge during peak-rate periods (such as early evening) to reduce your electricity costs. Simply set up Tariff Mode or AI Smart Mode in the Jackery App, and the system will run automatically.

The system offers 4 modes:
1. Self-Consumption Mode (default) maximises solar energy use and requires a smart meter.
2. Tariff Mode uses peak and off-peak price differences to save money and does not need a smart meter.
3. Custom Mode allows you to set your own charge and discharge schedule and does not require a smart meter.
4. AI Smart Mode enables the system to learn and optimise automatically, but this mode does require a smart meter. You can switch between modes at any time via the App.

The unit features a three-tier fire protection system: real-time temperature monitoring with automatic alerts; an automatic pressure relief valve that vents gases if needed; and an integrated aerosol fire extinguishing device that can activate within one second during a serious thermal event, providing comprehensive safety protection.

Enable Standby Mode in the App to minimise the unit's own power consumption. Set up schedules to discharge during peak-rate periods and charge during off-peak periods. Clean your solar panels regularly (at least once every three months). Ensure good airflow around the unit and keep the vents clear.

Store the unit in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated location.

Temperature and humidity guidelines are as follows:

up to 1 month: -20°C to 45°C (0-70% relative humidity);

up to 3 months: 0°C to 45°C (0-70% relative humidity);

up to 12 months: 0°C to 25°C (0-70% relative humidity).

For storage periods of 3 to 6 months, you will need to perform a maintenance routine: activate Custom Mode in the App, charge to 100% and leave it for 30 minutes, then discharge at 800W for approximately 75 minutes until the State of Charge (SOC) reaches around 60%, then power off for storage.

This is normal. The four MPPT channels operate independently, each optimising the output of its connected panel string. Differences in orientation, tilt, or shading can all result in different power outputs. If one channel consistently shows 0W, please check the wiring and shading for that panel group.

The smart meter monitors your household's total electricity consumption in real time and transmits the data to the energy storage system (up to 50 metres away). The storage system then dynamically adjusts its charge and discharge power based on this data, creating a closed-loop self-consumption system that minimises both the power taken from and exported to the grid.

Yes. The unit is equipped with a standard RJ45 Ethernet port, allowing you to connect it directly to your router via a network cable. This is particularly useful in locations with weak Wi-Fi signals, such as basements or enclosed balconies.

Yes. The SolarVault 3 supports integration with Home Assistant. Please complete the initial configuration in the Jackery App first, then search for "Jackery" in the HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) interface to complete the installation. For setup instructions, please visit: 🔗 https://github.com/ht-it-lab/jackery

It powers your household appliances. By installing a smart meter or power monitor, you can enable the "Zero Export" function to minimise the amount of electricity sent back to the grid, thereby maximising self-consumption.

Yes. In addition to the standard on/off functions, the unit allows you to control the AC output switch and reset Wi-Fi settings using physical buttons on the unit. The icons on the screen provide real-time status information without needing to open the App. For full details, please refer to the relevant section of the user manual.

The system predicts your household electricity demand by analysing the time-of-use tariffs you have entered, along with historical solar generation and consumption data. It then uses intelligent algorithms to automatically calculate and execute the optimal charging and discharging strategy, covering timing, power levels, and grid mode switching. The system continuously learns and improves over time without manual intervention.

The SolarVault 3 series uses the Jackery App. Please search for "Jackery" on the App Store or Google Play. If you download the wrong app, such as "Jackery Home," the device will not be detected.

No. This feature can only be activated when a supported operator is selected from the designated list in the App.

The list of supported operators is updated periodically. For the most up-to-date information, please check the operator support list in the Jackery App. If you need to confirm before purchasing, please contact customer service at hello.eu@jackery.com.

Yes. The SolarVault supports fast EPS (Emergency Power Supply) switching. If the grid goes down, the system automatically switches from grid-tied to off-grid mode within 20 milliseconds, providing reliable backup power for your essential appliances. Please confirm that the model you are purchasing supports this feature.

This function determines output power based on a priority hierarchy. When a smart meter or CT is connected, the meter takes the highest priority. The system charges and discharges strictly according to the real-time household consumption measured by the meter. In this scenario, the power levels set in Custom Mode and the current demand from the socket are not taken into account.

Not directly. The battery system only powers the single-phase circuit it is connected to. However, by installing a three-phase smart meter, any surplus energy you generate can be fed back into the grid, offsetting your consumption on the other two phases and reducing your overall electricity bill.

No. The unit itself is a single-phase 230V system and cannot be connected to or output a three-phase 380V supply.

The standard package includes a 3-metre pluggable AC cable and a 10-metre AC hardwiring cable. Once plug-and-play energy storage is permitted by regulations, a 10-metre pluggable AC cable will be available for purchase separately on the official website.

5-metre and 10-metre PV extension cables are available for purchase separately.

In the UK, solar panels usually generate the most energy when they face south and are not shaded. If your space allows, a south-facing setup is the best starting point for maximum total output.

If you use more electricity in the morning or evening, an east-west layout can help spread generation across the day. For example, east-facing panels generate more earlier in the day, while west-facing panels generate more later.

For systems with multiple panels, the best layout depends on your available space, shading, panel angle and whether your microinverter supports independent MPPT inputs. For a more accurate estimate, we recommend checking your location and setup with the European Commission’s PVGIS tool.

Rigid solar panels are versatile and can be installed on the ground, on walls, or on roofs using mounts, or fixed to balcony railings using clamps or hooks without drilling. For best results, we recommend using Jackery's mounting brackets.

Yes. The unit has an IP65 rating, making it dustproof and rainproof, and suitable for semi-outdoor locations such as balconies and patios.

We recommend installing the unit in a well-ventilated, semi-indoor location protected from direct sunlight and rain. Balconies, garages, and storage rooms are all suitable. The unit has an IP65 rating, making it suitable for semi-outdoor conditions. Leave at least 2 cm of clearance behind the unit for proper airflow. Place it on a flat, stable surface with a tilt of no more than 5 degrees; a stone slab or similar stable platform works well. For optimal Wi-Fi signal, install it within 15 metres of your router. Avoid direct sunlight, rain, and proximity to flammable materials.

The unit is designed to be plug-and-play. However, under current UK regulations, it must still be hardwired to the distribution board by a registered electrician to comply with local requirements. If plug-and-play policies are introduced in the future, the unit may then be plugged directly into a wall socket.

Yes, it is legal. However, under current UK regulations (as of 2026), the solar system with battery storage must be hardwired to the distribution board by a registered electrician; it cannot simply be plugged into a wall socket. The system must comply with G98 regulations (power ≤ 3.68kW), and you are required to notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) within 28 days of installation.

Yes. Any generation system connected to the UK National Grid must comply with G98 or G99 regulations. For smaller balcony PV systems (typically under 800W), the simpler G98 "connect and notify" process applies. Once the system has been installed and commissioned by a registered electrician, a G98 notification must be submitted to your local DNO within 28 days.

It is recommended to contact a locally qualified electrician to install the equipment. After installation and commissioning, a G98 notification must be submitted to the local DNO within 28 days.

Possibly not; it depends on the installation method. To receive export payments, you need to participate in the UK's Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. A key requirement is that the system must be installed by an MCS or Flexi-Orb certified company. DIY or non-MCS certified installations are not currently eligible for SEG payments. Even without selling electricity, you can still achieve significant savings by using the solar power you generate yourself.