Plugin solar in Romania

Can I use a plug-in solar kit in Romania? Yes, but not as do-it-yourself plug & play. In March 2026, the energy regulator ANRE confirmed that small solar systems under 800 W may be connected through a socket in an existing home, without a full grid-connection approval. ANRE treats these kits as power generators, not appliances. An ANRE-authorised electrician or certified firm must install them, and you must inform your grid operator before switching on. On a balcony or façade, you also need your owners' association's consent and, usually, a building permit. Surplus power is not paid unless you become a prosumer. A bill filed in the Senate on 4 November 2026 would simplify these rules.

There is no specific plug-in law in Romania yet. The reference is ANRE's guidance “Panouri fotovoltaice de mici dimensiuni conectate la priză: ce trebuie să știe utilizatorii” (Small plug-in solar panels: what users need to know, March 2026). It allows systems under 800 W on a socket at an existing consumption place, with no extra grid-connection conditions. It also says installation must be done by ANRE-authorised electricians or certified firms, as required by the Electricity and Gas Law 123/2012.

For self-consumption only, the steps follow the Connection Regulation (ANRE Order 59/2013). To sell surplus, you follow the prosumer connection procedure (ANRE Order 19/2022). Balcony and façade mounting fall under the building-permit law (Law 50/1991). Law 160/2026, in force since 26 July 2026, sets the prosumer compensation rules.

On 4 November 2026, a cross-party bill (Senate no. B618/2026) proposed a “balcony PV system” category. It covers 1–4 panels, an inverter of up to 800 VA, and an optional battery, with one system per household. It would require prior notice to the grid operator but no fees, enforced zero export, and no building permit outside protected areas. It is not law yet.

ANRE does not approve or certify plug-in kits for sale. Buyers should check that the seller provides European conformity documents for the panels and especially the inverter.

There is no national registry for plug-in kits. Instead, you inform your grid operator in writing before first use. The notice should include the system's technical data (panel and inverter power), the equipment documents, and whether you want self-consumption only or to export surplus. The grid operator checks that the kit's settings and protections are correct and won't disturb the grid. It may change your meter or connection interface, and then updates your connection certificate.

On a block of flats, ask the owners' association for written consent first. For a balcony or façade, ANRE says a building permit is usually needed, so check with your town hall what applies to your building. This page is guidance, not legal advice.

Contact your grid operator (operator de distribuție), not your electricity supplier. The main operators are Delgaz Grid, Distribuție Energie Electrică România, Distribuție Energie Oltenia and Rețele Electrice România, depending on your region. Your consumption-place code is on your electricity bill.

Send a written notice before switching the kit on, including the technical data, the inverter's documents and your chosen mode. For self-consumption only, state that you don't plan to export surplus power and don't want prosumer status. The operator verifies the installation, makes any changes needed at your connection, and updates your connection certificate. Ask whether your meter needs replacing: on older meters, power flowing back to the grid may be counted as consumption.

If you later want to be paid for surplus, apply for prosumer status under ANRE Order 19/2022 and sign a contract with your supplier (see ANRE – how to become a prosumer). ANRE's consumer line is 021 9782.

None currently for plug-in kits. The AFM “Casa Verde Baterii” 2026 storage programme requires a prosumer contract and connection certificate, so kits used only for self-consumption don't qualify. Solar equipment is taxed at the standard 21% VAT rate; Romania merged its reduced rates into a single 11% rate in August 2025. The prosumer association APCE has asked Parliament for 0% VAT on systems up to 27 kW, but this is only a proposal. The November 2026 balcony-solar bill includes no purchase subsidy.