EICR for Solar Panels and Battery Storage in London Properties: What Owners and Landlords Need to Know

Solar panels and battery storage systems are becoming more common across London. Homeowners want lower energy bills. Landlords want more energy-efficient rental properties. Commercial property owners want to reduce running costs and future-proof their buildings. But once solar PV panels, inverters, batteries, and upgraded consumer units are added to a property, electrical safety becomes more important, not less.

This is where an Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, becomes essential.

An EICR is designed to assess the condition and safety of the fixed electrical installation in a property. It helps identify deterioration, unsafe wiring, poor earthing, overloaded circuits, lack of RCD protection, damaged accessories, unsuitable consumer units, and other risks that could affect people using the building.

But many London property owners ask the same question:

Does an EICR cover solar panels and battery storage?

The short answer is that an EICR can assess the fixed electrical installation connected to the property, including signs that solar PV or battery storage has affected the safety of the wider installation. However, an EICR is not the same as a specialist solar PV inspection or a full battery storage maintenance check. Where solar panels or batteries are installed, the electrician may identify issues that require further investigation by a competent solar PV or battery storage specialist.

For landlords, homeowners, and commercial property owners, this distinction matters. A property may have a valid EICR, but if the solar installation has been poorly connected, altered without proper certification, or added to an ageing electrical system, there may still be safety concerns that need attention.

If you own a London property with solar panels, battery storage, or both, this guide explains what an EICR can check, what it cannot replace, what common issues may appear, and when you should book an inspection.

For standard electrical safety inspections in London, you can also visit our main EICR services in London page.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of a property’s fixed electrical installation. It is carried out by a competent electrician to assess whether the installation is safe for continued use.

An EICR typically checks items such as:

• Consumer unit or fuse board condition

• Earthing and bonding arrangements

• RCD protection

• Circuit protection

• Socket outlets

• Lighting circuits

• Cable condition

• Signs of overheating

• Electrical accessories

• Distribution boards

• Fixed wiring

• Defects or deterioration

• Risk of electric shock or fire

• Previous alterations or additions

For landlords in England, electrical safety inspections are a legal requirement at intervals of no more than five years for rented residential properties. The official government guidance confirms that landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years, and the 2025 update extends the framework to the social rented sector.

For landlords, the report is not just a technical document. It is evidence that the property’s electrical installation has been assessed for safety and compliance. You can learn more on our EICR certificates for landlords in London page.

For homeowners, an EICR is not usually a legal requirement unless the property is being rented, but it is still a sensible inspection when buying, selling, renovating, installing solar panels, upgrading a consumer unit, or adding battery storage. Visit our EICR certificates for homeowners in London page for more details.

Why Solar Panels and Battery Storage Change the Electrical Safety Picture

A normal domestic electrical installation is already complex. Once solar panels and battery storage are added, the electrical setup becomes more advanced.

A property with solar PV may include:

• Solar panels on the roof

• DC cabling from panels

• An inverter

• AC connection to the property installation

• Generation meter

• Isolators

• Additional protective devices

• Labelling

• Connection to the consumer unit or distribution board

A property with battery storage may also include:

• Battery unit

• Battery management system

• Inverter or hybrid inverter

• Additional isolators

• Dedicated circuits

• Fire safety considerations

• Ventilation requirements

• Manufacturer-specific installation rules

• Monitoring equipment

The IET’s Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems covers design, specification, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of grid-connected solar PV systems. This shows that solar PV is not just a simple appliance added to a home. It is a technical electrical system that needs competent design and ongoing safe operation.

Battery storage also introduces additional safety considerations. BSI’s PAS 63100:2024 focuses on protection against fire for battery energy storage systems in dwellings, reflecting the increased importance of correct installation, location, and safety control for domestic battery systems.

This is why an EICR is particularly useful in properties where solar or battery systems have been added. It can help assess whether the existing fixed installation remains safe and whether there are visible concerns that require further investigation.

Does an EICR Fully Inspect Solar Panels?

An EICR is mainly focused on the fixed electrical installation of the property. It does not automatically replace a specialist solar PV inspection.

This means a standard EICR may review relevant connected parts of the electrical installation, such as:

• Consumer unit connection

• Circuit protection

• RCD protection

• Earthing and bonding

• Labelling

• Signs of unsafe additions

• Visible damage

• Inverter connection points

• AC-side electrical safety

• Distribution board condition

• Overheating or poor workmanship around the fixed installation

However, a normal EICR may not include detailed specialist testing of the solar PV system itself unless specifically agreed and carried out by someone competent in solar PV inspection.

A specialist solar PV inspection may involve further checks such as:

• DC string testing

• Solar panel performance checks

• PV isolator inspection

• Inverter testing

• Roof mounting inspection

• DC cable routing

• Generation output review

• Manufacturer-specific checks

• Solar PV documentation review

• MCS certificate review where applicable

Electrical Safety First describes solar panels as photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity and advises using registered electricians for electrical safety matters. Solar technology is beneficial, but it remains an electrical installation that needs proper safety consideration.

So, the practical answer is this: An EICR can identify electrical safety concerns connected to the property installation where solar PV is present, but it should not be treated as a full specialist solar PV service unless that scope is specifically included.

For a London landlord, this means the EICR remains important, but if the report identifies an issue linked to the solar installation, further investigation may be required.

Does an EICR Cover Battery Storage?

Battery storage systems are becoming more popular in London homes and commercial premises. They allow energy generated by solar panels to be stored and used later. In some cases, batteries are installed even without solar panels, usually to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.

An EICR can assess parts of the fixed electrical installation connected to the battery system, including:

• Consumer unit or distribution board connection

• Protective devices

• Circuit loading

• Earthing arrangements

• Cable condition

• Isolation arrangements

• Labelling

• Signs of overheating

• Visible damage

• Poor workmanship

• Suitability of existing circuits

However, an EICR is not a full manufacturer-specific battery storage inspection. A proper battery system check may require specialist knowledge of:

• Battery chemistry

• Manufacturer instructions

• Ventilation requirements

• Location restrictions

• Fire safety guidance

• Battery management systems

• Inverter compatibility

• Firmware or monitoring systems

• Shutdown procedures

• Maintenance requirements

For larger commercial battery systems, the Health and Safety Executive explains that battery energy storage systems carry responsibilities across their life cycle, including designers, installers, and operators. While HSE’s page focuses on grid-scale systems, the principle is relevant: battery storage is a technical system with safety duties at multiple stages.

For domestic systems, PAS 63100:2024 is particularly relevant because it addresses fire protection for battery energy storage systems used in dwellings.

The key point is simple: An EICR can help identify whether the wider electrical installation is safe where battery storage is connected, but a battery system may also need specialist assessment depending on its design, condition, and documentation.

Why London Properties with Solar Panels Need Extra Attention

London has a wide mix of property types. Solar panels and battery storage can appear on:

• Terraced houses

• Semi-detached houses

• Detached homes

• Converted flats

• Purpose-built flats

• HMOs

• Shops with flats above

• Office buildings

• Warehouses

• Schools

• Community buildings

• Commercial units

• Blocks of flats

• Mixed-use buildings

Many London properties are older and may already have electrical issues before solar or battery systems are added. Common background problems include:

• Older fuse boards

• No RCD protection on some circuits

• Poor earthing or bonding

• Previous DIY electrical work

• Outdated cables

• Overloaded circuits

• Poor labelling

• Old accessories

• Mixed consumer unit brands

• Limited spare capacity

• Circuits altered by previous contractors

When solar panels or battery storage are installed into a property with existing electrical weaknesses, the risk profile changes.

For example, a property may have solar panels installed correctly, but the existing consumer unit may be old, poorly labelled, or lacking modern protection. Another property may have a battery installed, but the original installation may not have been designed with that additional equipment in mind.

This is why an EICR is useful. It does not just look at one product. It assesses the condition of the wider electrical installation.

If your London property has solar panels or battery storage and has not had an EICR recently, booking one is a sensible step. You can use our book your EICR online page to arrange an inspection.

Common EICR Issues Found in Properties with Solar Panels

Properties with solar panels can still fail an EICR for reasons that may not directly relate to the panels themselves. The solar installation may simply reveal or sit alongside existing defects. Common EICR issues may include:

1. Poor Consumer Unit Condition A consumer unit is a major part of the fixed electrical installation. If it is damaged, outdated, poorly enclosed, overloaded, or poorly labelled, it may be recorded on the EICR. Solar PV systems are often connected through the consumer unit or distribution board. If the board is unsuitable, this may create concern.

2. Lack of RCD Protection RCD protection is one of the most common issues found during EICR inspections. If circuits do not have adequate RCD protection, the report may record this depending on the situation, installation type, and risk. Solar PV or battery systems connected to an installation with poor RCD protection can raise additional safety questions.

3. Poor Labelling Solar PV systems should have clear isolation and warning labels. If the property has poor labelling, missing circuit identification, or unclear distribution board schedules, the installation can become harder to inspect, isolate, or maintain safely. This is particularly important in emergencies, where someone may need to understand quickly that solar generation or battery storage is present.

4. Signs of Overheating Overheating around consumer units, isolators, terminals, or protective devices is a serious concern. If an electrician finds heat damage, burning, discolouration, or signs of loose connections, the issue may require urgent attention.

5. Incorrect or Unsafe Alterations Some properties have had solar panels added after the original installation without proper documentation. If the electrician sees evidence of poor workmanship, unsuitable connections, or unsafe alterations, the EICR may recommend further investigation.

6. Earthing and Bonding Problems Main protective bonding and earthing arrangements are critical. If the property has poor earthing or missing bonding, this can affect electrical safety generally. Where solar or battery systems are present, correct earthing becomes even more important.

7. Inadequate Isolation Solar PV and battery systems should have appropriate isolation arrangements. If isolation is unclear, inaccessible, damaged, or poorly labelled, further checks may be needed.

8. Old Wiring Combined with Modern Additions A common London issue is modern technology connected to old infrastructure. A property may have solar panels, smart controls, and battery storage, but still rely on ageing circuits, old accessories, or an outdated consumer unit. An EICR helps identify whether the older installation remains suitable for continued use.

Common EICR Issues Found in Properties with Battery Storage

Battery storage systems can create additional inspection considerations. Common concerns include:

1. Poor Location of Battery Unit Battery systems should be installed according to manufacturer instructions and relevant safety guidance. If a battery is located in an unsuitable area, this may require further specialist assessment.

2. Lack of Clear Isolation The electrician needs to understand how the battery system connects to the property. If there are no clear isolators or labels, this can create risk during inspection, maintenance, or emergency work.

3. Consumer Unit Capacity Concerns Some installations may have battery systems connected to boards that were not designed with enough future capacity. This does not automatically mean the installation is unsafe, but it can require closer review.

4. Inverter and Battery Wiring Concerns Poorly routed cables, exposed wiring, unsuitable containment, or visible damage can all raise concerns during an EICR.

5. Incomplete Documentation Battery systems should come with installation documentation, commissioning paperwork, and manufacturer guidance. If a landlord or homeowner cannot provide documents, the electrician may be more cautious and recommend further investigation.

6. Signs of Heat or Ventilation Problems Battery and inverter equipment can generate heat. Poor ventilation, blocked equipment, heat staining, or installation in unsuitable spaces may require attention.

7. Poor Workmanship from Previous Installers Not all installations are equal. An EICR can reveal signs that work may have been completed without enough care, especially around cable entries, isolation, consumer unit connections, and labelling.

Landlords: Do You Need an EICR if the Rental Property Has Solar Panels?

Yes. If you rent out a residential property in England, the legal duty to have the electrical installation inspected and tested still applies. Solar panels do not remove that requirement.

Government guidance confirms that landlords must have electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.

If your rental property has solar panels, the EICR becomes even more important because the electrical installation may be more complex.

A landlord should keep:

• Current EICR certificate

• Previous EICR reports

• Remedial work certificates

• Solar PV installation documents

• Battery storage installation documents

• Inverter documentation

• MCS certificate if applicable

• Electrical Installation Certificate for any new electrical work

• Maintenance records

• Tenant access records

• Evidence that remedial work was completed

For landlords, the risk is not just technical. It is also legal and operational. If a tenant reports an electrical issue, if the property changes hands, if a managing agent requests documentation, or if a local authority asks for evidence, you need proper paperwork.

If your rental property has solar panels and you are unsure whether your EICR is current, start with our landlord EICR certificate service.

Homeowners: Should You Book an EICR Before or After Installing Solar Panels?

For homeowners, it is often sensible to book an EICR before installing solar panels, especially if the property is older or has not been inspected for many years.

A pre-installation EICR can help identify:

• Whether the existing consumer unit is suitable

• Whether earthing and bonding are adequate

• Whether circuits are in good condition

• Whether there are signs of deterioration

• Whether the installation has existing defects

• Whether remedial work should be completed before solar installation

This can prevent problems later. For example, if solar panels are installed on a property with poor earthing, old wiring, or a damaged consumer unit, the homeowner may end up needing additional work after the solar installation has already been completed. That can become more expensive and more disruptive.

An EICR after solar installation can also be useful, especially if:

• You bought a property with solar panels already installed

• You do not have the original documentation

• The installation looks old

• The inverter has been changed

• A battery has been added

• You are selling the property

• You are renting the property

• You have had electrical faults

• You are unsure whether previous work was certified

If you are a homeowner in London, see our homeowner EICR certificate page.

Buying a London Property with Solar Panels? Why an EICR Is Worth Booking

Buying a property with solar panels can be attractive. The property may have lower energy bills, improved energy performance, and a more modern electrical setup. But buyers should not assume that solar panels automatically mean the electrical installation is safe.

Before buying, ask for:

• Current EICR

• Solar installation certificate

• MCS certificate if available

• Inverter documentation

• Battery storage documentation if fitted

• Warranty details

• Maintenance records

• Evidence of any electrical upgrades

• Consumer unit certificate

• Remedial work certificates

If the seller cannot provide a recent EICR, booking one before completion can be a sensible decision.

An EICR may reveal:

• Old wiring hidden behind a modern solar installation

• Poor earthing

• Damaged consumer unit

• Missing RCD protection

• Unsafe accessories

• Evidence of DIY electrical work

• Poor labelling

• Further investigation required

This gives the buyer better information before making a financial commitment. A solar PV system may be valuable, but if the wider electrical installation needs significant remedial work, that should be factored into the purchase decision.

Commercial Properties with Solar Panels and Battery Storage

Commercial properties are often more complex than homes. A commercial building may have:

• Three-phase supply

• Multiple distribution boards

• Sub-mains

• Emergency lighting

• Plant rooms

• Air conditioning systems

• Office equipment

• Commercial kitchens

• Machinery

• EV chargers

• Solar PV

• Battery storage

• Fire alarm systems

• Data cabinets

• Tenant areas

• Landlord common areas

When solar panels or battery storage are added, the electrical installation may become more demanding to inspect and manage.

Commercial EICR inspections are especially important for:

• Offices

• Shops

• Warehouses

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Schools

• Clinics

• Industrial units

• Mixed-use buildings

• Serviced offices

• Blocks with communal electrical systems

A commercial EICR can help identify safety issues that may affect staff, tenants, customers, insurers, and building managers.

If your commercial property has solar panels, the report may help identify whether the electrical installation is safe for continued use and whether any further investigation is needed around the solar or battery system.

For business premises, visit our commercial EICR certificates in London page.

Case Study Example 1: London Landlord with Solar Panels and an Old Consumer Unit

A landlord owns a two-bedroom rental flat in North London. The property has solar panels installed several years ago. The landlord assumes everything is fine because the panels are working and the tenant has not complained.

During an EICR, the electrician finds:

• An older consumer unit

• Poor circuit labelling

• No RCD protection on some circuits

• No clear documentation for previous electrical alterations

• Solar-related labelling that is unclear

• Evidence of old wiring in parts of the property

The solar panels themselves may still be operational, but the wider fixed installation has issues. The report is marked unsatisfactory and remedial work is required.

In this situation, the landlord should not focus only on the panels. The real problem is the condition of the property’s electrical installation. The landlord needs to complete remedial work, obtain evidence, and keep records for compliance.

Relevant service: remedial work for failed EICR certificates.

Case Study Example 2: Homeowner Buying a House with Battery Storage

A homeowner is buying a house in West London. The property has solar panels and a battery storage unit installed in the garage. The estate agent says the system helps reduce electricity bills. The buyer asks for documents, but the seller only provides partial paperwork. There is no recent EICR.

The buyer books an EICR before exchange. The inspection finds:

• Consumer unit generally in acceptable condition

• Some missing circuit identification

• Battery installation connected neatly but documentation incomplete

• Further investigation recommended for battery manufacturer requirements

• Minor remedial work needed for labelling and circuit schedule

This does not necessarily stop the purchase, but it gives the buyer useful information. The buyer can request missing documents, ask for clarification, and budget for any follow-up inspection.

This is a good example of how an EICR can reduce uncertainty before buying a property with modern electrical upgrades.

Case Study Example 3: Commercial Building with Rooftop Solar and Multiple Tenants

A commercial landlord manages a mixed-use building in Central London. There are shops on the ground floor and offices above. Rooftop solar panels were installed to reduce energy costs for communal services.

The building has:

• Multiple distribution boards

• Landlord supply

• Tenant supplies

• Rooftop solar PV

• Emergency lighting

• Communal circuits

• Mechanical plant

During a commercial EICR, the electrician identifies:

• Incomplete labelling on distribution boards

• Older protective devices in one area

• Evidence of previous alterations

• Need for better documentation around solar PV connection

• Several circuits requiring further investigation

In this case, the commercial landlord needs a proper compliance plan. The solar system is only one part of the building’s wider electrical risk profile. For commercial properties with solar panels or battery storage, a planned inspection schedule is better than waiting for a tenant complaint, insurance query, or electrical fault.

What Documents Should You Keep for Solar Panels and Battery Storage?

If your London property has solar panels or battery storage, keep all documents in one place. This is important for landlords, homeowners, buyers, estate agents, and managing agents.

Useful documents include:

• Current EICR

• Previous EICR reports

• Remedial work certificates

• Solar PV installation certificate

• MCS certificate where applicable

• Inverter manual

• Battery storage manual

• Manufacturer warranty

• Commissioning documents

• Electrical Installation Certificate

• Building control notification where relevant

• Maintenance records

• Photos of equipment location

• Isolation instructions

• Emergency shutdown guidance

• Records of any faults or repairs

If you do not have these documents, an EICR is a good starting point, but you may still need further investigation for the solar PV or battery storage system.

What If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory?

If your EICR is marked unsatisfactory, the report will usually contain observation codes.

Common codes include:

• C1: Danger present, immediate action required

• C2: Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required

• C3: Improvement recommended

• FI: Further investigation required without delay

A report with C1, C2, or FI observations will usually be unsatisfactory. C3 items alone do not normally make the report unsatisfactory, but they should still be considered.

In a property with solar panels or battery storage, an FI code may be used where the electrician cannot confirm safety without additional investigation. This can happen where documentation is missing, alterations are unclear, or specialist equipment needs further assessment.

If your report fails, you should arrange remedial work promptly. For landlords, timing matters because legal duties apply and evidence may need to be provided.

For help after a failed report, visit our EICR remedial work service.

How Much Does an EICR Cost for a Property with Solar Panels?

The cost of an EICR depends on the property type, size, number of circuits, access, location, and complexity of the installation.

A property with solar panels or battery storage may take longer to inspect if:

• The installation has multiple distribution boards

• There are unclear labels

• Documentation is missing

• There are more circuits than usual

• Battery storage is connected

• The property is commercial

• There are tenant areas and landlord areas

• The electrician needs to assess visible connections and recommend further investigation

A standard EICR does not necessarily include a full specialist solar PV inspection or battery storage service. If you need that, it should be clarified separately before booking.

For general EICR prices, see our EICR certificate cost page.

When Should You Book an EICR for a Property with Solar Panels or Battery Storage?

You should consider booking an EICR if:

• You are a landlord and your certificate is due

• You are buying a property with solar panels

• You are selling a property and want to reassure buyers

• You installed solar panels but have not checked the wider installation

• You added battery storage

• You upgraded your consumer unit

• You had remedial work completed

• You do not have electrical documentation

• You notice burning smells, tripping circuits, or overheating

• Your inverter or battery equipment shows faults

• You are converting the property into a rental

• You manage a commercial property

• Your insurer asks for electrical evidence

• Your managing agent requests a certificate

In London, properties are often altered many times over decades. An EICR helps create a clear safety snapshot of the installation as it exists now.

Internal Electrical Safety Checklist for Solar and Battery Properties

Before booking, check whether you have the following:

• Access to the consumer unit

• Access to any distribution boards

• Access to inverter location

• Access to battery storage location

• Solar PV documents

• Battery documents

• Previous EICR

• Details of recent electrical work

• Tenant access arranged

• Parking or access instructions

• Contact person available

• Keys or concierge details

• Photos of any known faults

This helps the electrician complete the inspection efficiently and reduces delays.

If you need a fast booking, use our online EICR booking page.

FAQs About EICR, Solar Panels, and Battery Storage

Do solar panels need an EICR? Solar panels themselves do not replace the need for an EICR. If the property is rented, the fixed electrical installation still needs inspection and testing at required intervals. The EICR may identify issues with the wider installation where solar panels are connected.

Does an EICR inspect the solar panels on the roof? A standard EICR does not usually include a full specialist inspection of the solar panels, roof mounting, DC strings, or inverter performance unless this is specifically agreed. It mainly assesses the fixed electrical installation and may recommend further investigation if solar-related issues are found.

Can a property fail an EICR because of solar panels? Yes, if the solar installation has created unsafe conditions, poor connections, inadequate labelling, unsuitable protection, overheating, or other electrical risks. The property may also fail for unrelated issues such as poor earthing, missing RCD protection, or damaged wiring.

Do landlords need a new EICR after installing solar panels? Not always automatically, but it is sensible to review the electrical safety position after significant electrical changes. If solar panels or battery storage have been added, landlords should keep all installation documents and consider whether the existing EICR still accurately reflects the property’s installation.

Is battery storage checked during an EICR? The EICR can assess visible fixed electrical connections and the wider installation where battery storage is connected. It does not usually replace a specialist manufacturer-specific battery inspection.

Should I get an EICR before installing solar panels? Yes, it can be a smart decision, especially for older London properties. A pre-installation EICR can identify existing electrical defects before new solar equipment is added.

What if I bought a house with solar panels but no paperwork? Book an EICR and try to recover any missing solar PV documentation from the seller, installer, or previous owner. If documentation is missing, further solar PV inspection may also be needed.

Is an EICR enough for commercial solar installations? An EICR is important for commercial electrical safety, but larger or more complex solar PV systems may require specialist solar PV inspection and maintenance in addition to the standard commercial EICR.

Final Advice for London Property Owners

Solar panels and battery storage can make a London property more efficient, more attractive, and more future-ready. But they also make the electrical installation more complex.

An EICR gives landlords, homeowners, buyers, and commercial owners a clear view of the fixed electrical installation’s condition. It can identify serious defects, recommend remedial work, flag further investigation, and support compliance.

The key point is this: An EICR is not a full replacement for a specialist solar PV or battery storage inspection, but it is one of the most important electrical safety checks for any property where these systems are installed.

If you own, rent, manage, buy, or sell a London property with solar panels or battery storage, booking an EICR is a practical way to reduce risk and protect the people using the building.

Book your inspection here: Book your EICR online

Or visit: London EICR Certificates