Can You Add Solar With an Old Fuse Box?
It depends. If your consumer unit (fuse board) is old or lacks modern RCD protection, it likely won’t meet current safety standards for solar installations.
Why a Modern Consumer Unit Matters for Solar
Newer fuse boards include better protection for both people and property — things like:
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
- SPD (Surge Protection Devices)
- MCBs instead of old fuses
If you’re investing in solar panels and battery storage, your home’s electrical system needs to be safe, compliant and ready to handle the additional load and export potential.
How Do I Know If I Need an Upgrade?
Here are a few signs you might need a new consumer unit before installing solar:
- You have a rewireable fuse board (the ones with fuse wire)
- No RCD protection for sockets or lights
- No spare ways (spaces) for adding solar circuits
- Your electrician or solar installer flags safety concerns
We can inspect your setup during a Homebuyer EICR or free solar site visit.
Is a Fuse Board Upgrade a Big Job?
Not at all. Most fuse board upgrades take less than a day and can be done alongside your solar install. We’ll handle all testing, certification and notify Building Control if required.
Bonus: It’s a one-off investment that improves your home's safety, EPC rating and resale appeal.
Need a Quote for Solar + Fuse Board?
We’ll visit your property, check your current setup and quote for everything in one go — no hidden extras, no separate contractors. Just clear, honest pricing.
Why Use Burridge Electrical?
- Experienced with older electrics + new tech
- Fully NAPIT registered and insured
- One team for both fuse board and solar install
- Clean, efficient and professional
Check our consumer unit upgrade services and solar installations.
Want to Check If Your Fuse Board is Suitable?
Book a free site survey and we’ll inspect your consumer unit and electrics while discussing solar options tailored to your home.
đź“ž Call Us: 0117 321 6406
âś… Book Your Free Solar Assessment!! Take Care when Selecting an Electrician in Bristol
Many electricians in Bristol are simply not interested in the small jobs.They want the choice jobs and will drop you when a bigger,supposedly more lucrative project comes in.
Others advertise as electricians having no qualifications.They thrive on the basis that you don't understand what they do and as a result charging for shoddy,and often dangerous electrical work.
I set up Burridge Electrical to provide you with a quality service and provide you with exactly what you need from a qualified electrician.