Should You Rewire Before Solar Panel Installation?
If you're considering solar panel installation in Bristol, you might be wondering whether your current electrical system can support it — or whether a rewire is necessary first.
In this article, we’ll explain when rewiring is needed, how to assess your current electrics, and how we can help future-proof your home with a full solar and battery setup.
When Might You Need a Rewire First?
- Your electrics are over 25–30 years old (especially with no recent EICR report).
- You have old-style fuse boxes or fabric/rubber wiring.
- You’re planning to add other upgrades like fuse board upgrades or EV charging.
- The property has frequent electrical issues like tripping circuits, dimming lights, or overloaded sockets.
If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with a Homebuyer’s EICR.
How to Check if Your Electrics Are Ready for Solar
We offer a pre-installation check that assesses:
- Whether your current consumer unit meets 18th Edition standards
- The condition of key circuits and wiring
- Earthing & bonding quality
- Compatibility with smart meters and battery inverters
This is included with all our solar & battery quotations in areas like Hanham, Kingswood, Fishponds and Longwell Green.
Why It’s Worth Doing It Right the First Time
Solar panels are a long-term investment — and installing them on an outdated or unsafe electrical system can result in:
- Insurance issues or voided warranties
- Failed safety checks or poor efficiency
- Extra costs if a rewire is needed after install
Tip: If you’re already rewiring, it’s the perfect time to future-proof your home for battery storage, EV charging, and smart devices too.
Zero Export Solar Systems – What It Means
At Burridge Electrical, we currently offer zero-export solar systems with battery storage. This means:
- Your solar system is designed to power your home without feeding into the grid
- Excess power is stored in a home battery for evening use
- It’s ideal for customers who want energy independence or who haven’t applied for grid export permissions
Our Local Solar Services
We cover the entire Bristol area, including:
- Hanham, Kingswood, Downend
- Staple Hill, Emersons Green, Brislington
- Keynsham, Warmley, Fishponds, Speedwell and beyond
We’re NAPIT registered electricians and provide honest advice, tailored quotes, and certified installations.