Do You Need an EICR Before Getting Solar Panels in Milton Keynes?
Updated: May 2026 · By Depth of Light Ltd, Milton Keynes
Short answer: not legally required, but strongly recommended if your home is more than 25-30 years old, has a rewireable fuse box, or hasn't had electrical work done in a long time. Here's when it matters and why.
When an EICR is essentially mandatory before solar
The MCS standards your installer works to require an electrical assessment of your existing installation before any solar work is done. For a modern home with a recent consumer unit, that's often a quick visual check the installer does on the day of survey. For older properties, it needs to be a full EICR — because:
- The inverter feed-in needs to land on a properly-rated circuit with adequate protection
- Earthing and bonding need to meet current standards (a common failure point in older homes)
- The DNO (your distribution network operator) requires confirmation of installation safety
- Your home insurance may require evidence of safe installation
Starting price for a domestic EICR in Milton Keynes. Combine with a solar survey and we discount the bundle further. Same-day certificate, all remedial work in-house if needed.
The two scenarios where you definitely need one
- Your consumer unit is a rewireable fuse box — these don't have RCD protection and won't accept the new solar circuit safely. You'll need a consumer unit upgrade first; the EICR confirms what else needs doing.
- You're adding solar + battery + EV charger together — the cumulative load and the additional circuits need a current EICR to confirm the supply can take it.
The four scenarios where it's a smart move (but technically optional)
- Property is over 25-30 years old with original wiring
- You've done extensive DIY over the years and aren't sure what's compliant
- You're buying the property — combine the EICR with your purchase survey for a complete picture
- Your insurer asks for one — increasingly common for higher-value contents policies
What an EICR actually checks (relevant to solar)
- Consumer unit type, capacity and spare circuits — for the inverter connection
- RCD/RCBO protection on existing circuits
- Earthing and main protective bonding
- Insulation resistance on every circuit (catches deteriorating wiring)
- Polarity on socket outlets
- Meter tail capacity (for the additional load)
What it costs and how it pays for itself
From £140 for a 1-bed flat, £185 for a 3-bed house. If you're booking solar with us at the same time, we offer a discounted combined EICR + solar survey — the two visits become one and the price comes down further.
What it saves you: avoiding the surprise on install day where the team turns up, finds your consumer unit needs upgrading, and you have to either pay for an unscheduled extra job or postpone the solar. We'd rather know upfront and quote you a complete fixed price.
Bottom line
If your house is post-2005 with a modern split-load consumer unit, you can probably skip a formal EICR — your installer will do the necessary checks during the solar survey. For anything older, getting an EICR (or a combined EICR + solar survey) up front is the smart move. Book a combined EICR + solar survey if you're considering both.
Book a Combined EICR + Solar Survey
Free survey across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire — MCS & NAPIT certified.