Building Regulations Part P explained
Building Regulations Part P covers the design, installation, inspection, and testing of electrical installations in and around UK homes. Because a solar PV system involves significant electrical work — including new wiring, isolators, and grid connection — it falls under Part P requirements.
In practice, there are two ways to comply:
- Self-certification: if your installer is registered with a competent persons scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or MCS), they can self-certify the work without needing a separate building control application. This is by far the most common route and is included in any reputable installer's service
- Building control notification: if the installer is not registered with a competent persons scheme, you must notify your local authority building control before work starts and have a separate electrical inspection carried out
Upon completion, your installer should provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), which is your evidence of Part P compliance. Keep this document safe — you will need it if you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
Non-compliance with Part P can invalidate your home insurance, create problems when selling your property, and in serious cases create electrical safety risks. Using an MCS-certified installer virtually guarantees Part P compliance as it's built into their certification requirements.