24/10/2026
πβ‘ IMPORTANT CHANGES TO SOLAR & BATTERY STORAGE INSTALLATIONS IN 2026!
If you're considering installing solar panels or battery storage at home, there are some important changes you should know about!
The latest update to the UK Wiring Regulations, BS 7671 Amendment 4:2026, came into effect on 15 October 2026 and introduces a dedicated chapter covering electrical battery storage systems.
So, what does this mean for homeowners? π‘
π 1. Where batteries can be installed
Battery storage systems now have clearer requirements concerning their location and fire safety.
Certain areas, including lofts, bedrooms and protected escape routes, are not considered suitable locations under the referenced domestic battery safety specification.
Detached garages and suitable outdoor locations can be good options, subject to the relevant safety requirements.
π₯ 2. Fire detection and protection
Depending on where the battery or inverter is installed, additional fire detection may be required.
In some circumstances, this means installing smoke or multi-sensor alarms that are interconnected with the home's existing alarm system.
π 3. Battery storage capacity
There are also specific capacity limits under the domestic battery safety specification:
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Up to 20 kWh per individual battery enclosure.
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Up to 40 kWh total storage in certain permitted locations.
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Up to 80 kWh total storage for qualifying locations, including detached garages, outdoor installations and suitably fire-separated attached garages.
These limits are subject to the specification's scope and other installation requirements.
π‘οΈ 4. Protection against accidental damage
Batteries installed in garages or locations where vehicles could cause damage may require additional impact protection.
This could mean installing suitable protective barriers around the battery equipment.
β‘ 5. Backup power during a power cut
Battery systems providing emergency backup power must have correctly designed electrical protection, isolation and earthing arrangements.
Not every solar and battery system automatically provides backup power, so this is something worth discussing when planning an installation.
What about existing installations?
These changes do not automatically mean that every existing solar or battery installation needs replacing.
However, anyone planning a new installation or expanding an existing system should have its design and location checked against the applicable requirements.
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GJK Electrical Contractors are NAPIT registered and provide solar PV, battery storage and electrical installations throughout Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Whether you're considering your first battery installation, expanding your current storage capacity or adding backup power, we're happy to discuss the options.
π 01604 511 672
Solar & battery storage should be designed around your home, your energy requirements and your safety.