If it is easy to separate the electrical I would but usually it is not easy unless you are doing a huge rehab.

One by the county for unpaid sewage, bankruptcy, and the city was shutting off his electricity and boarding the place up because he inherited the house a year ago when his mother passed and never started probate.

How are the major potential expenses of the house looking (AC, Roof, Plumbing, Electric)?

This may involve hiring licensed contractors and obtaining necessary permits2.Address structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and potential water damage from firefighting efforts.Insurance Considerations: A history of fire damage can affect insurability and may lead to higher insurance premiums.

A major electrical expense has basically no ROI.   

You'll definitely want to make sure the electrical and plumbing haven't been damaged (or know how much they have been).

Also electrical system/panel/wiring may be seriously outdated.

However, I will get a credit from the electric company for the excess electricity the panels produce.

The reason I am ok with that is because I just spent $140K and updated everything - electrical, plumbing, roof, HVAC, windows, etc. so costs should be minimal for a while.

You're still putting in a kitchen, bath, HVAC, electrical, etc. which are your larger cost items.