Installing solar panels? Your roof may contain asbestos.
Many older roofs, particularly corrugated cement sheets on industrial, agricultural, and commercial buildings, contain asbestos. You cannot install solar panels on an asbestos cement roof without first addressing the asbestos.
Drilling, cutting, or applying loads to asbestos cement roofing releases dangerous fibres. Most solar installers will refuse to work on a roof that hasn't been cleared, and doing so without proper assessment is a legal offence in most jurisdictions.
The process typically involves: asbestos survey to confirm the material, removal of asbestos roofing by a licensed contractor, installation of new roofing, and then solar panel installation. Some grant programmes cover part of the asbestos removal cost when combined with solar installation.
The Problem
Commercial buildings with flat or low-pitch roofs from before 2000 frequently used asbestos cement panels or corrugated sheets. Businesses looking to reduce energy costs with solar installations must address the asbestos before any rooftop work begins.
The commercial scale of solar installations means more drilling, mounting, and loading on the roof surface. Any disturbance of asbestos cement creates fibre release that endangers workers and building occupants, and violates workplace health regulations.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 33% rule for solar panels?
The 33% rule suggests that solar panels should ideally cover no more than one-third of the available roof area to maintain structural balance and planning compliance. Some local authorities apply this as a planning guideline for listed buildings or conservation areas.
Why are people getting rid of their solar panels?
Some homeowners remove solar panels when roof repairs are needed, particularly when the roof contains asbestos cement that must be replaced first. Others replace ageing panels with more efficient modern technology.
Which type of solar panel is best for commercial use?
Monocrystalline panels offer the highest efficiency for commercial installations. However, the priority for commercial buildings should be ensuring the roof substrate is asbestos-free before any installation work begins.
Is it safe to have solar panels on the roof?
Solar panels themselves are safe, but installing them on an asbestos-cement roof creates serious risks. The roof must be surveyed for asbestos before installation, and if ACMs are found, the roof should be replaced first.
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