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
Logistics centres and warehouses have some of the largest roof areas in the built environment, making them prime candidates for solar energy. However, older facilities overwhelmingly feature asbestos cement corrugated roofing that must be addressed before any solar installation.
The vast roof areas typical of logistics buildings mean that asbestos removal is a major project in itself, but it also creates an opportunity: replacing the entire roof and installing solar in a single project is often more cost-effective than doing them separately.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20% rule for solar?
The 20% rule refers to planning guidelines requiring that solar installations do not protrude more than 20cm from the roof surface. Permitted development rights vary by property type and local authority.
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.
What happens after 20 years of solar panels?
After 20-25 years, solar panel efficiency typically drops below 80% of original capacity. If the underlying roof contains asbestos, panel removal for roof replacement provides an opportunity to address both issues simultaneously.
Is it difficult to remove solar panels from a roof?
Solar panel removal is straightforward for qualified installers. However, if panels were installed on an asbestos roof, removal must be carried out with asbestos precautions to avoid disturbing the underlying material.
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.
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