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
Many residential garages, annexes, and outbuildings have asbestos cement roofs. Homeowners seeking to install rooftop solar panels must first confirm whether the existing roof material contains asbestos, as drilling or loading asbestos cement releases dangerous fibres.
Solar installers are legally prohibited from working on asbestos roofs in most jurisdictions. The roof must be surveyed, the asbestos cement removed by a licensed contractor, and a new roof installed before solar panels can be fitted. Some government grants cover part of the asbestos removal cost when combined with renewable energy installation.
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.
What are the risks associated with installing solar panels on a roof?
If the roof contains asbestos cement, drilling for panel mounts will release asbestos fibres. The roof must be surveyed and, if asbestos is confirmed, replaced by a licensed contractor before solar panels can be safely installed.
Where should you not place solar panels?
Solar panels should not be installed on roofs containing asbestos-cement materials, structurally compromised roofs, or heavily shaded areas. An asbestos survey is essential before any roof-mounted installation on pre-2000 buildings.
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.
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