Home / Guides / Solar

Solar panels and asbestos roofs

If you are planning solar panels, the roof comes first. Here is how to approach it.

01782 000 000

Brick garage with a new roof and solar panels

Why installers refuse

Fitting panels means drilling and loading the roof. With asbestos cement sheets that is the disturbance to avoid.

What to do instead

Have the old roof removed and a new roof fitted that can take the panels. Tell the contractor your plan.

Order of work

Test or confirm the roof material
Remove the old roof
Fit the new roof and check the frame
Then fit the panels

Structure

A garage frame built for light sheets may need strengthening for panels.

This guide is general information. It is not a survey and cannot confirm whether your roof contains asbestos.

Quick answers.

Can the same firm do both?

It depends. Ask.

Do I need permission?

Often not, but check local rules.

Can panels go on the house instead?

Yes, if the house roof is suitable.

Keep reading.

Brick garage with a new metal roof on a residential street

Replacement · 6 min read

New roof options after asbestos removal

Once the old roof is off, you can choose what goes on. Here are the common options and what to think about.

Sheets being lowered from a scaffold into a skip

Process · 6 min read

What happens on the day an asbestos garage roof comes off

Knowing what to expect on the day makes it easier to plan and to spot a contractor who is cutting corners.

Brick garage with a weathered corrugated roof

Identify · 5 min read

Is my garage roof asbestos?

You cannot be certain by looking, but age and appearance give strong clues. Here is what to check and what to do before anyone touches the roof.

Tell us about the roof.

A local contractor reviews your details and photos, then replies with a written quote for removing the old roof and, if you want it, fitting a new one. Free to ask, no obligation.

Prefer to talk?