Solar Panels on Asbestos Roofs

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What is the problem with asbestos roofs?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction from around 1930 through to the late 1990s, valued for its insulation and fire-retardant properties. It was commonly mixed as fibres into cement and other building materials, including roofing sheets.

It later became clear that asbestos fibres are a serious health hazard. As the material degrades or is disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airborne and be inhaled, causing severe and potentially fatal lung conditions including mesothelioma and asbestosis. The use of asbestos in construction was banned in the UK in 1999.

Where is asbestos most common?

Asbestos roofing is most commonly found on garages, sheds, agricultural buildings, and light industrial premises built or refurbished between the 1930s and 1990s. It typically appears as corrugated cement sheets. If you are unsure whether your roof contains asbestos, a specialist surveyor can identify and assess it.

How long does an asbestos roof last?

Lifespan varies depending on the thickness and condition of the sheets, as well as environmental factors such as wind, rainfall, and moss growth. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the life expectancy of an asbestos cement roof is 25 to 40 years. Given that the ban came into effect in 1999 and most installations predate the 1990s, many asbestos roofs currently still in place are at or beyond the end of their expected lifespan. hubspot

As the material ages and weathers, the risk of fibre release increases — which is why it is important to be aware of the condition of any asbestos roof before carrying out any work on or around it.

Do you need to replace asbestos?

There is currently no legal obligation to remove asbestos-containing materials simply because they are present. However, you should be mindful of them whenever carrying out any structural work on the property, as disturbance can release the dangerous fibres. Any work involving asbestos must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Can you install solar panels on an asbestos roof?

Installing solar panels involves drilling, fixing, and working on the roof surface — all of which can disturb asbestos materials and release fibres. For this reason, we advise against installing solar panels directly onto an asbestos roof without prior remedial work.

There are two approaches we recommend:

1. Remove the asbestos and replace with a new roof
The most thorough option is to have the asbestos professionally removed by a licensed contractor and the roof replaced — typically with a corrugated steel or composite panel roof. This is the more expensive route, but it eliminates the asbestos risk entirely and leaves you with a new, long-lasting roof onto which solar can be straightforwardly installed.

2. Overclad the asbestos roof with steel
A more cost-effective alternative is to overclad the existing asbestos sheets with a new steel roof laid over the top. The asbestos remains in place but is fully encapsulated and no longer a disturbance risk. The new steel roof then provides a clean, secure surface for solar panel installation. Your building will also benefit from improved insulation as a result.

Both options require the work to be carried out by appropriately qualified and licensed contractors before any solar installation can proceed.

Ground-mounted solar as an alternative

If your asbestos roof makes rooftop solar impractical or too costly to address, a ground-mounted solar system may be worth considering. Ground-mounted arrays are entirely independent of the building structure, require no roof work whatsoever, and can be oriented and tilted for maximum output. You will need sufficient land and, in most cases, planning permission — but for commercial and agricultural properties with open space available, it is often a very practical solution.