DOES ASBESTOS AFFECT SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION? INSIGHT TO MAKE YOUR SUSTAINABLE CHOICES SAFE

 

DOES ASBESTOS AFFECT SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION?

 

Exploring the potential of solar energy for your home, business or public space is a commendable step towards environmental stewardship and energy cost reduction, but it is essential to keep in mind the risk legacy asbestos might pose during the installation or maintenance processes due to the potential health risks involved.

Solar photovoltaic systems more commonly known as solar PV not only contribute to a smaller carbon footprint but also offer a practical way to reduce energy expense. Be that as it may, consideration to potential asbestos exposure must be considered prior to installation.

Why is Navigating Asbestos in Solar Panel Installations a Challenge

If your property contains asbestos, installing solar panels becomes a complex task. This is mainly due to the norm that solar panels are mounted on roofs, which involves drilling. If your building was constructed before 1999, there is a chance that there might be an asbestos contamination risk.

Drilling into materials such as asbestos-containing roofs, asbestos soffits, and fascias can cause asbestos fibers to spread, posing a risk not only to workers but also to residents in the vicinity.

Therefore, it's crucial to handle such installations with care to prevent asbestos contamination.

WHAT ARE THE KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SAFE SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION ON ASBESTOS ROOFS

First of all, any work being conducted with asbestos-containing material requires expert handling. In this case, It is crucial to engage with professionals skilled in safely installing solar panels. To illustrate, experts would account for the potential release of asbestos fibres.

They would take precautions to minimize dust dispersal as ineffective containment measures can lead to the spread of asbestos particles to surrounding areas, causing wider contamination.

In the case of non-residential buildings, there are requirements for legal compliance. Adhering to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Construction, Design, and Management (CDM) regulations, is vital to conduct Asbestos Surveys before conducting any works on buildings that are known to contain asbestos or those constructed before 1999.

One such example is, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines for safe drilling practices in asbestos-containing materials.

These include preparatory steps and specific equipment requirements. Additionally, post-installation cleanup must be conducted meticulously to prevent asbestos contamination. This is a meticulous process requiring specialized equipment and methods to ensure safe disposal of asbestos waste.

Ignoring these regulations can have severe legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.

 
 

What are the alternatives to drilling in asbestos-containing roofs?

As a norm solar panels are installed on roofs and this requires drilling in to roofs and .Given the risks, considering alternatives to drilling into asbestos roofs for solar panel installation is advisable. Some options include:

  • Non-Penetrative mounting systems:

    This involves installing solar panels without directly drilling into the asbestos-containing material, like over-cladding the roof with steel. This way there is a steel foundation as a load-bearing base for solar panels.

  • Relocating Solar Panels:

    Ground-mounted systems or solar carports are a viable option. As a norm solar panels are installed on roofs but there is no rule for doing so.

  • Roof Removal And Remediation:

    While costly, replacing an asbestos roof with a new one eliminates any future asbestos concerns and paves the way for a safer solar installation. In some cases, it is an unavoidable option pertaining to the conditions of the asbestos-containing material.

    One such example is illustrated below, which requires hiring asbestos specialists equipped with the necessary expertise and tools which significantly mitigated the risks of asbestos release and contamination.

 
 
 
 

It is recommended to prioritize safety and responsibility to ensure environmental compliance

The journey to harness solar energy should not compromise safety. We strongly recommend exploring safer alternatives to drilling into asbestos-containing roofing material for solar panel installation.


By adopting responsible and legal approaches, you can enjoy the benefits of solar power without exposing yourself or others to unnecessary risks.

For further guidance and case specific expert advice, feel free to reach our team at Asbestos Audit, where we offer accredited and competitively prices solutions tailored to your needs.

If you're interested in learning more about Asbestos check out our blog posts here or if you're working somewhere where asbestos exposure might be a concern, contact us.

Our work is accredited to a UKAS - ISO - 17020 standard and our local offices located across the nation ensure you receive immediate service.  

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