Solar Options for Asbestos Cement Roofs

Thousands of UK farm buildings have asbestos cement roofs installed before the 2000 ban. While you cannot mount solar panels directly onto asbestos, overcladding and ground-mount solutions make solar entirely achievable, often improving the building at the same time.

Important Legal Notice

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is illegal to drill, cut, abrade, or otherwise disturb asbestos cement roofing materials. Any work that might release asbestos fibres must be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor. Solar panels must never be fixed directly to asbestos cement sheets. All solutions on this page comply fully with UK asbestos regulations.

Two Proven Solutions for Asbestos Roofs

Both approaches avoid disturbing asbestos while enabling full solar installation on your farm building.

Option 1: Overcladding

Install new profiled steel sheeting over the existing asbestos roof, then mount solar panels on the new surface. The asbestos remains undisturbed and permanently encapsulated.

Option 2: Ground Mount

Install solar panels on ground-mounted frames on adjacent agricultural land. No interaction with the asbestos roof whatsoever. Can be combined with grazing (sheep under panels).

How to Identify Asbestos Cement Roofing

Not all grey corrugated sheets contain asbestos. Here are the key indicators, though laboratory testing is the only way to confirm.

Do not attempt to sample or test roofing materials yourself. Our surveyors are trained to safely collect samples under controlled conditions for laboratory analysis, included free as part of every roof assessment.

Asbestos Roof Solar FAQs

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Highlights

• No asbestos disturbance or removal required
• New weatherproof roof surface with 40+ year lifespan
• Improved thermal insulation (50mm+ insulation layer)
• Reduced condensation in livestock buildings
• Solar panels mount on standard steel fixing systems
• Building remains weatherproof throughout installation
• Compliant with Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

• Zero interaction with existing building roof
• Optimal south-facing orientation and tilt angle
• Easy access for maintenance and cleaning
• Compatible with sheep grazing underneath
• Scalable independently of building constraints
• Planning permission typically required
• Slightly higher cost per kW than roof-mounted

• Building age
• Buildings constructed or re-roofed before 2000 may have asbestos cement. Post-2000 buildings use non-asbestos fibre cement alternatives.
• Sheet appearance
• Asbestos cement sheets are typically grey, with a slightly rough surface texture. Weathering produces a chalky, powdery surface layer over time.
• Edge examination
• Broken or cut edges may show visible fibrous material embedded in the cement matrix. Never break sheets to test, always use professional sampling.
• Manufacturer markings
• Some sheets carry embossed or printed manufacturer marks. Brands such as Eternit, Cape, and Turner & Newall produced both asbestos and non-asbestos products depending on the era.
• Building records
• Original building specifications, farm records, or previous survey reports may identify roofing materials. Check with your landlord or estate office if applicable.