Removal and solar
Old asbestos roof off, new roof on, solar panels fitted in Manchester
A garage roof facing the right way is a good place for solar panels, but not while it is asbestos cement. Remove the old sheets, fit a new deeply corrugated steel roof, then mount the panels on it. We introduce contractors who can quote the whole job.
Solar panels need a sound roof that will last as long as they do. Fixing panels to old asbestos cement sheets is not an option: drilling and loading them breaks the sheets and releases fibres. Removing the roof first, then re-roofing and mounting the panels in one project, avoids repeat scaffold and keeps the work in a sensible order.
Many Manchester garages have a south or west facing pitch that suits panels. The installer checks the roof direction, shading and electrical route from the garage to the house. Any battery is best kept inside the garage, not on an outside wall.
How the job runs
- 1
Survey and plan
Photos, roof direction and the electrical route are reviewed. If you are unsure about the material, it is sampled first.
- 2
Old roof out
Controlled removal of the asbestos cement sheets: cordon, wet, unfix, lower and double-wrap.
- 3
New roof on
A deeply corrugated insulated steel roof is fitted with solar-ready fixings.
- 4
Panels and handover
Panels, inverter and any battery are installed by a qualified electrician. You receive waste paperwork and the installation certificate.
What affects the price
- Roof direction, pitch and shading
- Size of the roof and number of panels
- Distance and route to the consumer unit
- Whether you want a battery inside the garage
- Condition of the walls and timbers under the roof
Common questions
Can I put solar panels on an asbestos roof?
No. The old sheets should come off first. The panels then go on a new roof.
Is the solar part always included?
No. It is optional. You can have removal only, removal and a new roof, or removal, a new roof and panels.