Good day

Is it possible to install solar panels on an asbestos slate tile roof (24 deg pitch)? The roof tiles were probably installed ~30 to 40 years ago, bit in relatively good shape. 

Regards 

Hi Leonb

I Just completed a 5 day Solar course, and the lecturers all stated that you stay away from Asbestos roofs 

2 hours ago, Gary M said:

Hi Leonb

I Just completed a 5 day Solar course, and the lecturers all stated that you stay away from Asbestos roofs 

what's the alternative install?

I suspect that the admonition has more to do with staying away from asbestos in general.

 

On 2021/06/22 at 12:56 PM, Leonb said:

Good day

Is it possible to install solar panels on an asbestos slate tile roof (24 deg pitch)? The roof tiles were probably installed ~30 to 40 years ago, bit in relatively good shape. 

Regards 

Are you sure it is an asbestos roof tile?  As far as I know is asbestos cement tiles and slate tiles two different things.  And you also have fibre cement tiles which do not contain asbestos.

A solar system can be installed on a slate roof, weak or unusual tiles, however, even the most careful installer may occasionally break tiles and the home owner should anticipate this and have spares available. As per the NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual (Fifth Edition), they recommend that “roof deck slopes intended for the application of steep-slope materials at 4:12 (18 degrees) or greater”. I have been looking for a company that can help with the selection and installation of a roof for a long time. Chose SunPower. Looked at various company reviews at https://solwiser.com/best-solar-companies/, they can give advice.

On 2021/07/05 at 2:23 PM, Gary M said:

Hi Leonb

I Just completed a 5 day Solar course, and the lecturers all stated that you stay away from Asbestos roofs 

if you have an asbestos roof, then you have an asbestos roof. It's not like changing your underwear.

 

I've got a 20kW installation on asbestos roof, was very concerned about it at first but did some homework on it. The important thing is not to break anything or drill/grind it.

You get mounting screws that you replace with what was there

 

On 2021/07/05 at 2:23 PM, Gary M said:

I Just completed a 5 day Solar course, and the lecturers all stated that you stay away from Asbestos roofs 

Did they give any particular reason for it? Would like to learn.

In any case, when covering a roof with PV panels you must think of the maintenance of the roof covering. With cement or ceramic tiles there are no problems as they last almost for ever. Steel sheet roofs are another story. They continue to rust underneath the panels, in particular in coastal regions. Refreshing the protective cover will be difficult.