As more businesses invest in rooftop solar panels, there’s a growing need to ensure these systems can be safely accessed for maintenance and cleaning. We’ve seen a noticeable increase in enquiries from building owners and facilities managers who want to understand the risks and the solutions when it comes to working at height around solar arrays.
If you’re managing a school, commercial premises, warehouse or industrial unit, ensuring safe access to your roof is a legal and moral responsibility.
So, what are the dangers involved, and how can you protect workers carrying out essential solar panel maintenance?
The risks of maintaining rooftop solar panels
While solar PV systems offer long-term environmental and financial benefits, they also introduce new challenges in working at height. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Fragile roof surfaces: Roofs with skylights, fibre cement sheets or aged coverings pose a serious fall through risk.
- Limited or no edge protection: Many rooftops lack guardrails, increasing the risk of a fall from height.
- Trip hazards: Cabling, mounting systems, and uneven roof levels can lead to slips or trips, especially in wet or dirty conditions.
- Complex layouts: Panels are often installed close to the roof edge, requiring workers to operate in restricted or awkward spaces.
- Weather exposure: Wind, rain and heat all affect stability, visibility and footing on the roof.
Even experienced workers can be caught out by unexpected conditions or poor roof design. That’s why access planning and appropriate fall protection are critical.
Key considerations for safe access for solar panel maintenance
Before sending anyone onto the roof, employers must assess the site and identify the most suitable access and fall protection methods. Every building is different, but here are the main points.
Access routes
Safe access starts from the ground up. Fixed ladders or walk-on roof hatches provide secure, controlled entry points. Avoid temporary ladders where possible, as these often lack the stability needed for routine work.
Walkways and designated routes
Installing non-slip roof walkways helps define a safe path around the solar array. Walkways protect the roof’s surface and reduce the risk of slips and trips.
Collective protection
If workers regularly access the roof, collective fall protection, such as guardrails, should be the first consideration. Permanent free-standing guardrails are a cost-effective, long-term safety solution that requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Personal fall protection
When collective measures aren’t possible, personal fall protection can be installed. These may include horizontal lifelines or anchor points used with a harness and lanyard. If you are considering personal fall protection, remember that workers must be trained in their use, and systems should be inspected and recertified annually.
Rescue planning
It’s vital to have a rescue plan in place in case of a fall or medical emergency. Anyone using fall arrest systems must be able to be recovered quickly and safely.
Planning saves lives
As a duty holder, your responsibility doesn’t end once the solar panels have been installed. Maintaining access and fall protection systems is essential to keeping workers safe and your business compliant with the Work at Height Regulations.
We can help you take a proactive approach. From full roof audits and risk assessments to the supply, installation and recertification of fall protection systems, our team is here to help.
