ROOFTOP SOLAR PV ON EXISTING ROOFS
Solar Surveys assesses existing roofs for rooftop solar PV and designs the strengthening or re-roofing where a roof falls short. Calculations are to the Eurocodes with the National Annex of the country where the building stands, and every report is prepared and signed by a qualified structural engineer.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Assessment, strengthening and re-roofing design
For owners, developers and installers with existing roofs to fill, in one country or several.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Structural assessment of existing roofs for rooftop solar PV, including ballasted flat roof systems
- Strengthening design where a roof falls short, with calculation packs and drawings
- Re-roofing design for asbestos cement roofs that must be replaced before panels go on
- Portfolio screening for owners with roofs in several countries, with one point of contact
COUNTRY RULES
The rules differ by country
What we have verified so far, country by country.
EUROPEAN UNION
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires solar on existing non-residential buildings over 500 m² that undergo a major renovation or works needing a permit, such as work on the roof, by 31 December 2027, where it is technically suitable and economically feasible. Member states must take structural integrity into account when they set the criteria.
NETHERLANDS
Every SDE++ application for panels on a building must include a signed Verklaring van een constructeur, based on a calculation of the structure.
GERMANY
Fixed overcladding, building over and raised mounting on asbestos cement roofs are prohibited. The roof has to be replaced before panels go on. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg require solar when a roof is fully renewed.
FLANDERS
PV and overcladding on asbestos roofs are not permitted, so the roof is stripped and replaced first.
DENMARK
Changes that raise the load on an existing structure by less than 5%, with the way the structure works unchanged, can be carried out without a building permit. Larger increases fall outside that exemption.
LOCAL SIGNATURES
Where national law requires a locally registered engineer to sign a document that is filed with an authority, we tell you at the outset and agree how it will be signed before work starts.
HOW IT WORKS
How it works
Send the address, any existing drawings and the panel layout. We aim to return a scope and fee within 24 hours. Calculation reports are delivered against a 48-hour delivery target from receipt of complete information. Professional Indemnity cover is £5M.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions we are asked about roofs in Europe
Which standards do you calculate to?
The Eurocodes with the National Annex of the country where the building stands, together with the national rules for assessing existing structures where they apply.
Can you work on asbestos cement roofs?
We design the structural side of the re-roof and the PV. Removal is carried out by a licensed contractor under the country's asbestos rules.
Can one firm cover a portfolio in several countries?
Yes, with one point of contact. Where a country requires a locally registered signature on a filed document, we agree how it will be signed before work starts.
ROOFTOP SOLAR PV ACROSS EUROPE
Send us your roofs.
Send the address, any existing drawings and the panel layout. We aim to return a scope and fee within 24 hours.