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Is your roof ready for solar panels?

We can help you answer that question, explain why it matters – especially for fire safety – and more.

Download brochure​ Why solar panels? Case studies

The shift away from fossil fuels to various forms of renewable energy is expected to accelerate in the coming decades. Some forecasts expect renewables to account for 50 percent of the total power mix by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050.

Source: McKinsey Energy Insights Global Energy Perspective 2022

To help accelerate that shift, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) states that  rooftop solar panels must be installed on all new buildings, public buildings and existing non-residential buildings which undergo a major renovation, all according to the time schedule shown below. Importantly, Member States will also need to address the added fire risk this will bring to those buildings.

 

EU requirements for solar panels on roofs

All new public and commercial buildings with roofs over 250m2 

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All existing public and commercial buildings with roofs over 250m2

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All new residential building roofs

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Annual installed capacity in 2025 to grow to 320 GW

Within the built environment solar power is by far the most commonly used renewable energy source. Overall, it is estimated that the annual installed capacity in 2025 will grow to 320 GW (2020 was 136 GW).

Annual installed capacity in 2030 expected to grow to 600 GW

Upcoming EU initiatives oblige building owners to install solar panels on flat roofs over 250 m2 on public and commercial buildings from 2027 supporting the accelerated growth to 600 GW.

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Solar panels are great – especially when combined with non-combustible insulation, which lowers the building’s energy use and helps protect people, property and solar panels from fire.

No other energy resource can compare with energy efficiency as a solution to the energy affordability, security of supply and climate change crises. This is why the IEA calls energy efficiency the “first fuel” of all energy transitions.

IEA, Energy Efficiency 2022

See report

Sustainable insulation for flat roofs with solar panels

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Lower energy costs, emissions

Solar panels can be a great investment for a building – especially when combined with non-combustible insulation. Thanks to supportive energy policies, declining costs, and the environmental benefits they provide, solar panels can significantly reduce a building’s energy costs and emissions.

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Mitigate your fire risk

Before installing solar panels, make sure your roof is made with non-combustible materials. In the event of a fire involving a building’s rooftop solar panels, the difference between losing only the solar panels and losing lives and property can be determined by what materials are used in the roof – combustible or non-combustible.

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Clear advice from insurance companies

The roof’s combustibility is a critical factor in the overall fire safety of a building with rooftop solar panels. Because solar panels are electrical equipment that increase fire risk and can complicate fire-rescue efforts, many of the world’s leading insurance companies strongly advise that rooftop solar panels should only be installed on roofs made with non-combustible materials.

Solar power installations increase the fire risk

A fire beneath a solar panel would radiate the heat back to the underlying construction, which would add to the fire load, increasing the fire spread and intensity.

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Fire safe constructions can help limit the fire spread

ROCKWOOL non-combustible stone wool insulation is fire resilient by nature, containing fire and helping to prevent its spread.

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Is your roof ready for solar panels?

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Fire resilience

Solar panels are electrical equipment. Like with any electrical equipment, malfunctions can occur that result in a fire. With a roof made of non-combustible stone wool materials, the risk of a fire spreading beyond the solar panels and threatening the integrity of the roof or adjacent buildings is sharply reduced.

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Durability

Solar panel installations put a mechanical load on the underlying roof construction. ROCKWOOL roof insulation is designed to withstand this additional weight with ease. Our roof products are dimensionally stable and do not change shape due to changing conditions.

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Circularity

Made from natural stone with a proven lifetime of +65 years, our products contribute to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions from buildings. At the end of their lifetime, they can be recycled and used to create new products.

Find the product you need

ROCKWOOL has many roof products well-suited for use under solar panels, consistent with local regulations and building circumstances. That means we can help you find the best solution for your needs. Use the button below to find more information about our products, local contacts, how to order and more.

Find your local products here

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Is your roof ready for solar panels?

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Q&A

Does ROCKWOOL think rooftop solar/PV panels are a bad idea?
How do solar/PV panels add fire risk to a building roof?
Is the EU not ready for a large-scale rollout of solar/PV panels?
How important is the roof in the overall safety of a rooftop solar/PV panel installation?
What tests or data is there to demonstrate the increased risk of rooftop solar/PV panels?
Solar panels require routine maintenance – is it okay to walk on ROCKWOOL roof products for this?

ROCKWOOL Group