Why roof guardrails are essential for safe solar panel installation

The demand for renewable energy is on the rise, and more and more buildings are now being fitted with solar panels. Although solar panels are better for both the planet and your wallet, they come with some serious health and safety risks, especially when work is being carried out at height.

That’s where roof guardrail systems come in. These safety barriers provide a secure edge around rooftops, helping to protect your contractors and maintenance teams from dangerous falls. They also play a key role in ensuring you remain compliant with The Work at Height Regulations 2005.

In this blog, we explore the benefits of roof safety guardrails for solar panel installation, and share how our systems help you get it right, every time. 

The dangers of working at height

According to the HSE, falls from height are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK construction industry. 

Solar panel installations are often carried out on sloped, fragile, or high-level roofs. Installers can spend hours working near exposed edges, sometimes in poor weather conditions or with limited access. Without a robust fall protection solution in place, just one misstep could result in life-changing injuries, or worse.

A recent case reported by the Construction Enquirer highlighted these risks all too clearly. A solar panel installer was fined £120,000 after a worker slid and fell four metres onto the ground during installation work and broke his leg. The fall could have been easily prevented if proper edge protection, like roof safety guardrails, were put in place. 

The benefits of roof guardrail systems for solar work

1) Collective edge protection for every worker

A roof guardrail system provides collective fall protection and safeguards everyone on the roof simultaneously. This is particularly important on solar installation sites, where several of your staff members may be operating in close proximity to roof edges. Unlike harness-based systems, which can only be used by one individual and need regular training to use, guardrails are always in place and always protecting. This lowers the risk of human error, improving safety across your site.  

2) Non-penetrative installation

Freestanding roof guardrail systems are designed to sit securely on the roof surface, without any need for drilling or mechanical fixings. This protects the structural integrity of the roof during and after your personnel install solar panels. Our system uses counterweights for added stability, which means it can be quickly installed and repositioned if the roof layout needs to change – all without compromising the building fabric.

3) Fast & flexible deployment

Solar installation timelines are often tight, with multiple phases and contractors to coordinate. Modular guardrail systems are quick to install and just as easy to dismantle or reconfigure if needed, helping to keep your installers working safely and efficiently. They’re suitable for both short-term access needs and long-term fall protection, giving your team members the freedom they need to move around and adapt while the build progresses.

4) Futureproof safety

Roof safety guardrails protect people for the entire lifecycle of the solar array. Maintenance teams, cleaning crews, and inspectors will all need safe access to the roof long after your solar panels are operational. A permanent guardrail system ensures that people can safely access the rooftop all year round, regardless of who’s on site. This eliminates the need for temporary edge protection solutions in the future, helping to save you both time and money.

Discover our freestanding roof guardrail systems

At Ezi Klamp, we supply freestanding roof guardrail systems that are specifically designed to support safe solar panel installations across a wide range of building types. All our systems are tested to and compliant with BS EN 13374:2013, giving you total peace of mind when it comes to your team’s safety. 

Each system is formed using 48mm diameter galvanised steel tubes and high-quality fittings, and secured with stainless steel grub screws for a durable, maintenance-free finish. The counterweighted design uses 20kg rubber weights that are made from non-penetrating recycled rubber, delivering ultimate stability without compromising the roof’s structure.

Our roof guardrails are supplied in kit form with all posts pre-assembled, making them quick and easy to install on-site. We also provide a collapsible version with hinged posts if you require temporary or flexible access. And if you’re after a particular architectural look, we even offer a range of powder-coated finishes to suit your site’s aesthetic.

Get in touch today to discuss your next solar project. Simply send us your drawings or requirements, and we’ll do the rest!