Installing solar panels means carrying panels, rails and batteries onto the roof and working near the edge for a day or two. MCS-certified installers are expected to use proper edge protection, so most domestic solar installations go up from a scaffold.
Solar scaffolds are short hires, often only a week, but they need a full guardrail at the eaves and sometimes a loading platform for the panels.
What scaffold set-up you need
- One elevation – the roof slope the panels go on, usually the south-facing one.
- Roof edge protection along the eaves and a hoist or loading bay for panels.
How much does it cost?
Typically £550–£1,000 for a one-elevation solar scaffold on a two-storey house in the South East, often included in the installer’s quote.
For a guide price for your own home, use the scaffolding cost calculator or start a quote.
Tips
- Check whether your solar quote already includes scaffolding before booking separately.
- Bird-proofing mesh can be fitted while the scaffold is up.