Solar PV on School Roofs - Key Compliance Checks Before You Install

With rising energy costs and increasing pressure to decarbonise estates, many Academy Trusts are rightly exploring Solar PV installations on school roofs. While Solar PV offers clear long‑term financial and environmental benefits, roof‑mounted installations introduce a number of critical compliance and safety considerations that must be addressed before works commence.

Beyond structural suitability, Solar PV projects engage specific duties under the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), particularly where works affect the roof structure, fire strategy, or ongoing maintenance access.

Before proceeding, Academy Trusts should ensure the following are properly considered:

• Structural capacity and roof condition – confirming the roof can safely accommodate imposed loads over its remaining design life

• Fire safety and regulatory compliance – including Building Regulations Part B (fire spread and access), Part A (structure), and Part L (energy efficiency)

• Waterproofing integrity – ensuring fixings, penetrations, and interfaces do not compromise the roof system or warranties

• Safe access, maintenance, and future replacement – including edge protection, walkways, fall protection, and interface with existing roof safety systems

Under the Building Safety Act, these risks must be managed through appropriate design decisions, coordination, and documentation. Where applicable, duties sit with the Principal Designer, who must ensure that foreseeable risks are eliminated or controlled at design stage, and that Building Regulations compliance is demonstrably achieved. Solar PV installations are not exempt from these obligations.

At OMNIA, we provide independent, Principal Designer–led advice on Solar PV roof installations. We work alongside Academy Trusts to ensure projects are:

• Compliant with CDM, Building Regulations, and BSA duties

• Properly coordinated with existing roof construction and asset life cycles

• Safe to construct, operate, maintain, and ultimately dismantle

• Designed to deliver best whole‑life value, not just short‑term energy savings

Taking the right technical and regulatory approach at the outset reduces risk, avoids costly remediation, and protects both funding and warranties, while ensuring Solar PV delivers the maximum long‑term benefit to your estate.

If you are considering Solar PV or have a scheme already in development, we would be happy to discuss how to ensure it is safe, compliant, and value‑driven from day one.

Get in touch today for an informal, no‑obligation discussion.