How long does solar scaffolding stay up?

For a standard domestic solar install, scaffolding is usually up for one to two weeks. The install itself takes one or two days; the rest of the window is buffer either side — erecting a day or two before the fitters arrive and striking once the job is signed off.

Our fixed prices normally include up to six weeks on hire, which is far more than a typical PV job needs, so most customers never think about the hire period at all.

Here is how a typical job runs:

Weather is the biggest factor: high winds stop panel handling, and rain on a tiled roof makes it unsafe to work. Beyond that, delayed inverter or battery deliveries, DNO paperwork, scaffold-dependent snagging and roof repairs discovered mid-install all extend the window.

If the array reveals broken tiles or rotten battens, you will want the scaffold to stay while the roofer sorts it. That is normally a sensible use of the hire period rather than an extra cost.

If a scaffold stands well beyond the agreed window we apply a modest weekly extension charge, and we always tell you before it starts rather than letting it appear on an invoice. For installers with account terms we agree the extension rate up front so it is never a surprise.

One message when you are finished is enough. We aim to strike within 48 hours, sooner where the wagon is already in the area. Driveways, gardens and pavements go back to normal the same day.