Installing solar panels? How an inclined hoist can boost safety and efficiency

Commercial buildings, such as factories, warehouses and industrial units, often have significant roof space and high energy usage, making them ideal locations for solar panel installations. As the government continues pushing for solar power to help achieve its net zero goals by 2050, demand looks set to grow. For installers looking to embrace this growing sector, efficient and safe installation methods are more important than ever. We explore how selecting the right inclined hoist system can streamline the installation of solar PV panels while prioritising safety and efficiency and protecting your profit margins.

Safe installation of solar 

As with any roofing project, safety is paramount. The installation of solar PV panels requires all the same safety protocols as any other project – risk assessments, worker competency evaluations, and assessment of roof layouts/ strength are all critical. However, solar panels are both heavy and expensive. For this reason, the Construction Industry Training Board’s Solar Panel Installation Guide specifically states installers should use suitable lifting equipment, such as a hoist. With this in mind, how do hoists help ensure safety?

Safe manual handling

Manual handling of heavy PV panels exposes workers to significant risks, including musculoskeletal injuries and falls from height. Using an inclined hoist can minimise manual handling risks by transporting PV panels directly from the ground to the roofline, reducing strain on workers and improving site safety.

Hoists provide a controlled lifting mechanism, which ensures that loads are lifted safely and reduces the risk of accidents. Using hoists helps businesses comply with health and safety regulations, such as the UK Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992), which require employers to reduce manual handling risks.

Working at height 

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive, working at height is one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries. For roofing contractors, this is a hazard they work with and manage daily. However, selecting the right tools can minimise the risk and improve safety. When used in conjunction with other safety features such as edge protection, inclined hoists provide a secure solution by enabling materials to be transported to the rooftop safely. Designed to operate at heights of up to 24 meters (depending on the model), inclined hoists ensure that solar panels and installers can be positioned safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Improving efficiency for PV installations 

Time is money in any construction or renewable energy project. Improving efficiency can help teams to complete tasks faster and reduce delays – crucial for meeting project deadlines and minimising budget overruns. Efficiency also improves resource management by reducing material wastage, which in turn boosts profitability and safety.

Reduce time on site 

Using an inclined hoist can significantly speed up the installation process by moving heavy and fragile PV panels quickly and safely. Unlike manual lifting, which is slow and labour-intensive, inclined hoists provide a quick and easy method of moving goods from ground to height, significantly reducing installation time and labour cost vs other methods. With their quick setup and simple operation, teams can focus on the task at hand rather than struggling with cumbersome lifting methods. Their small footprint and ease of manoeuvrability means inclined hoists can also be installed in tight and difficult to access spaces further enhancing their flexibility.

Protect expensive panels

Whilst solar PV panels are designed to be durable enough to withstand the abuse of wind, hail, and snow, they still need to be handled with care during installation. As with a window or glass panel, solar panels are made using tempered glass which can break if dropped or mishandled. Inclined hoists provide a stable, easy to use and secure means of transport, ensuring panels remain intact and undamaged throughout the lifting process.

Why use a Lancastria Böcker inclined hoist for your solar PV job? 

• Versatility

One of the key advantages of Böcker inclined hoists is their flexibility. Inclined hoists can be used in confined spaces, indoors, or on complex rooftops, making them suitable for a wide range of installation scenarios and adaptable to the specific needs of each project.

• Comprehensive support

To ensure the safe operation of our fleet of Böcker hoists, we offer full technical support, installation, and operational guidance to ensure safety and efficiency. Our expert team provide advice on selecting the right hoist for your project, ensuring you have the right solution for the job.

• Compact solutions for small spaces

Our range of inclined hoists includes the Bocker Junior, a compact hoist that minimises space requirements, making it ideal for projects where site space is limited. With high manoeuvrability Böcker Juniors can be easily positioned and secured for maximum efficiency, and their 250kg payload and up to 24m working height means they manage to combine strength and access with their small footprint.

• Eco-friendly options

As well as the standard engine model, the Bocker Simply also comes with hybrid and all-electric motor options, providing a low-emission, reduced-noise alternative to traditional lifting methods. This is especially beneficial for urban and residential solar installations, where noise pollution and environmental impact are key considerations.

• Flexible hire options

At Lancastria, we offer inclined hoists and vertical hoists for both short-term and long-term hire, ensuring that businesses have access to the right equipment when they need it. Whether for a one-off solar installation or ongoing projects, our flexible rental options provide cost-effective solutions.

Speak to us about hoists today 

Inclined hoists are transforming how solar panels are installed, making the process safer, faster, and more efficient. By reducing manual handling, ensuring secure transport at height, protecting PV panels, and cutting installation times, hoists are an invaluable asset to any solar energy project.

As a family business that started as a roofing firm, we’re experts in what we do. Contact us today to learn more about how our Böcker hoists can benefit your next project.