Frequently asked questions

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Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions you may have on Solaroofing.
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WHY WATERPROOFING ?

  • The UAE's combination of intense sunlight, heat, humidity, and occasional heavy rain is exceptionally tough on roofs.

    Waterproofing is not a luxury, it's a necessity!

    It prevents water infiltration, roof deterioration, and costly structural damage, safeguarding your investment and extending your roof life. 

  • Roof leaks in Dubai are usually caused by a combination of extreme heat, thermal expansion, and occasional heavy rains. Over time, these conditions cause conventional roof materials to crack, blister, or separate at joints and seams. Other common causes include poor workmanship, inadequate surface preparation, or use of low-quality sealants not designed for the UAE climate.

    To prevent leaks, roofs should be properly sealed with high-performance, elastomeric waterproofing membranes that expand and contract with temperature changes. Regular maintenance, annual inspections, and timely repairs after storms also ensure long-term roof protection. Solaroofing’s advanced liquid-applied systems are engineered specifically for the Gulf region’s intense weather, keeping your roof watertight for decades.

  • We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year, ideally before and after the rainy season.

    Regular inspections allow us to identify small issues before they become major, expensive problems, saving you significant money and stress in the long run. 

THE WATERPROOFING PROCESS

  • Our reputation is built on a meticulous, no-shortcuts approach:  

    1. Detailed Inspection & Free Quote: We thoroughly assess your roof and provide a transparent, detailed proposal.  

    2. Surface Preparation: This critical step involves deep cleaning, repairing all cracks and defects, and ensuring the surface is perfectly prepared—the key to a long-lasting bond.  

    3. Application: Our certified technicians apply the high-performance Topps® membranes with expert precision. Meanwhile, you get a periodic roof transformation report showing you what we’re doing above your ceiling!

    4. Quality Assurance: We conduct a final inspection & high-pressure water test to ensure everything meets our strict standards.  

    5. Aftercare: We provide a free bi-annual maintenance visits to ensure your investment remains in perfect condition. 

  • We strive to be as minimally disruptive as possible.

    While there will be some noise and required access to the roof area, our team of professionals work efficiently and will coordinate schedules with you to ensure the process is smooth and convenient. 

  • The timeline depends entirely on the size and condition of your roof.

    An average-sized industrial warehouse roof would typically take a few weeks to complete.

    After our initial inspection, we will provide you with a clear and detailed project timeline. 

  • Upon the completion of the waterproofing works, we conduct a high-pressure water test to ensure the entire roof is completely watertight.

    In the event of a water leak after handover within the warranty period, your team may contact us immediately.

    We will have a team promptly visit the site, conduct an inspection, restore the leaking area into a watertight condition, and provide a written report identifying the exact cause. If the leak is a result of our material or workmanship, we will perform all necessary repairs completely free of charge. 

    Our warranty is a promise, and we stand by our work.  

Going solar in dubai

  • Absolutely! The UAE's abundant sunshine makes solar a highly practical and cost-effective energy solution for businesses.

    We design commercial systems tailored to your operating hours and energy needs, helping you slash operational costs, meet sustainability targets (like ESG and CSR), and improve your bottom line. 

  • Solar panels for C&I facilities are a smart long-term investment with guaranteed returns.

    With the abundance of sunshine that Dubai is blessed with, installing solar allows you to achieve significant electricity cost savings, enhance your brand's green credentials, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your property.

  • Yes! As a tenant, you should seek an NOC from the owner to install solar on the facility that you have rented. We can provide you with a proposal to share with your landlord, demonstrating the value solar would add to their property. 

  • Solar is a fantastic investment for landlords. It increases the property's value, makes it more attractive to environmentally-conscious tenants, and can be structured to reduce common area electricity costs. You can also explore methods to share the financial benefits with your tenants.  

DEWA’s Policies for
Solar PV Systems

  • Shams Dubai is DEWA's flagship program that allows property owners to generate their own electricity (for self-consumption) via a grid-connected solar PV system with net metering. Through net metering, you can offset your consumption with solar power and receive credits for any surplus energy you export, significantly reducing your electricity bills. 

  • As part of the Shams Dubai programme, surplus electricity is fed back into DEWA’s grid, earning you credits on your electricity bill. These credits can be used to offset future consumption. Any surplus energy is automatically sent back to the grid, earning you credit that offsets your future bills. Your net meter keeps track of energy going in and out, so you can continue benefiting even while you’re on vacation.  

  • The D33 Solar Initiative was launched in 2024 as part of Dubai's D33 economic agenda which aims to double the size of Dubai's economy within a decade and position it among the world’s top three global cities.

    With regards to solar, it allows industrial facilities in three specific sectors – Manufacturing, Data Centers and Agri-Tech – to install larger solar PV systems (up to the plot’s Total Connected Load) under a feed-in tariff scheme. In such systems, the surplus energy from solar will be exported to the grid for a fixed tariff of 10.5 fils AED/kWh + VAT between March and November. 

THE PROCESS TO GO SOLAR

  • The first step is a professional consultation. Contact Us for a free, no-obligation site assessment. We will analyze your roof space, shading, electrical details, and historical DEWA consumption to provide a customized proposal with the different options available and a clear forecast of your savings, system size, and return on investment.

  • If you’ve decided to go solar, it is mandatory to hire a DEWA-approved contractor to ensure a safe, compliant, and grid-eligible installation.

    The official list of approved contractors is available on DEWA's website. 

    As a reputed DEWA-approved contractor, Solaroofing handles the entire process of going solar, from permits to connection.

    Contact us to get started!

  • From initial assessment to final grid connection, the process to go solar typically takes between 4 to 8 months, depending on the nature of the project, size of the system, and processing times for authority approvals.  

  • Once installed, a solar PV system requires some upkeep. One of the main requirements is keeping the panels clean from dust and sand to ensure maximum efficiency.

    Considering the UAE’s dusty & humid conditions, we recommend cleaning solar panels at least once per month to ensure optimum output and preserve solar panel health. 

    Solaroofing offers comprehensive maintenance packages that include performance monitoring, electrical checks, cleaning of solar panels, and ensuring your system and roof remain in perfect condition. 

  • Panels should be cleaned non-abrasive methods & specialized brushes, and without harsh chemicals.  

    Important: Avoid high-pressure washers, uncertified chemicals, and inappropriate cleaning brushes or tools, as they can damage the solar panels and void their warranties. 

    Solaroofing provides comprehensive maintenance packages that include solar panel cleaning, performed by trained technicians who work safely and effectively, optimizing the solar PV system’s performance without risking damage. 

COSTS & FINANCIALS

  • The cost depends on your energy consumption and available roof space. Larger PV systems for high-consumption facilities have a higher upfront cost but also deliver greater long-term savings. For an initial estimate, use our simple online solar calculator.

  • Not necessarily – it depends on the system capacity and your electricity consumption. Plus, you will still be responsible for the monthly DEWA meter charges. Your electricity bills can be reduced to zero or even result in a credit surplus, if you have enough usable space* for solar panels and are eligible to install a PV system large enough to offset your entire electricity consumption.

    Get in touch with us to find out how much of your electricity consumption can be powered by solar.  

    * Usable space refers to clear space on rooftops, permanent elevated structures, and/or car parking sheds

  • For most commercial & industrial facilities Dubai, the ROI period falls between 4 to 6 years.

    For residential applications, typical ROIs would be between 8 to 10 years, depending on the size & layout of the system.

    After this payback period, you effectively enjoy free electricity for the remaining lifespan of the system (30+ years), protecting you from future utility rate increases.  For an initial estimate, use our simple online solar calculator.

  • DEWA does not offer direct financial rebates or subsidies. Instead, the financial benefit comes through savings on your monthly electricity bills. Clean power generated by a solar PV system is immediately used to reduce grid consumption, and excess power is fed back into the grid.

  • Currently, there are no specific tax incentives or credits for installing solar panels in Dubai. The primary financial incentive is the significant reduction in your electricity bills, leading to an excellent return on investment. 

  • The cost of roof waterproofing in Dubai depends on several factors, including roof size, surface condition, type of material, and required coating thickness. On average, expect prices to range from AED 50 to AED 75 per square meter for high-quality, long-lasting systems.

    For an accurate quote, our team offers a free site inspection to assess your roof and provide a transparent, itemized proposal, ensuring no hidden costs and a solution perfectly suited to your building’s needs.

  • Our advanced waterproofing systems are designed to last 15–25 years in Dubai’s harsh climate, depending on the roof condition and type of material used.

    We back every project with a comprehensive warranty, which includes:

    • Material Warranty: Up to 15 years (from manufacturer).

    • Workmanship Warranty: 5–10 years depending on project scope.

    • Free Bi-Annual Maintenance: Included during the warranty period to keep your roof in perfect condition.

    Our warranty isn’t just a document, it’s a promise. With Solaroofing, you get peace of mind knowing your roof is built to last through every sandstorm, downpour, and summer heatwave Dubai can offer.

  • Anyone can offer a long warranty on paper; we back ours up with unmatched experience and service.

    With over 30 years in the UAE, we know what it takes to make a roof last. Our warranty is comprehensive because our process is flawless.

    Most importantly, it includes a free bi-annual maintenance service after project completion.

    We don't just fix your roof and walk away; we partner with you to ensure it stays protected for the long haul. 

Technical Aspects

  • The size of your solar PV system depends on two three key factors: your monthly electricity consumption, and the usable roof space available for solar panels (roofs & car parking structures), and the Total Connected Load (TCL) of your property (i.e. the max power that DEWA can deliver to your plot). During our free consultation, we will review your DEWA bills these details and conduct a site survey to determine the optimal PV system capacity (including number of solar panels) for your property. Our solar calculator also provides a quick estimate based on your actual consumption, helping you see how close you can get to offsetting your electricity bills.

  • Solar panels perform best when installed facing south at an optimal tilt angle (typically 10–20° in Dubai) to capture maximum sunlight throughout the year.

    • Shading (from nearby buildings, trees, or roof structures) can significantly reduce output. Our designs include advanced shading analysis to minimize these losses.

    • Dust & Sand accumulation is common in the UAE. Left uncleaned, it can reduce performance by 10–20%. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your system operating at peak efficiency.

    • Orientation & Tilt are factored into every system design to ensure maximum production and return on investment; in Dubai, solar panels output max power when tilted approximately 25 degrees facing south

  • A complete solar PV system includes:

    • Roof Waterproofing System – Ensure the roof is made watertight prior to installing solar to avoid future issues

    • Solar Panels – Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

    • Inverters – Convert DC electricity from the panels into usable AC electricity.

    • Mounting Structures – Secure panels to your roof while protecting its integrity.

    • Monitoring System – Allows you to track real-time energy production and performance.

    • Balance of System (BoS) Components – Includes cables, switchgear, safety systems, and protection devices.
      Solaroofing ensures all components are sourced from Tier-1 manufacturers, delivering efficiency, safety, and long-term durability.

  • Currently, DEWA regulations do not allow batteries to be connected to grid-tied solar systems under Shams Dubai or D33 Solar Programs. Batteries are possible only for off-grid/hybrid systems, which are not common in Dubai isolated from grid power. However, we monitor all regulatory updates and can advise you if this changes (Subscribe to our Newsletter & regularly check our Blog Posts to stay up to date). For now, your solar system will seamlessly integrate with DEWA’s grid using net metering.

  • Warranties vary depending on the component and manufacturer:

    • Solar Panels: Up to 30 years performance warranty.

    • Inverters: Up to 20 years.

    • Mounting Structures: Up to 20 years.

    • Balance of System (BoS) Components: 5–10 years.
      Solaroofing also offers a Defects Liability Period (DLP) and back-to-back warranties from manufacturers, plus long-term waterproofing warranties to ensure both your solar system and your roof remain protected for decades.

    • Roof Restoration repairs, cleans, and reinforces your existing roof structure. It's a cost-effective, less disruptive process that extends your roof's life by decades.  

    • Roof Replacement involves completely tearing off the old roof and installing a new one. It's more disruptive, expensive, and is typically only needed in case the roof sheets are completely deteriorated. In most cases, a professional restoration is the smarter, more sustainable choice. 

  • Yes. We prioritize sustainable and responsible solutions.

    The advanced materials we use are designed to be highly reflective, which can reduce cooling costs, and many have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels, contributing to better environmental and indoor air quality.  

    • Extreme Flexibility: High tensile strength and excellent elongation (& recovery) allow them to expand and contract with your roof through daily temperature cycles without cracking. 

    • Superior Durability: Exceptional tear and puncture resistance for long-term performance.  

    • Seamless Protection: They form a continuous, watertight membrane with no weak points.

What makes solaroofing different from other providers?

Roofing Expertise: Unlike standard solar installers, we are experts in roof repairs and waterproofing. We ensure your installation is secure and protects the integrity of your roof for decades.  We use TOPPS® USA elastomeric coatings, especially suited for the UAE climate.

DEWA-Approved & Certified: As authorized solar contractors under DEWA, DM, Trakhees, JAFZA, and DDA, we handle the entire permitting & approvals process seamlessly. 

End-to-End Service: We provide everything from roof repairs, remedial works, waterproofing, PV design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning to post-installation maintenance, upkeep, and reporting.  

Quality Assurance: For our installations, we use only the latest technology manufactured by reputed, Tier-1 brands backed by strong warranties.  

Local Proven Track Record: We have successfully executed hundreds of projects in the UAE over the past 30 years and have installed numerous Solar PV systems across Dubai. We understand the local environment, know how to best handle authority inspections & requirements, and we optimally design and install all our PV systems to reduce the risk of system downtime and provision for easy maintenance.