PV Scaffolding in Cologne and Bonn
As specialists in scaffolding for PV systems in Cologne, Bonn and the wider region, Gerüstbau Müller plans and erects standard-compliant fall protection for the installation of your solar system – in accordance with DGUV Information 203-085 and TRBS 2121. Your partner for the NRW 2026 solar roof obligation.
NRW 2026 solar roof obligation – what it means for your scaffolding
Since 1 January 2026 the rule in NRW has been: anyone who completely renews their roof covering must install a photovoltaic system. The scaffolding for the roof refurbishment is in place anyway – integrating the PV installation straight away saves a complete second scaffold erection. On request, Gerüstbau Müller coordinates both directly with your roofing contractor. We are your point of contact for standard-compliant PV scaffolding in Cologne, Bonn and the surrounding area. The legal basis is § 42a of the NRW State Building Code (Landesbauordnung NRW) and the NRW Solar Installations Ordinance (SAN-VO NRW).
When do you need scaffolding for your PV system?
The answer is clear: whenever work is carried out on a pitched roof with a pitch of more than 20° and the fall height exceeds 2.00 m. The legal basis is the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), TRBS 2121-1 and DGUV Information 203-085 “Installation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems”.
What matters is the fall height, not the pitch
BG BAU expressly confirms this: even on supposedly flat roofs, scaffolding can be mandatory. Anyone who has work carried out without standard-compliant fall protection risks fines, liability and, in the worst case, serious accidents.
If the work only concerns the roof surface, the right solution is often roof scaffolding – and if a facade refurbishment is due anyway, the facade scaffolding also provides the fall protection for the roof installation.
Pitched roof or flat roof – which scaffolding solution is right?
The shape of the roof determines which scaffolding is right for the PV installation. These are the three cases we see most often in Cologne and Bonn.
PV scaffolding on pitched roofs
On pitched roofs with a pitch of 20° or more, roof safety scaffolding or facade scaffolding with a protective barrier to DIN EN 13374 class A is the standard-compliant solution. The scaffold performs two functions at once: it serves as a working platform for the solar installers and as a fall arrest system. BG BAU also recommends a stair tower made from scaffolding components for safe access up and down – especially for longer installation periods. Gerüstbau Müller always plans pitched-roof scaffolding with sufficient working space for module stacks and cable routing.
Fall protection for PV on flat roofs
On flat roofs, the focus is not on catch protection but on perimeter edge protection. Depending on the parapet structure and roof size, ballasted guardrail systems or a full standing scaffold are used. Gerüstbau Müller advises you on which solution for your flat roof complies with the standards and is economical – without oversized scaffolding that causes unnecessary costs.
Scaffolding for PV maintenance and cleaning
Even after the initial installation, your PV system needs regular maintenance and cleaning. Gerüstbau Müller provides suitable maintenance scaffolding at short notice – quickly erected, quickly dismantled, on fair terms.
How much does scaffolding for a PV system cost?
The cost depends on the roof size, the building height and the planned rental period. Ordering the PV scaffolding together with roof scaffolding that is needed anyway for a roof refurbishment saves a considerable amount – because no second erection is required. As a rough guide:
Billing is based on the current VOB (German construction contract rules)/ATV DIN 18451:2023, which lists the work itself and the hire separately; a flat-rate basic hire period no longer exists. For manageable existing buildings – such as a detached house – we can also agree a lump sum for the whole project on request; for new builds we always bill by measurement. We explain in detail what billing under VOB means for your quote on the page Scaffolding costs.
Our scope of services for PV scaffolding
Gerüstbau Müller handles the complete process for your solar installer or roofing contractor: we visit the site, prepare standard-compliant erection planning in accordance with TRBS 2121 and DGUV 203-085, deliver on schedule and erect the scaffolding with trained scaffolders.
- Site visit and erection planning in accordance with TRBS 2121 and DGUV 203-085
- Delivery from 250,000 m² of our own equipment
- Erection by our own trained crews
- Inspection by a competent person, including an inspection report – mandatory before every handover
- Stair tower for safe access up and down on request
- Coordination of the erection directly with your PV installer or roofing contractor
- Dismantling on schedule once the installation is complete
As a member of the German Scaffolding Guild, we work exclusively with system-tested scaffolding with DIBt approval – we use Layher Allround and Rux Super. You will find an overview of all scaffolding types and applications on our services page.
What scaffolding do I need for my PV system?
A short overview of when scaffolding is mandatory for a PV system and which solution is used on pitched and flat roofs.
Where we provide scaffolding for PV systems
Our yard is in Niederkassel, right between Cologne and Bonn. From there our crews reach sites in the region quickly – keeping travel and response times short.
- Cologne
- Bonn
- Niederkassel
- Troisdorf
- Siegburg
- Bergisch Gladbach
- Leverkusen
- Rhein-Sieg district
Planning a PV system and not sure whether your property is in our service area? Just give us a call on +49 2208 4025 – Mon to Thu 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Fri until 1:00 pm.
Frequently asked questions about PV scaffolding
Do I need scaffolding for every PV installation?
On pitched roofs with a pitch of 20° or more and a fall height of more than 2.00 m, scaffolding in accordance with TRBS 2121-1 and DGUV 203-085 is generally mandatory. What matters is not the pitch alone but the fall height – even on flatter roofs, fall protection may be required.
How much does PV scaffolding cost in Cologne or Bonn?
The cost depends on the roof size, the building height and the planned rental period. Fall protection for a PV installation starts at around 900 euros. Ordering the PV scaffolding together with roof scaffolding that is needed anyway for a roof refurbishment saves a considerable amount, as no second erection is required. After a short site visit, Gerüstbau Müller prepares a binding quote (lump sum or by measurement, depending on the building). The quickest way to a guide price is our online scaffolding calculator – in about 2 minutes, free and non-binding.
What does the NRW 2026 solar roof obligation mean for my scaffolding?
Since 1 January 2026, a photovoltaic system must be installed in NRW whenever a roof is completely renewed. As scaffolding is in place for the roof refurbishment anyway, it makes economic sense to combine the PV installation with the roofing work. On request, Gerüstbau Müller coordinates both directly with your roofing contractor.
Which scaffolding is suitable for pitched roofs with PV?
On pitched roofs with a pitch of 20° or more, BG BAU recommends roof safety scaffolding with a protective barrier to DIN EN 13374 class A and a stair tower for safe access up and down. Gerüstbau Müller plans pitched-roof scaffolding with sufficient platform width for module stacks and cable routing.
Can I combine the PV scaffolding with facade scaffolding?
Yes – on many projects the facade scaffolding also provides the fall protection for the roof installation. During the site visit, Gerüstbau Müller checks which combined solution complies with the standards and makes economic sense for your property.
How quickly can you deliver?
For urgent PV projects in the Cologne/Bonn region, we arrange delivery dates flexibly – directly with you or your installer. Call us: +49 2208 4025.
Scaffolding for your PV system?We’ll scaffold it.
Whether for the initial installation, maintenance or the NRW 2026 solar roof obligation: Gerüstbau Müller provides the right PV scaffolding – standard-compliant, on schedule and coordinated directly with your solar installer.