Business solar panels? Here's how it works
More and more people are purchasing solar panels, both for private and business use. It helps make our society more sustainable and it saves a lot in energy costs. Electricity and gas are already so expensive right now. That makes the purchase of solar panels for your business premises an interesting investment in many cases. Especially because in some cases you can apply for a subsidy for them.
There are many benefits to buying solar panels, both for the environment and for your wallet. But there is also a downside. Every now and then you hear in the news that solar panels are the cause of fires. That brings up questions about insurance for the panels. In this article, we explain more about this.
The risks of solar panels
Relatively speaking, fires caused by solar panels are rare. But when fires do occur, the damage is often very extensive. In most cases, fire in or around solar panels comes from faulty installation, poor materials or design flaws. For example, fire can be caused by cables that are not connected properly. Structural reserve (how much weight a roof can handle) and roof insulation can also pose an increased risk.
Good insurance
"It is important to properly insure against damage to your solar panels. This includes fire damage, but also other forms such as storm damage. Often solar panels are insured through the business property and contents insurance of a commercial building. Additional insurance may be required."
Erik van Huet
Business office advisor at Alpina Roerdalen
Premium
In addition, insurers often place high requirements on your roof and the quality of the solar panels before insuring the building and installation. For example, the insurer may place requirements on the quality of materials such as roof insulation. Also, the insurer may only provide coverage if the solar panels were installed by selected installation companies. Some insurers charge a higher premium if you have solar panels on your roof.
Insurers are also increasingly demanding what is known as a scope 12 inspection report. When you have 50 or more solar panels, this inspection is often required by the insurer.
Solar panels leasing
Are you planning to lease solar panels? Then it is a good idea to look at insurance with extra care. In most cases, the owner of the solar panels is responsible for the damage and therefore also for the insurance. Therefore, in some cases the insurance may be through the leasing company, but it may also be established differently. This is why it is important to look into this carefully in advance. That way you won't have any surprises when you need coverage.
Need advice?
Would you like to purchase solar panels or do you already have solar panels and still have questions about insurance or scope 12 inspection? Then please contact us. Our advisors will be happy to help you with personal advice.
