Securing Solar: Ensuring Safety and Insurance Coverage for Your Solar Panel Investment

As South Africa continues to embrace solar energy and with millions of homes adorned with solar panels, concerns about safety have risen in parallel. While there is an allure to beat the effects of loadshedding specifically, the potential risks associated with poorly installed or maintained solar systems cannot be ignored.

As reported in The Daily Maverick, according to Fire Ops SA, in the Gauteng central area alone, there have been an estimated 11 to 12 fires daily over the past year, with approximately one-sixth of these incidents attributed to solar panel-related issues. This highlights the critical importance of ensuring that solar panels are installed and maintained with the highest safety standards.

Insurers are also sounding the alarm, cautioning that insurance claims could be rejected if solar panels are not installed responsibly. There is a huge importance in using reputable installers and avoiding shortcuts that could lead to disastrous consequences.

To safeguard your home and investment in solar energy, here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure solar panel safety:

Verify Experience and References

Prioritize solar PV service providers with substantial experience and positive references to ensure competent installation and maintenance.

Check Comprehensive Service

Ensure that the chosen PV service provider is responsible for the entire process, from design and supply to installation, minimizing the risk of outsourcing to inexperienced subcontractors.

Seek Accreditation

Choose installers accredited by recognized third-party quality assurance programs such as the PV GreenCard from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association or the P4 Platform program.

Obtain City Authorization

It is crucial for installers to obtain authorization from the City for grid connection to guarantee the safety of electrical networks, homes, and workers involved. Failure to do so can pose serious risks, including electrocution.

Written Authorization

Ensure that authorization from the City is obtained in writing before proceeding with installation to avoid any legal or safety complications.

Structural Engineering Assessment

Prior to installation, conduct a structural engineering assessment to confirm that your roof can support the weight and wind load of solar PV panels, particularly if additional reinforcements are necessary.

Compliance with Building Regulations

Adhere to building regulations by obtaining approved building plans if the solar panels exceed specified height limits or if they are ground-mounted, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Beyond installation and maintenance, it’s crucial to address insurance considerations to buffer against unexpected financial losses caused by damage, destruction, or theft of solar equipment. Consider these three factors:

Insurance Type

For homeowners, solar panels qualify as permanent fixtures or fittings to a home and should be insured on your building or homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure to update this accordingly. As a tenant, authorization from the property owner or building’s body corporate is necessary, and depending on the insurer, the value of solar panels can be included in the sum insured on home contents insurance policy or separately.

Requirements to Look Out For

Thoroughly read the terms and conditions to understand what is and isn’t covered. Insurers typically require installation by a certified installer with a certificate of electrical compliance (COC) and adherence to South African National Standards (SANS), verified by an engineer’s certificate.

Beware of Standard Exclusions

Pay close attention to policy wording as it outlines exclusions such as electrical failures, non-compliant components, manufacturer warranties, wear and tear, and electrical grid failures.

By diligently following this comprehensive checklist and addressing insurance considerations, homeowners can significantly mitigate the risks associated with solar panel installations and enjoy the benefits uninterrupted power and peace of mind.

At Pogir we bridge the gap between insurance complexities and your peace of mind, offering streamlined, frustration-free experiences every step of the way. Trust Pogir to help you navigate the short-term insurance landscape, ensuring robust protection for your homes.

To find out more, contact us today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
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