Solar system insurance for your new sustainable energy setup when making the switch to the sun is a discussion that has only emerged recently, as more South Africans invest in hybrid and off-grid solar solutions. We don’t mean to scare you. But the amount of devils in the detail is definitely worth identifying when investing in something as big as a complete residential solar system setup.
In this article, Versofy explores the impact that a new solar installation may have on your current building’s insurance policy. We also share necessary solar installer tips that we have picked up from recently completed projects to ensure that this structural alteration to your home meets all necessary safety and regulatory protocols.
Should I Be Insuring my Solar System?
A fully-integrated residential solar energy system featuring high-quality components represents an investment worth hundreds of thousands of Rands. Therefore, the answer to the question, “Should I be factoring in solar system insurance?”, is a resounding Yes. While disaster doesn’t strike every day, we know the law of threes by now and that Murphy is not one to be meddled with.
Theft, winds, flooding, golf balls, lightning, hail, and power surges are all valid reasons for accidents to unexpectedly occur. But this is not a question of “should you be insuring a solar system, or not?”. It’s one to guarantee that your solar system is insurable against the heavy rainfalls of summer in Johannesburg, for example!
Solar System Insurance – Regulatory Requirements
The terminology and safety jargon is a mouthful. And generally, you may not be aware of the structural limitations enforced by your building and contents insurance provider until you declare your alternative energy enhancement.
Here are some ideas of what we at Versofy look into, behind the scenes on your behalf, when executing an installation order:
- Installers must ensure that the roof structure can support the solar system. (SANS 10106:2014 5.3.1)
- Where it is impossible to comply, a professional engineer or registered technologist must design the installation to incorporate the standard’s safety and performance principles. (SANS 10254 2017 4.1.1.2 and SANS 10106 2014 4.1.7)
- Water heaters or storage tanks with a capacity of 200 litres or more may not be attached to a wall. (SANS 120252–1 2012 8.4.6.5)
- The solar system must be installed so that it does not accelerate the deterioration of the roof. (SANS 10400-L, SANS 10243, and SANS 10252–1)
Insurance Coverage Not Included
Since a solar system is constructed to form part of the building, factoring in solar system insurance coverage means it must be added to the building policy of your existing coverage with your insurance provider. Here it will be listed as a feature and added but without a standalone cover.
In the instance where the body corporate is the policyholder, special permission would have to be obtained for the installation thereof and the owner must make sure that the body corporate has solar coverage within its own unique policy.
Also Read: FREE TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS – PART 2
The Sophisticated Nature of a Solar System
There are a lot of details that go into the adequate sizing and planning of a solar installation, which includes, but is not limited to the following;
- DC Balancing
- AC Components
- PV Components
- Mounting
- Yield Assessment
- Monitoring
- Data Sheets
- Shading & Angling
- Batteries
- Legal Requirements (Certifications)
- Recurring Maintenance Duties
Miss a step and your claim could be in jeopardy should anything go wrong in the future. Not something that any household should need to worry about when already considering how to fit the bill of switching to sustainable energy.
From solar panel efficiency to the precise integration of our Sunsynk hybrid inverter in your home, everything needs to be professionally set up to minimise the risk of any potential damage that could mitigate a future insurance claim. As a consumer, your focus should be on choosing the right solar finance solution to meet your energy requirements. Let us figure out the rest.
Versofy – Financing (But Not Insuring) Solar Power
At Versofy, we connect the dots to ensure your switch to an affordable, all-in-one solar subscription package that allows you to take control of your energy generation. However, solar system insurance is not within our expertise. This is an important conversation that you need to have with your insurance broker.
What we can guarantee, however, is that our team, alongside our preferred partners, will install your solar system right, the first time, every time. We also commit to complying with all laws and policies to adequately serve your insurance needs before it becomes a very hindering (and frighteningly expensive) problem.
This is work that involves electricity at the end of the day. Licensed installers and specialised technicians are what it takes and this is where we must uphold high standards and meet expectations when servicing and supporting our valued clients..
Read about Solar System Rental here
Remember that in a rental agreement the system belongs to us as well. So it makes perfect sense to naturally help take extra special care of it.
Trust one of the fastest-growing solar providers in town and apply for a solar subscription today!
