Its no secret that many homeowners and businesses have turned to Solar Power in order to escape load shedding, power related interruptions to the grid and ever-increasing electricity costs. South Africa has seen a massive upturn in solar installations over the last two years.
While generally viewed as a positive step in freeing up capacity and less reliance on the aging national grid, this new industry has not been without its problems. Unqualified installers, overnight start-ups and con-artists have been taking advantage of the situation. Incorrect or faulty solar system installations have led to electrical short circuits, surge damage, fire, electrocution all of which have an impact on your insurance cover.
Insurers, having suffered these types of claims, have become more stringent with their requirements. In tandem with these it is of vital importance to consider several aspects when installing your Solar Array, Inverter and batteries.
Before installation, ensure your roof is structurally sound and compatible with the weight and wind load of solar panels.
Proper flashing and sealing around all roof penetrations are crucial to prevent water leaks. Ensure your installer uses high-quality materials and follows best practices. Choice of Solar Panel Mounting type is also important in this instance.
Ensure solar system meets fire codes by maintaining clearance around rooftop vents, chimneys, and firefighting access points.
Only hire qualified and experienced solar contractors following National Building Regulations to ensure proper design and installation, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
Make sure your solar installation has a warranty for panels and installation to cover defects or damages, with surge protection possibly needed.
Consult your broker for guidance on insuring your solar system as there is no standard cover available in the market. Insurers are still developing their approach to insuring solar systems, so seek advice from your broker.
By following these guidelines, you will have peace of mind that you can safely rely on your Solar System to safely keep the lights on and not put your Insurance cover in jeopardy. Any queries can be directed to your GIB Client executive.
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