Here's how to keep solar panels safe and insurable

The sun is shining and they are taking advantage of it. A new solar panel is added every five seconds. In addition to benefits, such as lower energy bills and reduced CO2 emissions, it has been shown in practice that solar panels can also cause damage.Think of a fire starting or the roof collapsing.

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Commercial roofs on which many solar panels are mounted are especially at risk.How do you keep solar panels safe and insurable?

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𝟏. 𝐃𝐚𝐤𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Most roofs were designed at a time when solar panels did not exist. Not every roof structure is immediately suitable for installing solar panels.

Get a structural engineer's calculation to verify that the roof can support the extra load. This is not just about the extra weight of the installation, but also about all additional loads such as wind, water and snow.

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𝟐. 𝐄𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫

Last year, there were as many as 37 reports of fire damage from solar panels. A faulty installation is one of the main causes. Make sure the installation is done by a professional who works according to the latest NEN standards (NEN 1010, NEN-EN-IEC 62446 and NEN 7250) and provides 5 to 10 years product warranty.

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𝟑. 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝟏𝟐 𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Before delivery of a PV installation, an inspection must take place. The SCIOS Scope 12 was developed for this purpose, in which the complete solar installation is assessed by an external inspector. The method maps the electrical safety and fire safety of the installation.

Periodically, a reinspection takes place. Do the solar panels not meet the requirements? Then make sure defects are repaired within 4 months.

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𝐊𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞 𝐳𝐨𝐧?

Always consult with your insurance advisor about installing solar panels. This will help you understand what is required in your situation for a safe and insurable installation.