How to insure solar panels

The demand for solar power has increased exponentially because of loadshedding and insurers are receiving numerous requests to provide insurance cover.

Where solar power systems have been installed at the insured premises, property owners or tenants are likely to request appropriate cover for the installation, and Discovery Business Insurance (DBI) will consider underwriting these components under either the Property Class or Accident Class, or both. These systems may not be underwritten in isolation and should form part of an insurance portfolio underwritten by DBI.

It is important to establish what cover your client needs and tailor the cover accordingly.

• If your client requires cover for theft of solar panels, then the solar panels can be insured under the Theft Section (please see page 49 of the DBI Plan Guide for further details). Please note that cover is only provided if theft is accompanied by forcible and violent entry or following violence or threat of violence.
  • When adding solar panels to the Theft Section, please increase the sum insured and endorse the policy to note the solar panels.
• If your client requires all risks cover, then the solar panels can be insured under the Portable Possessions Section, (please see page 59 of the DBI Plan Guide for further details)
  • When adding solar panels to the Portable Possessions Section, please select Professional or Office devices/gadgets, then Other and populate the sum insured field.
• Please note that solar panels must NOT be insured under the Buildings Combined Section. No cover will be provided if solar panels are insured in this section.
• Please contact the technical underwriting team for cover for solar panel importers, installers and stockists, as these businesses pose a non-standard risk and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The requirements for solar panels

1. Solar panels need to be SABS-approved.
2. The solar panel installation must done by an electrical contractor registered in terms of SANS 10142-1 and the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa and be accompanied by an electrical certificate of compliance.
3. The electrical certificate of compliance must be sent to Discovery Business Insurance.
4. Solar panels must be serviced and maintained as per SANS 10142 and SANS 6285-1.
5. Solar panels must include lightning and power surge protection and comply with SANS 10313 and SANS 10142.
6. Please note: Solar panels are subject to the unaffected components clause.