Businesses use a variety of measures to protect their real estate and machinery, such as risk assessments, risk prevention and investments. A suitable insurance package such as a fire and business damage policy also forms part of a good risk management approach, so as to maintain financial resilience after an incident.
In May 2024, an important change in the law was introduced with regard to the energy transition. The 2009 energy decree had already addressed efficient energy use, cost reduction and CO2 reduction. The 2025 solar energy plan stimulates increases in solar energy capacity with measures such as subsidies and the imposition of obligations on large-scale users. The government is seeking in this way to accelerate the energy transition in companies, including through the use of solar panels
Businesses that consume more than 1,000 megawatt hours per year are required to invest in solar panels by 30 June 2025. The government wants to set an example and has laid down stricter rules for government buildings, where this requirement applies from 250 megawatt hours.
This change affects an estimated 1,300 public sector enterprises and 2,500 businesses. Installing solar panels also has an impact on a company’s risk profile and hence on its insurance package.
When solar panels are being installed, safety and insurability are extremely important considerations. As a company, for example, you must check the load-bearing capacity of roofs to make sure that they can take the extra weight. This can be done by means of a stability study.
It is important to check whether a new situation such as the installation of solar panels has any impact on the risks against which cover is needed. For example, if there is flammable insulation in the roof, this in combination with solar panels can lead to an increased risk. It is therefore always advisable to assess the new risk thoroughly and adjust your insurance conditions.
Prevention is better than cure, so we’d like to share some practical insurance and other tips to minimise the possibility of damage to solar panels:
- Beforehand: it is advisable to bring in experienced installers to give you advice and support during the installation and maintenance of the panels.
- During: prevent panels from shifting, getting damaged or falling during the installation work and damaging your roof. Businesses can take out an all building site risks policy to cover against damage during the work.
- Afterwards: solar panels are also vulnerable after installation. For example, they can be damaged by hail or blown away by strong winds. Cover can also be arranged against these risks through the fire insurance policy.
We encourage businesses to take measures to minimise the risk of damage caused by solar panels. Four important aspects of risk prevention are: choice of installer, annual inspection of roofs and solar panels, contact with the fire service to ensure an optimal response to any fires and fire detection systems with relaying of alarms and/or monitoring.
We help companies with their risk management as well as providing advice on the risks associated with solar panels. Do you have construction plans? Feel free to get in touch.
