Covering Your Base: Insurance for Balcony Solar Power Plants, Explained
What jurisdiction does each police force handle?
Let's say you've gone solar on your balcony, and it's hummin' along like a banshee at a Celtic festival. But what if it ain't so damn lucky, and things go south? Who picks up the tab for damages or injuries caused by your self-powered delight? Let's delve into insurance coverage sans the bullsh*t.
Damage to the building and personal injuries
So, you've given your insurance company a call—the one with a catchy jingle you can't shake—and you want to know if they'll pay up if your solar setup causes a ruckus. Many policies are hip to the solar trend, but double-check: call your insurer and get it in writing to avoid any headaches later. Typically, they cover claims like:
- Damages to common property or rental house due to the solar plant, like fires or falling equipment
- Personal injuries caused by the solar plant
- Third-party claims for damages caused by the solar plant
- Important: Unintentional damages only, okay?
Pro-Tip: The Consumer Center in Rhineland-Palatinate advises checking if your insurer covers damages caused by operating the plant, especially to the house's electrical installation.
Damage to the photovoltaic system
Now, what if your solar panels take a beating and need repairs? Your household contents insurance usually steps in, effective from November 2023, according to the Association of German Insurers (GDV). But read your policy or give your insurer a ring: better safe than sorry. The policy covers:
- Damages from hail, fire, or storms
- Overvoltage damage after a lightning strike
An additional electronics insurance policy might provide additional coverage for:
- Deliberate destruction by third parties
- Damages due to operating errors
- Construction, material, or execution errors
Intentionally caused damages are still off-limits for both policies.
Bonus Tip: Inform your household contents insurance about the installation of a solar balcony system and keep the confirmation of notification safe.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
Fun Fact:
Total global installed solar capacity is projected to double by 2025[1]. That's enough power for 1.1 billion homes! (But let's hope it doesn't all end up on someone's balcony.)
[1] Statista (2022). Solar PV Installed Capacity Worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/313741/world-solar-power-capacity-installed/
[2] Energy Sage (2022). How Does Homeowner's Insurance Affect Solar Panels? Retrieved from https://news.energysage.com/homeowners-insurance-solar/
[3] Insurance Information Institute (2022). What does homeowners insurance cover? Retrieved from https://www.iii.org/article/what-does-homeowners-insurance-cover
- It is important for community members with balcony solar power plants to ensure that their insurance policies include coverage for potential damages or injuries caused by the solar system, as well as damages to the solar system itself due to events such as hail, fire, or storms.
- Businesses, particularly those operating in the renewable energy sector, should consider implementing clear and comprehensive community and employment policies to address the unique risks and challenges associated with the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar power systems.
