Insurance of photovoltaic panels. What should local governments remember?

Destruction after hail, flooding, electrical surges or devastation – these are examples of threats that must be taken into account by investors building photovoltaic installations. That is why it is worth considering their professional insurance.

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are successfully developing on the Polish market, gaining more and more investors interested in new installations. According to the Institute for Renewable Energy, photovoltaics (PV) is currently the fastest-growing segment of renewable energy in Poland – while at the end of 2019 the total power in photovoltaic sources in our country was about 1500 MW, in May this year it exceeded 1950 MW. This means that even the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the market, allowing it to grow by 30% during this period.

New investments in panels that convert solar radiation into electricity are growing in Poland not only thanks to individual clients (who install installations e.g. on the roofs of houses), but also thanks to local governments.

Local government units are particularly interested in the subject of photovoltaics, because investments can be financed with the support of EU funds – special programs for the development of renewable energy sources give the opportunity to obtain a non-returnable subsidy of up to several dozen percent of the investment value. In addition, many local governments conduct information campaigns among residents to gain their favor for renewable energy. Therefore, it can be assumed that this market will continue to develop dynamically.

Insurance of the photovoltaic installation. It is an obligation for the local government

However, in order for the investment in photovoltaic panels not to keep the local governments responsible for it sleepy, a necessary element of the entire project should be good insurance – the policy is usually obligatory for a local government unit for the entire duration of the project, e.g. 5 years.

Insurers, who have also noticed the potential of photovoltaics, have recently been competing with each other more and more to attract the attention of potential customers. Also in this case, we can assume that the offer will grow, and choosing the right insurance will be more and more difficult for local government officials.

Therefore, if the local government decides to implement investments in the field of photovoltaics, it is worth using the help of a professional broker in terms of insurance.

Check how we can help

At Supra Brokers, we know the specifics of the work of local government units and we are experts in the field of public tenders. So if the potential amount of the insurance premium exceeds 30,000 euro per year, then we take on the role of the contracting authority’s representative in the tender (pursuant to Article 15 of the Public Procurement Law).

On the other hand, when it comes to choosing insurance without the need to conduct a tender procedure, we prepare appropriate inquiries. Of course – after a thorough analysis of the photovoltaic investment project and the potential threats that await it.

In this way, we are able to identify the best possible insurance offer for a solar project on the market.

Here are some examples of risks that can be insured:

– unforeseen random events, which include 18 phenomena such as: devastation, hail, supersonic roar, hurricane, avalanche, snow pressure, landslides, flood, fire, overvoltage (electrical damage), earthquake, lightning strike, vehicle impact, fall objects, aircraft collapse, vandalism, ground collapse, flooding;

– damage as a result of a rescue operation in connection with the above-mentioned random events;

– loss or loss of an installation as a result of theft, burglary or robbery;

After choosing the best offer and establishing cooperation with Supra Brokers, the local government unit can count on our support in the field of professional brokerage services – we will supervise the concluded insurance contracts on an ongoing basis and provide assistance in the event of any damage.

It is in the scope of possible damages that will arise after the conclusion of the insurance policy that the broker’s help will be especially needed. You will need, for example, documents confirming the damage or costs incurred. These are extremely important elements, because it is only on their basis that the insurer decides about the payment and the amount of funds provided for compensation.