The installation of solar panels is taking off. VvE members or tenants can install solar panels on the building, but this requires permission from the General Assembly, or the VvE may be asked to rent out the roof to install solar panels. Installing solar panels comes with risks. The risk of damage by fire, for example, increases with the installation of solar panels. If no additional agreements are made, the solar panels will be the property of the VvE after installation. This can have consequences if contamination occurs after a fire due to residues from the burned solar panels. We address a number of concerns for the VvE manager.
Reduce chances of damage from solar panels
Some important causes of solar panel damage are listed below. Before the administrator grants permission to install solar panels, it is important to pay attention to these issues. This can prevent serious damages. In fact, many damages can be reduced by making sure the installation of solar panels is done by a certified installer. The problem right now is that there are too few certified installers to meet the market demand.
Overheating of panels
A defect in the installed panels can cause overheating. The heat can be so great that the underlying roof catches fire. This is especially true when installing solar panels on fire-prone roofs. Overheating can also occur due to inadequate ventilation of the panels that prevents the accumulated heat from dissipating.
Overheating of inverters
Inverters can also overheat. Again, adequate attention should be paid to ventilation. Inverters should be placed on a non-flammable surface.
Arcing due to poor connection of the cables used
Because there is insufficient connection due to the cables and clamps used, sparks can jump and cause fire, this can lead to fire on the roof but also in the rooms where the installation is placed. The consequences of jumping the sparks can be seen in this video . Make sure you have a good installation, but also an inspection of the installation, before putting it into use to prevent this. A good inspection is one that meets the Scope 12 standard, for example.
Consequences of a solar panel fire
When solar panels catch fire, there can be tremendous heat generation. This creates burned parts and unburned parts. Because of the great heat build-up, the air rises and all kinds of substances are carried along in the smoke. These wastes can then precipitate over a large area. Sometimes many kilometers away. This waste often needs to be cleaned up. The municipality can impose an obligation to do so if the waste is considered a pollutant. This is not currently the case.
It is important for the VvE to have this risk assessed and to see what insurance options are available.
Clearance costs
Comprehensive building insurance provides coverage for cleanup costs. The cost to clean up the damaged parts of the building. This coverage applies when the solar panels are insured. Sometimes the cleanup costs are insured only on the own plot sometimes outside. Usually 10% of the total sum insured is available for cleanup costs. Currently, there are no good tools to calculate the amounts needed to clean up burned solar panels.
Insured are the costs of cleanup. Any consequential damage, such as loss of business because, for example, the contaminated areas cannot be used because of the contamination, is not insured.
Before giving permission for the installation of solar panels, the caretaker of the VvE should make an assessment of the risks arising after the panels are installed. If there is talk of renting out the roof to install solar panels ask for guarantees from the owner of the solar panels. In any case, consult with the insurance advisor about the coverage provided in the insurance policies of the VvE for the risks of the solar panels.
Liability
If sites are covered with debris from burned solar panels, this can create liability for the owner of the building. If the building is defective, causing damage to other parties, the owner, in this case the VvE, is liable for this damage. This damage will be covered on the liability insurance of the VVE if there is damage to persons and/or property and its consequences.
The question is whether there is material damage to property if there are burned parts of solar panels on it. If nothing is damaged, the insurance will not pay anything, even if the VVE is liable for the damage. The VvE will have to be indemnified for such damage by the owner of the solar panels.
Still a lot of uncertainty
Solar panels are relatively young. There are still many questions that cannot be answered clearly. It is important that the manager pay attention to this topic and when it comes up, contact the claims advisor immediately to discuss what possible problems should be considered.
