News Energy
Insuring solar panels should be easier
All parties involved are working hard to tackle the problems related to insurance of solar panels. That is what Minister Eric Wiebes of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy says.
In practice, companies that invest in solar energy, including many agricultural companies, regularly encounter problems when it comes to the insurability of the panels. Fire premiums are skyrocketing and some insurers no longer dare to take the risk at all. Minister Wiebes acknowledges the problem, but also calls the insurability of business premises 'a general issue'. Solar panels on the roof would contribute to this to a limited extent.
"Laying solar panels on the roof increases the risk for the insurer. As a result, in a number of cases this risk has turned out to be too great or the premium has become so high that the buildings are practically uninsurable. This risk can be largely limited if the initiators talk to the insurer. This creates clarity about possible risks and the (safety) requirements. Insurers are now often informed afterwards," Wiebes said in a statement. response to parliamentary questions about the subject.
According to the minister, the consultations between the market parties and the insurance sector are constructive and the necessary actions are being taken to resolve bottlenecks as quickly as possible. Minister Wiebes sees no additional role for the government in this. Wiebes is, however, in talks with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to see whether it is possible for the insurance sector to make collective agreements. This concerns minimum prevention requirements for solar projects that increase insurability. Due to the competition law, insurers are not allowed to make mutual agreements about acceptance policy, premiums or preventive measures.
Damage in agriculture after fire
Another issue farmers may face is damage from ash particles and glass from solar panels that spread over their farmland after a fire. This was the case last summer with fires in North Holland and Flevoland. Insuring against such damage is difficult, if not impossible. According to the minister, this has now been discussed with the Dutch Association of Insurers. "Environmental damage after a fire with solar panels is a new element."
"Clearance costs are often not, or are limited, co-insured on the fire policy for business purposes. Companies can take out separate insurance or additional cover for this. what the exact effects of this are on the environment. Although it is regrettable that this has caused damage twice in a short time, it is a new phenomenon that first needs to be further investigated."
Responsibility farmer
According to Wiebes, if harmful substances get into agricultural products as a result of a fire, the producer has its own responsibility. "If he has reasons to doubt the safety of a product, this product may not be placed on the market. A fire with deposition and an outstanding investigation are both reasons to doubt this," the minister describes.
When the results show that food safety can no longer be guaranteed, a farmer must take appropriate measures. "The producer ultimately has the responsibility to bring a safe product to the market. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises this."
Jeanette Pennings
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