Insurance group Santam has warned South Africans to beware of dodgy solar power system installers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marius Steyn, the personal lines underwriting manager at Santam, said that when looking for a reputable installer, one must look into credentials such as references of previous work as well as how long the business has been in operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that a reputable installer should also provide a comprehensive quote detailing the scope of work, components that will be used in the installation as well as, importantly, after-sales services, warranties and guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They should also advise you of any potential issues that may compromise the installation and functioning of the solar power system prior to commencing the installation,” Steyn said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If your building is damaged during the installation process, this should be covered by the installer under their Contractors All Risk Insurance policy. Pre-installation inspection is crucial to ascertain that the building\u2019s roof structure and rafters are not compromised, rotten or damaged so that the solar panel installation can still be carried out.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It\u2019s essential to obtain a certificate of compliance (CoC) when installing solar power generating systems as this is required by law and for the registration of the solar power generating system with the relevant municipality.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steyn said that this is something that any reputable installer will automatically provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rooftop solar is regarded as a valuable asset in a home, with the majority setting back people thousands of rand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solar installation influences the value of a property – increasing the need for a more accommodative insurance sum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To best protect oneself in terms of insurance, Steyn added that people who have upgraded their properties with a solar system to contact their insurer and increase their building insurance sum insured to cover the cost of the solar assets installed to avoid being underinsured in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If the insured value of the building is not equal to the current replacement value, underinsurance (principle of average) could be applicable in the event of a claim, and the claim will not be paid in full,\u201d said Steyn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New electrical systems also run the risk of fire, power surges or damage, making it essential for homeowners to protect against loss through building insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building insurance will also provide cover if your property is maliciously damaged or damaged due to burglary or theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concerns over insurance relating to solar follow a major push toward alternative power supplies, with the government introducing new incentives for the uptake of solar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As outlined by the minister of finance, from 1 March, individuals who install rooftop solar panels will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of the panels, up to a maximum of R15,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This, paired with increasingly severe and frequent power outages across the nation, has driven many South Africans to shift either fully or partially off-grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n