Solar geysers – don’t get snagged by this new law 

Insurance for Commercial Purposes and its Benefits
2nd February 2023
Our Top Tips for making a successful insurance claim
5th April 2023

Image credit: Pexels by Kindel Media 

Solar geysers 

The installation of solar geysers needs to comply with strict regulations. Whether you are considering installing solar geysers for your commercial property or home; or if you have already made the leap, it is imperative that you follow this new regulation. Make sure to consider these two factors to avoid a claim being rejected: 

  1. When hiring a technician or engineer, ensure that they are qualified and familiarised with the latest requirements. Upon installation, the engineer needs to provide a) a report or certificate and b) a drawing of the type of roof at the specific premises, as well as confirming that the roof is suitable and can withhold the installation. 
  1. When making a claim, you will need to provide your insurer with the engineer’s certificate. A certificate must be issued for solar geysers of 300 litres or more. If a client does not have this certificate, a new solar geyser cannot be installed until this certificate has been received (even if the certificate was not a requirement at the time of installation). 

Our final tip is to budget for unforeseen costs as a result of loadshedding. 

Unfortunately, loadshedding is the ‘new normal’. Regardless of whether you are using solar, it is imperative that you leave margin in your budget for unforeseen damages for both solar and electrical equipment. 

Did you know? 

If your electrical geyser bursts, you could use the claim payment towards a new solar geyser system. Find out if this is the case by calling us today. 

Regulations pertaining to all solar power systems 

Don’t forget to insure any solar installations – call your broker to discuss ahead of fitment. Secondly, ensure that your solar system is installed correctly. Please take note of the following guidelines: 

  1. The Solar Company doing the installation must be an accredited electrical contractor as recognised by the Department of Labour.  
  1. The Insured’s staff must be educated and trained in the operation of the solar power system installed on the insured premises. 
  1. The Solar Company must carry out a proper inspection of the roof and the material that it is constructed of: 
    • Each solar panel weighs about 20kgs and the panel weight must be spread over for points of contact onto the roof. There are certain types of roofs (metal) that would not support this weight.  
    • The solar power system cannot contribute to the roof’s deterioration 
    • Water heaters or storage tanks with a capacity of 200 litres or more may not be attached to a wall.  
  1.  The installation must be accompanied by and comply with:  
    • A valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC);  
    • The latest edition of SANS 10142-1 (Wiring);  
    • NRS 097-2-1 (utility interface/inverter);  
    • Any other regulatory requirements (where applicable);  
    • Relevant municipal by-laws  
  1. The solar power system must be regularly maintained and kept in good working order 
  1. All bushes, grass, weeds and other flammables within a five metre radius of the solar system must be cleared and regularly maintained.  

Questions on whether your solar geyser and solar equipment will be insured? Call us today and we can clarify what is covered within your insurance policy. 

(031) 716 6000 – KZN 
(011) 463 0085 – Gauteng