Solar panels on DCs are safe, but insure the installation well
Roofs of almost all (new) XXL distribution centers in the Netherlands now have a solar panel system. This is necessary, because more and more investors and investors in both new and existing distribution centers require BREEAM certification in the context of sustainability in order to be able to meet the CO2 reduction requirements. Gerrit Vink (Riskonet) provides tips and advice on investment and management of a solar panel installation.
First of all, it is important to know which party is the ultimate owner of a solar panel installation at a distribution center. This may be the owner of the property or in the case of rental, the tenant-user of the property or a third party.
Invest yourself ...
The owner of the property or the tenant-user can choose to invest in the purchase of an installation. In that case, subsidies, savings on self-consumption or proceeds from the supply of electricity to the grid will go directly to the owner of the installation.
… Or a lease construction
If the entrepreneur is unable or unwilling to invest, there are possibilities for a third party to invest in the solar panel installation. In that case, this third party rents the roof from the owner of the property or there is a lease construction. Another reason for entrepreneurs to choose to rent the roof or lease the installation is the convenience that a third party arranges everything.
But what do you have to deal with when installing a solar panel installation?
1. Contractual aspects:
Depending on who becomes the owner of the installation, this may include a lease, a lease, a building right or an access agreement. In these contracts agreements are made between the parties involved about, for example, access to the installation, responsibilities and liabilities.
2. Financing:
When the installation is financed, there is usually a loan agreement with a bank, a deed of pledge and a mortgage deed. A bank also sets requirements in areas such as quality assurance of the solar panel installation, construction, maintenance and insurance during the construction phase and the operational phase.
3. Grant application:
It is possible to apply for an SDE subsidy for a solar power installation at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Depending on the SDE scheme, a subsidy can be granted for a period ranging from 12-16 years. CertiQ is the organization that, based on information from the network operator, provides proof to the RVO that green energy is actually generated.
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4. Technical aspects of design and construction phase:
If the solar power installation is to be placed on the roof of a building, it is important in the first instance to determine whether the roof is suitable. That seems obvious, but it should be especially important to consider whether a roof can handle the extra load, the type of roofing and insulation material and the age of the roofing. A constructor must determine whether the roof of a distribution center can bear the additional load of the installation. With some types of roofing or insulation it may be necessary to make additional provisions against, for example, the fire risk. Since a solar panel installation will be installed for a period of at least the subsidy duration, but is expected to have a lifespan of more than twenty years,
If there is not yet a large-scale consumer connection at the location, it must be constructed or the existing installation must be made heavier. The local network operator takes care of the construction and checks in advance whether connection capacity is still available.
The design and construction of the installation require knowledge and experience.
The various components of an installation must meet standards and quality requirements. It is therefore important to choose an installer with demonstrable knowledge and experience and to lay down clear agreements in a so-called Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) agreement. In most cases, if the installation is financed, a delivery inspection is required by an independent engineering company. A delivery inspection is usually required by the insurers involved.
5. Technical aspects of the operational / operating phase:
For the optimal efficiency, reliability and safety of a solar panel installation, permanent monitoring, regular visual inspection, maintenance and inspection are necessary. In almost all cases, a long-term (usually synchronous with the term of the subsidy) is concluded with an expert external party. In most cases, such an agreement is also a requirement in the financing conditions. The insurance conditions also often require demonstrable maintenance and periodic inspections.
6. Risk and insurance aspects:
A solar panel installation is in fact largely an electrical installation. As with other electrical installations, there is a risk of fire as a result of, for example, a short circuit and lightning strike. Depending on the situation, additional fire prevention measures may therefore be necessary. In all cases, the use of high-quality components and demonstrable (for example by means of the SCIOS Scope 12 inspection guideline) expert design and installation is necessary. Periodic maintenance and inspection is also necessary.
Other risks that must be taken into account in solar panel installations are: storm, snow, hail, drainage.When there are several parties involved, liability for damage to, for example, the building caused by the installation between these parties plays a role.
Consult with insurers first
In all cases, it is necessary to consult with the insurers of the installation, the building on which the installation is to be installed and the insurers of any tenant of the building for inventory and stored goods prior to installation. Insurance that must be taken out before the construction phase is: a construction-assembly insurance and a liability insurance. Usual insurance policies during the operational or operating phase are: insurance coverage for damage to the installation (there are specific insurance products for solar panel installations) and liability insurance.
Achieving climate objectives
Energy from solar panel installations, as well as extensive building insulation, has become an important component in further sustainability and achieving climate objectives. It can be concluded that the roofs of many logistics buildings, distribution centers, warehouses and also cold stores offer good opportunities for installing these installations.
Clear risk
In most cases, solar panels on company roofs can easily be realized safely, with a clear risk. In those cases, these installations are easy to insure, contrary to what some intermediaries, brokers or other advisers tell companies. Simply saying that it cannot be the result of ignorance or laziness.
Insurability is not a bottleneck
In the context of the public interest in achieving environmental objectives, the insurability of solar panel installations on buildings should not become a bottleneck. Not even if these roofs, like many distribution centers, are equipped with flammable insulation. Anyone who thinks about the risks and on that basis realizes an installation that is demonstrably of good quality and that is installed and maintained in a professional, high-quality way, has a good story with insurers.
About the author: Gerrit Vink is a partner at Riskonet, an internationally independent consultancy specializing in safety and risk management.
Source: https://www.logistiek.nl (June 9, 2020)
