Benefits and Risks of Rooftop Solar Panels for Commercial Properties
Although solar panels can provide significant financial, environmental and reputational benefits, they can present various risks and be susceptible to damage from several sources.
Installing solar panels on commercial rooftops can offer organizations several benefits, including electricity bill savings, tax incentives and improved sustainability credentials. They are also an alternative energy solution during power grid outages, reducing operational disruptions. Despite these notable benefits, there are several risks for businesses to assess, such as:
- Fire hazards and the risk of fires that produce toxins
- Susceptibility to weather- and animal-related damage
- Added weight that can have structural implications
- Decreased rooftop walking space, creating fall risks
- Attractive target for theft and vandalism
When weighing the pros and cons of rooftop solar panels, property owners should also consider the following measures to mitigate risks associated with them:
- Choose quality materials while appraising their combustibility and toxicity.
- Have a professional evaluate the rooftop to ensure it can handle the weight of solar panels.
- Examine insulation materials to determine if they present additional fire risks.
- Hire certified installers to help ensure the systems are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable codes or regulations.
- Ensure the solar panels’ inverter is placed correctly in a structurally sound, dry area away from combustible materials.
- Take protective measures, including removing overhanging trees; installing animal guards, an arc fault detection device and security systems while ensuring enough space is available to walk around them and informing technicians about their presence; and selecting solar panels rated to withstand the severe weather or seismic risks common to the area.
- Utilize fire alarms and suppression systems that can provide alerts for fires and extinguish or slow them if they emerge. There should also be sufficient roof access for firefighters, a fire risk assessment should be conducted, and an emergency action plan should be in place to swiftly respond to fires and toxic fumes.
Additionally, businesses should work with a licensed insurance professional to review their insurance coverage and ensure their policies cover solar panels and their associated risks.
To learn more, reach out to CMB Insurance Brokers. We can provide you with valuable insights and guidance: call CMB at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.