Quick answer: Solar installations in sectional title schemes create practical insurance questions. Trustees need to know who owns the system, where it is installed, whether approvals were obtained, whether compliance certificates are in place and how the installation affects the building insurance.
Key questions before installation
- Is the system owned by the body corporate, an owner, a tenant or a third-party provider?
- Is it installed on common property, an exclusive use area or inside a section?
- Were trustee and owner approvals obtained?
- Are electrical and structural compliance documents available?
- Has the insurer been notified?
Insurance risks to consider
- Fire, electrical faults, storm damage, theft, impact and power surge.
- Roof penetrations and waterproofing issues.
- Battery storage and ventilation.
- Contractor liability during installation.
- Changes to replacement values and insured assets.
Documents trustees should keep
- Approval records and minutes.
- Installation invoices and specifications.
- Electrical certificates of compliance.
- Engineer or structural reports where needed.
- Maintenance agreements and warranties.
- Confirmation from the insurer or broker.
Owner-owned systems
- Owners should not assume the body corporate policy automatically covers their solar equipment.
- The scheme should clarify approval, maintenance and insurance responsibilities.
- The owner may need to inform their own insurer.
Need help reviewing the insurance position?
Lowensvlei Insurance Brokers assists body corporates, trustees and managing agents across the Western Cape with body corporate insurance reviews, renewal checks, water damage claims, public liability, fidelity cover and trustee insurance support. Request an insurance review.
Lowensvlei Insurance Brokers assists body corporates, trustees and managing agents across the Western Cape with body corporate insurance reviews, renewal checks, water damage claims, public liability, fidelity cover and trustee insurance support. Request an insurance review.
This guide is general information for trustees, owners and managing agents. It is not legal advice. Always check the scheme rules, policy wording and current legislation before making final decisions.