How to insure your photovoltaic system | UBS key4 mortgagesch

How to insure your photovoltaic system

In collaboration with
18.01.2022 | 5 minutes

Due to Switzerland’s Energy Strategy 2050, many Swiss cantons have already made photovoltaic systems mandatory for new homes. Switzerland wants to reduce energy consumption by 42% by 2035 and has introduced the “Model Provisions of the Cantons” (MuKEn) to help meet this target. The MuKEn includes the provision that new buildings must produce their own electricity. However, these new regulations must also be considered when, for example, the heating systems of older buildings need to be modernized. To learn whether or not a solar-powered system is worthwhile and how you can maximize your home’ s energy efficiency, try out our partner Houzy’s solar calculator.

UBS Switzerland AG (“UBS”) has a stake in Houzy AG (“Houzy”). Through its strategic partnership with Houzy, UBS aims to expand its range in the Home & Living ecosystem. By clicking on this link, you will leave the UBS website. UBS has no influence on the data processing of the Houzy website and therefore does not assume any liability for it. UBS is generally not liable for services provided by Houzy.

How can I insure my photovoltaic system?

Why do we refer specifically to photovoltaic systems and not just solar energy systems? Whereas solar energy systems are designed to generate heat from solar energy, photovoltaic systems actually convert solar energy into electricity. Photovoltaic systems are considerably more versatile as well as more complex. Regarding insurance, there is only one difference between solar energy and photovoltaic systems, which is that for the latter, losses in revenue are also covered.

Which insurance policy applies to your system will depend on the construction phase of your home. If a building is brand new, the photovoltaic system will be part of the construction project and therefore covered by the construction insurance. After construction, damage caused by fire or natural disasters will normally be covered by the mandatory building insuranceYou can also insure your property against other types of damage by taking out additional coverage for “domestic installations” as part of a building insurance policy. In the case of damage to other persons or their property, during the construction phase the contractor’s liability insurance will apply and afterwards building liability insurance.

During a renovation or conversion, damage caused by fire or natural disasters will be covered as part of your existing building insurance. Any other damage that occurs during conversion up to a construction sum of CHF 250,000 is covered under the “Conversion work” clause in the construction insurance policy. In this case, the insurance policy is valid until the construction work is completed. If such additional coverage does not exist, construction insurance can be taken out for the duration of the work.

Does your property have a sustainability certificate?

Then please get in touch and we will check whether you are eligible for a Green Mortgage with favorable interest rates.

Solar panels being installed on a roof.
© Getty Images

What is insured?

A photovoltaic system consists of various components. These include solar modules and the individual solar cells they contain, a mounting system, cabling, an inverter, a controller, meters for measuring electricity consumption, own consumption and feed-in quantity and, depending on the setup, an electricity storage unit. If you use an e-charging station as a battery, this will be covered by the construction insurance. All of the above components are insured against the following risks and damage:

  • Unforeseen and sudden damage or destruction as a result of incorrect operation, intentional damage by third parties, design, material or manufacturing defects, short circuits, voltage fluctuations, foreign bodies, the breakdown of measuring, control or safety devices, snow pressure damage to photovoltaic systems as roofing material, animal bites or damage caused by martens
  • Loss through theft
  • Loss of revenue due to an inability to feed surplus energy back into public or private grids

In the event of damage to other persons or their property, the building liability or personal liability insurance comes into play, for example if a fire which originated in the photovoltaic system spreads to a neighboring building.

A modern home with roof-mounted solar cells in a country setting.
© Getty Images

Your own home – well protected

We will be happy to accompany you step by step on your way to acquiring your dream home. Together with our partner Baloise Insurance, we will ensure that you find the right insurance policy for your property. If you have decided to buy a brand-new home, we can provide comprehensive advice before, during and after your home is built.

Are you properly insured?
With Baloise you will find the right insurance coverage for your home

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