The OP warns that serious damage can result from solar panel installation errors. According to the bank, sales of devices have decreased in Finland this year.
Carefully. There is a reason to be careful when installing solar panels, OP says. Illustration picture. Joel Maisalmi
Incorrect installation of solar panels can even lead to fire damage in the worst case, reminds OP in its announcement.
According to Pohjola Insurance’s statistics, damage caused by careless installation of solar panels or an installation error has become more common in recent years.
– Behind the most serious damages is often an error or carelessness related to the installation. Based on damage reports, mistakes have caused damage to the solar panels themselves or to the typical installation location, i.e. the roof, says Pohjola Insurance’s claims manager Blue Kujala in the bulletin.
The compensable damages are usually between one thousand and four thousand euros, but in the worst case, an installation error or damage to the solar panels can lead to extensive fire damage, for example, OP says.
– When panels are installed on the roof of residential buildings, the importance of care in installation and maintenance is emphasized even more. Fortunately, fire damage related to solar panels has been rare, but unfortunately, serious damage has also occurred, says Kujala.
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Solar panels are tested by severe frosts as well as storms. According to the OP, the most typical reason for damage caused by natural phenomena is thunder or strong wind.
– In this case, the damage can be, for example, a tree falling on the panels or the panels coming off. It is important to check the condition of the panels at regular intervals and contact a professional if necessary, Kujala points out.
Sales in decline
Sales of solar panels have fallen by 50 percent in Finland compared to the same time a year ago, according to data from OP Yrityspanki.
Solar panels are most typically installed either in homes or cottages. Spring and summer are typically the busiest time for solar panel sales.
– The demand for solar panels strongly follows the price of electricity. In 2022 and 2023, the rising cost of electricity caused a spike in the demand for solar energy. Although sales have been on the decline this year in the light of the numbers, it is more about the normalization of demand than a sharp decline, says OP Yrityspanki’s head of Cash Flows and Working Capital Jaulimo’s Finger in the bulletin.
OP Yrityspankki finances solar panels for consumers through sales outlets and, according to the bank, is one of the largest financiers of solar panels in Finland.
The story was originally published in Talouselämä.
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