A so-called balcony power plant is something like a miniature photovoltaic system that generates its own electricity and is simply connected to the power distribution system in the house. With a few exceptions, these mini systems do not usually require approval. However, it is important to have the right insurance for the balcony power plant. Which insurance covers which damage?
Is the home contents insurance responsible?
Since the small power plant is on your own balcony, your home contents insurance is responsible. However, it is not the only insurance for the balcony power plant; your private liability insurance can also be responsible. This is always the case, for example, if people other than the owners damage the photovoltaic system.
What damage does home contents insurance cover?
- Hagel
- Sturm
- So-called overvoltage damage following a lightning strike.
- Feuer
However, the home contents insurance only covers damages if the balcony power plant was professionally installed in or on the balcony. If the installation was faulty and a fire occurs as a result, the insurance will not pay for the balcony power plant.
What happens if third parties are harmed?
The storms in autumn can cause a module from the power plant to break off on the balcony and then land on the neighbor’s new car as part of the photovoltaic system. If there are dents or even the windshield is broken, then property damage occurs, which is covered by private liability insurance. This insurance for the balcony power plant not only covers the material damage that the power plant causes to the property of third parties, but also in cases where people are injured or financial loss occurs.
Does insurance for the mini power plant make sense?
It can never be ruled out that a small photovoltaic system may be damaged in a severe weather event such as a storm or large hailstones. Even if the purchase costs are relatively low compared to a large plant, the small power plants still cost around 1,000 euros. If the power plant is completely or partially broken after a storm and needs to be replaced, the owner has to pay for it himself without the appropriate insurance. However, anyone who has home contents insurance can report the damage immediately. The insurance will then cover the costs of the repair or, depending on the tariff, the cost of the new purchase.
When does homeowners insurance pay out?
The small power plants for the balcony have become very popular with many property owners. If the systems are permanently connected to the building or permanently installed on the roof, then they are protected by the building insurance. However, the decisive factor here is always the scope of the respective insurance and which risks are covered.
Conclusion
Building insurance, private liability insurance or home contents insurance – one of these three types of insurance should be in place when it comes to insuring a small solar system. Most families have home contents insurance or private liability insurance, which covers damage to third parties or property, for example after a storm. However, no insurance covers the loss of income from a photovoltaic system on the balcony. There is a reason for this, because balcony power plants do not receive any compensation for feeding into the public power grid. This means that the operators of the plant do not suffer any loss of income that the insurance company would have to cover. The good thing about this is that the operators do not have to pay any taxes.
Photo: @ depositphotos.com / astrid208
Ulrike is married, mother of two children and lives in the Hochsauerland region. The journalist and author writes articles on many different topics and describes herself as flexible, open-minded and inquisitive. eMail: ulrike@versicherungen-blog.de
