Commercial solar panels: safety and risk considerations for businesses
As businesses look to reduce energy costs, strengthen resilience and meet sustainability goals, commercial solar panels are becoming an increasingly common feature across the UK.
From farms and food producers to manufacturers and warehousing sites, solar installations can deliver significant benefits. They can, however, also introduce new risks that businesses need to understand and manage effectively.
"Almost every commercial customer I speak with either has solar, or is considering it."
Sarah Froy, Chief Loss Control Surveyor at NFU Mutual
Drawing on insight from NFU Mutual's risk management specialists, this guide outlines the key safety, maintenance and risk considerations businesses should assess before installing commercial solar panels.
What are the benefits of commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panels can help businesses reduce reliance on the grid, manage energy costs, and support sustainability objectives. As adoption continues to grow across farms, manufacturing sites, warehouses, and other commercial premises, many organisations are viewing solar as an increasingly important part of their operational resilience strategy.
Key considerations before installing commercial solar panels
Before investing in a commercial solar installation, businesses should:
- assess the structural suitability of the building
- review fire risk assessments and emergency response procedures
- ensure systems are designed and installed by competent contractors
- understand the unique electrical risks associated with solar power
- put in place appropriate maintenance and inspection programmes
- review insurance arrangements to ensure solar assets are adequately protected.
Are commercial solar panels safe?
Commercial solar panels can be a safe and effective way for businesses to generate electricity when they are properly designed, installed, and maintained. Like any significant infrastructure investment, however, they introduce new considerations that businesses need to understand and manage.
These can include structural, electrical, fire, and maintenance risks, all of which should be assessed during the planning stage and throughout the system's lifespan.
How commercial solar panels change building risks
Commercial solar panels can introduce new considerations for buildings that were not originally designed to accommodate them, particularly where systems are added to existing premises.
"Solar changes the building's risk profile, so fire risk assessments and emergency planning may need updating," says Sarah Froy.
For many businesses, solar panels are installed on existing roofs. This makes it important to assess both the structural suitability of the building and how construction materials may behave in the event of a fire.
"Competent contractors are key to helping identify whether a roof can take the weight and whether it is constructed from materials that will not increase the fire risk to the building," Sarah adds.
Businesses should also ensure that solar installations do not compromise existing fire protection measures, such as fire compartmentation, which is designed to help slow the spread of fire and protect people and property.
Understanding electrical safety risks in commercial solar installations
Unlike traditional electrical systems, solar panels continue generating electricity whenever they are exposed to light.
Solar installations operate using direct current (DC), meaning parts of the system can remain live even during emergency situations.
This can have important implications for site safety and emergency response planning, where the ability to isolate power quickly may be critical.
One way to help reduce this risk is through the use of optimisers, which can lower voltage to safer levels and, in some cases, integrate with fire alarm systems to automatically isolate power when required.
Businesses should also pay close attention to system components such as inverters, which convert electricity from DC to AC. If poorly maintained or incorrectly located, these can become a source of faults and potential fire risk.
Can solar panels increase fire risk?
Solar panels do not automatically increase fire risk, but they can change a building's risk profile. Factors such as roof construction, system design, electrical components, and ongoing maintenance can all influence the level of risk.
This is why businesses should review fire risk assessments, emergency planning procedures, and installation arrangements before and after solar panels are installed.
Commercial solar panel maintenance and inspection
A well-designed system is only part of the equation. Regular maintenance plays an important role in helping commercial solar panels operate safely and efficiently throughout their lifespan.
Businesses should consider:
- regular inspection and cleaning programmes
- maintenance carried out by competent contractors
- safe access arrangements incorporated into the original design
- appropriate controls and procedures for working at height
- security should also form part of a maintenance strategy. Solar installations, particularly those with exposed cabling or accessible components, may be vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
Thinking about installing commercial solar panels?
Installing solar panels can introduce new safety, maintenance, and insurance considerations. Getting expert advice early can help you identify potential risks and protect your investment.
Learn more about our Business Insurance products.
Planning a safe commercial solar installation
For businesses, achieving the full benefits of commercial solar panels starts with careful planning and specialist advice.
Installing solar is not simply a technical upgrade. It represents a significant change to how a site operates and the risks it carries.
Ensuring systems are properly designed, professionally installed, and effectively maintained can help protect both the investment and the wider business.
Seeking expert guidance early in the process can help identify potential issues during the design stage, support safe installation practices, and ensure solar assets are accurately reflected within insurance arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions about commercial solar panels
Are commercial solar panels safe?
Commercial solar panels can be a safe and effective energy solution when they are properly designed, installed, and maintained. Businesses should ensure systems are installed by competent contractors and supported by appropriate maintenance programmes.
Do commercial solar panels affect business insurance?
Installing commercial solar panels can alter a property's risk profile. Businesses should ensure any solar assets are accurately reflected within their insurance arrangements.
What risks should businesses consider before installing solar panels?
Key considerations include structural suitability, fire risk, electrical safety, maintenance requirements, theft, vandalism, and emergency response planning.
Do commercial solar panels require maintenance?
Yes. Regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance can help ensure systems continue to operate safely and effectively throughout their lifespan.
Can installing solar panels affect business insurance?
Installing solar panels may alter a building's risk profile. Businesses should review their insurance arrangements and ensure solar assets are properly declared and protected.
Looking ahead
Commercial solar panels have an important role to play in helping businesses manage energy costs, strengthen operational resilience, and support sustainability ambitions.
As adoption continues to grow, however, so does the need for effective risk management.
As Sarah Froy's insight highlights, the difference between a successful installation and a costly issue often comes down to informed decision-making, expert guidance, and a proactive approach to risk from the outset.
At NFU Mutual, we take the time to understand your business and renewable energy technology needs. We can help you identify relevant insurance and risk management considerations, giving you confidence to invest in your future and build long-term resilience.
Talk to us about commercial solar panels
Whether you're planning a new solar installation or reviewing an existing system, our specialists can help you understand the risks and insurance considerations involved.
