Allianz Engineering has rolled out a new inspection service tailored for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at business and industrial premises in the UK.
The offering builds on the firm’s existing Electrical Fixed Wiring Inspection and comes in response to the growing adoption of solar power across the country.
The service includes routine checks and testing of solar PV installations and is available either as a standalone option or in combination with existing fixed wiring inspections. Allianz said this approach is intended to give clients flexibility in meeting regulatory and operational requirements.
Martin Ball (pictured above), head of inspection at Allianz Engineering Inspection Services, said that the company’s network of offices across the UK allows its engineers to support inspection needs across a wide geographic area.
The UK government has outlined a clean energy plan targeting significant growth in solar power by 2030. Since October 2024, official figures show a 6% increase in installed solar capacity.
The cumulative installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached approximately 16.9 gigawatts (GW) by mid-year, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year. This expansion was supported by the addition of around 1.2 GW of new capacity over the 12 months leading up to November 2024.
Solar energy's contribution to electricity generation also saw an uptick, with solar power accounting for 14.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity produced in 2024, a 6.5% increase compared to 2023.
From an insurance perspective, the proliferation of solar installations has introduced new considerations for both homeowners and insurers. Typically, solar panels are covered under standard home insurance policies, but it's crucial for homeowners to inform their insurers about the installation to ensure adequate coverage.
The annual cost for solar panel insurance in the UK ranges from £118 to £152. Coverage generally includes protection against damage from natural disasters, theft, and potential liability issues.
In light of this expansion, the maintenance and safe operation of PV systems is drawing more attention from regulators and industry stakeholders.
Periodic inspections are seen as a key measure to detect faults in wiring or inverter components that may lead to fire hazards. These checks help ensure systems meet relevant compliance obligations and safety standards.
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