{"id":57,"date":"2004-05-04T11:17:25","date_gmt":"2004-05-04T16:17:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marktime.org\/smithelectricco\/?p=57"},"modified":"2009-02-20T16:14:51","modified_gmt":"2009-02-20T21:14:51","slug":"homeowners-insurance-and-pv-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marktime.org\/smithelectricco\/?p=57","title":{"rendered":"Homeowner’s Insurance and PV systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yesterday, I contacted my homeowner’s insurance company – New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance<\/a> – in order to let them know that I was installing a solar electric grid-connected system.<\/p>\n

Clearly, I’ve run into another educational gap. The poor representative that I spoke to had no idea what I was talking about.<\/p>\n

Back in January, I called them to see if I needed to do anything with my homeowner’s insurance. At that time, I needed to explain the system for a few minutes and I was told that I didn’t need to change my policy in any way – I just needed to call back to let them know that I was installing the system.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, I called back. The representative that I got took a little information (not much beyond “solar electrical system”) and went to talk to her supervisor. About 10 minutes later, she came back. She needed a semi-detailed explanation of how the system works (panels to inverter to main breaker box, and she needed LOTS of info on utility interconnection). She wrote down every word that I said and went back to her supervisor. After another 5 minute wait, she came back and told me that I was approved (whatever that means), and that I didn’t need to do anything else. She also said that she and her instructor thank me for help understanding the system.<\/p>\n

We need a pamphlet, or a class, or something<\/strong><\/p>\n

I think I’ve come to the realization that there are two holes in the NJ solar educational process:
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\n1. Local Inspectors\/code officials – mine thought I needed a transfer switch for a grid-connected system
\n2. Insurance – they don’t know what to make of it<\/p>\n

Once my system is completed and approved, I think I may write a letter to the NJ BPU, with these suggestions:<\/p>\n

1. When a new application is approved, in addition to sending the approval to the applicant, a copy is sent to the local planning department\/building department\/etc. Included is a letter offering to assist with the evaluation of the permit application and\/or an invitation to a training session. Some local folks may be annoyed by this (“I know how to do my job, I don’t need any interference.”), but hopefully the others will understand what they are asked to approve before the permit application appears.<\/p>\n

2. The BPU should put together a pamphlet with the basics of PV grid-connected, stand-alone, and battery backup systems. This should be sent to the appropriate person at all homeowner’s insurance companies doing business in the state.<\/p>\n

I know that this would add expense, but the BPU and industry are already working to increase the number of trained installers (see my previous article<\/a>). It makes sense to me that they have to beef up the rest of the installation infrastructure – and that they should start with municipal building departments.