Insurance and solar

[Nomadics]

I just wanted to ask folk if they knew of motorhome exclusions on non-factory/manufacturer installed rooftop solar and whether you’ve experienced any issues?

If purchasing a new Carthago, would you go with factory install and accept inferior equipment (no mppt and lower wattage panels), or take the risk with insurance and go aftermarket install?

Here is what CAMC insurance cover states, “If you have - or are thinking of getting - solar panels, make sure they will be covered by your motorhome or campervan insurance policy. The Club's Motorhome and Campervan Insurance covers manufacturer-fitted panels as part of the vehicle, subject to any excess that applies.”

Solar panels for your motorhome or campervan - poll feedback

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Related partially to this discussion: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ler-fit-third-party-on-a-new-carthago.279148/

 

[Lenny HB]

NFU only interested in chassis mods.
I always fit my own solar and upgrade the electrics myself.

 

[stevec]

NFU only interested in chassis mods.
I always fit my own solar and upgrade the electrics myself.

I have to disagree with that. I self installed solar on my new Carthago last year and declared solar as additional equipment. NFU wanted to know who fitted it. When I said self installed they wanted an engineers report to say that it was safe. OK if it was professionally fitted. This was at more than one branch. I went with LV.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have to disagree with that. I self installed solar on my new Carthago last year and declared solar as additional equipment. NFU wanted to know who fitted it. When I said self installed they wanted an engineers report to say that it was safe. OK if it was professionally fitted. This was at more than one branch. I went with LV.

Told me they weren't interested may depend on which branch you speak to.

 

[Soycd]

Maybe the best option is to check with insurance companies? When we got our new van last March I spent a bit of time researching insurance. For example, I wanted a company that would provide a green card for the Western Balkan countries, (Albania, Montenegro etc) only one did. They were about £25 more expensive than the other companies, but for us it was worth it.

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[fishplug]

Interesting.

I've insured my last two self converted PVCs with Howdens (originally A Plan) and they've covered me while the conversion was in progress and they knew that I was doing it myself.

No inspection reports have ever been requested for solar or gas installations. I'll double check with them though as they don't always ask all the questions.....

I was asked after about ten years of insuring my bike if I'd like to insure the pillion (passenger).... Apparently despite having two seats, your pillion isn't automatically insured. Who knew?

 

[Guigsy]

I've just spent a fortune on getting a roof leak fixed. Had a solar panel that professionally installed less than 4 years ago with plastic feet, adhesive, and then an extra screw in each foot. It appears the middle foot on the long edge allowed water underneath, which froze and ripped the screw out. The adhesive looked intact and was still holding the panel down.

I'm unconvinced that the professional install was any better than I would have done.

 

[stevec]

For those of us with Carthagos, they have a shallow side rail on each side. As well as Sikaflexing the panels down I also wired the panels to the side rails with short lengths of stainless steel wire. If they ever become unstuck they are still mechanically attached to the van! Sorry if that is a bit of a side track.