
Solar Panel Inspection: Mandatory or Not?
Solar panel installations in private homes are usually not required to be inspected. However, in the case of large solar installations, insurance companies often require an inspection. These inspections are conducted by independent inspection companies that hold a valid SCIOS certificate. OptimaSolar explains how it all works below!

Solar Panel Inspection and Insurance
More and more insurance companies are making a SCIOS Scope 12 inspection a requirement. This specific inspection, introduced in 2019, is designed for the thorough examination of solar installations. Only certified companies that meet strict standards are authorized to perform Scope 12 inspections.

Inspections for Private Solar Installations
In most cases, Scope 12 inspections are carried out for commercial systems with more than fifty solar panels. For private individuals, this inspection is not mandatory and generally not required. However, having your system inspected voluntarily can provide peace of mind, knowing the installation is safe and meets quality standards. At OptimaSolar, safety is our top priority!

Inspection Requirement for Businesses
Businesses with solar panel systems on their rooftops are often required to prove the safety of their installations. For them, a Scope 12 inspection is typically mandatory. With the rapid growth in solar panel installers in recent years, insurance companies want assurance that systems are safe and that the risk of damage is minimized.

Technical Solar Panel Inspection
A Scope 12 inspection involves two main areas: a visual inspection of the solar panels on the roof, and a series of technical measurements at the inverter and meter box. Once the system passes the initial inspection—called the First Special Inspection (EBI)—it must be reinspected every three to five years. This ensures the installation continues to meet current safety standards. This follow-up is known as the Periodic Inspection (PI). Want to learn more about the EBI? Read on here!

Cost of Solar Panel Inspections
The cost of a Scope 12 inspection depends primarily on the number of panels and inverters in the system. Inspections must be carried out safely, which means that companies may also need to provide access equipment, such as scaffolding or lifts. Because of these variables, it’s difficult to give an exact price. Each inspection company also sets its own rates.
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