Permits, Insurance, Service And Inspection - Viessmann Vitovolt 200 Technical Manual

1.2 Permits, insurance, service and inspection

1.2 Permits, insurance, service and inspection
Planning permission
The planning permission for photovoltaic
systems is subject to regional and
national variations. Your local planning
officer will advise you accordingly.
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Insurance
Since relatively large sums are invested
in photovoltaic systems, appropriate
insurance is essential.
Insurance will protect the owner's
investment, particularly when systems
are financed by outside sources.
Liability insurance
The owner or developer is responsible for
any third party losses resulting from the
system installation or operation. You can
cover yourself against this risk by taking
out a third party liability insurance, which
you could do by adding the installation to
your private liability insurance.
System insurance
System damage (property loss) through
environmental influences, theft,
vandalism, structural failures or through
operating errors, can be covered by an
electronics insurance which covers all
losses a so−called "fully comprehensive
insurance" for solar power stations. This
insurance also offers compensation if the
system is out of use for prolonged
periods.
If the photovoltaic system is included in
an existing fire and buildings insurance,
substantially more favourable premiums
may be realised if the system user is also
the house owner.
If the system is to be included in an
existing insurance policy, the system user
should ask the insurance company to
confirm the insured risk and the extent of
insurance cover in writing, otherwise the
system may not be adequately covered.
Maintenance and inspection
Photovoltaic systems generally represent
maintenance−free technology. The energy
is gained without mechanical or chemical
processes, i.e. only through
electro−physical processes. The system is
therefore free from wear and tear.
Photovoltaic energy is the most
environmentally friendly way of
generating electrical power. The system
is exceptionally reliable due to its
composition from long−life components
without moving parts. The user only
needs to monitor the proper operation
and to check the energy yield. Regular
checks ensure that the system delivers
optimum yields and thereby achieves
high efficiency levels.
Every kWh failure means that cash is lost.
The user should check and record the
meter readings and any special events
(maintenance work) at least every month.
This should include recording at least the
monthly system yield, as this enables the
early recognition of faults and their
cause. Comparisons with earlier years
and neighbouring systems will assist in
ensuring that the system operates
properly.
VITOVOLT