In recent years, the climate disasters have become increasingly frequent and intense in various regions of Brazil. According to data from MIDR (Ministry of Integration and Regional Development), between January 1st and May 13th, 2024 alone, these events caused more than R$32 billion in losses in the country, affecting both the private and public sectors.
Phenomena such as gales, floods and hailstorms are examples of how climate changes have negatively impacted different areas, including the solar energy industry.
Proof of this is the increase of approximately 6,5% in the total value of compensation paid by Solar Safe Electron until august 2024, compared to the same period last year. This year alone, more than R$4,6 million has already been compensated for losses.
Atmospheric microexplosion accident
Within this context, we highlight a recent case of an accident in São Luiz Gonzaga (RS), where three photovoltaic plants were devastated by a severe event climate.
According to data provided by the integrator at the time of activating the solar insurance, a storm with strong winds and hail caused the collapse of the two warehouses where the plants were installed. The force of the wind twisted all the irons, and the solar modules were thrown, twisted and stuck in the trees.
A Civil Defense classified the event as an atmospheric microburst, a phenomenon that occurs when a wind current separates from a storm cloud and descends with great intensity towards the ground, generating strong gusts of wind, which may be accompanied by hail.
The images are impressive and reveal the severity of the damage suffered by this customer's photovoltaic plants.
Compensation of R$ 270 thousand
The three affected plants were protected by the Miscellaneous Equipment Risk Insurance, which protects the photovoltaic generator kit against damage caused by external factors, such as the storm in question.
After the incident, the integrating company responsible for installing the system promptly activated the insurance, initiating the loss adjustment process. Each plant was compensated with R$90 thousand, totaling R$270 thousand in compensation..
Claim timeline: from claim filing to compensation
The regulation process was conducted in an agile and efficient manner. The claim was reported to the insurer on June 18, 2024, shortly after the integrator sent the initial documentation to Elétron.
A few days later, on June 24, the insurer scheduled the field inspection for the 26th and, at the same time, requested that the integrating company send additional documents.
The additional documentation was received by Elétron and forwarded to the insurer for analysis on July 2. Exactly 10 days later, on July 12, the claim was released for payment and sent to the customer for signature. As soon as the term was signed, on July 16, it was sent back to the insurer for payment scheduling, which was confirmed within 7 business days.
On July 27, the customer was contacted to verify that payment had been received, and confirmation was given on the same date, indicating that the compensation process had been successfully completed.
Conclusion
This case in São Luiz Gonzaga highlights the importance of having adequate insurance for photovoltaic systems, especially in a scenario where climate disasters are becoming increasingly frequent.
A protection provided by Miscellaneous Equipment Risk Insurance was crucial to mitigate the losses faced by the client and restore financial balance in the face of an unexpected situation, such as an atmospheric microexplosion.
Furthermore, the speed and efficiency of the regulation process demonstrate how having a reliable and experienced company is essential to speed up the receipt of compensation.
In short, this episode demonstrates that taking out the right insurance is not just a preventative measure, but an essential strategy to ensure the continuity and protection of investments in solar energy, even in the face of challenges imposed by adverse natural conditions.
More articles by Mauro Filho
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
An answer
The culture of taking out insurance with a reputable company is an important initiative, especially for those companies that are consolidating themselves in the market. A notable example, already incorporated into the city, is the United States. There, any accident that occurs in a private or public environment, such as a shopping center, supermarket, or condominium, is a reason to take out insurance. That is why insurance is very expensive there. We hope that the culture of prevention, in the broadest sense, will be disseminated here. Engineer and professor, designer in solar generation, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy efficiency. Whatsapp – (21) 99771277