Path-Q Solar
What installer insurance should a landlord verify when solar work will occur above occupied tenant spaces?
Answer
Verify current insurance certificates and policy terms appropriate to the work, including commercial general liability, workers' compensation where applicable, automobile liability, and coverage for completed operations; consider umbrella or excess limits and project-specific pollution or professional coverage when the risk warrants it. The landlord should confirm limits, exclusions, additional-insured status, and whether coverage applies to roof, water, fire, falling-object, and tenant-property claims.
Key points
- Request certificates directly and have the broker confirm material coverage terms rather than relying only on certificate wording.
- Check that subcontractors carry comparable coverage and that the installer remains responsible for them.
- Align required limits and endorsements with the building, tenants, lender, and lease obligations.
- Require prompt notice of cancellation or material change where contractually appropriate.
What it depends on
- Building and tenant exposure
- Scope, height, access, lifting, electrical, and interior work
- Installer and subcontractor structure
- Lease, lender, and property-insurance requirements
Risks and trade-offs
- A certificate alone does not establish every coverage term or guarantee payment.
- Exclusions may leave gaps for roof leaks, defective work, pollution, employee injury, or tenant property.
- Higher limits or endorsements may increase project cost but reduce uninsured exposure.
Information you may need
- Installer and subcontractor certificates and policy summaries
- Required additional-insured and waiver provisions
- Building and tenant insurance requirements
- Scope and method statement
- Landlord's broker or risk adviser review
Your next step
What to do next
Send the proposed contract and work scope to the landlord's insurance broker and require written confirmation that the installer and subcontractors meet the project's coverage requirements.
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