In short: The rapid growth of photovoltaic installations in the Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and across the PACA region comes with increasingly structured regulatory requirements. Among them, decennial insurance plays a central role for any company carrying out solar panel installation work.
At Edmond Solutions, an RGE-certified installer based in Fréjus for over 15 years, this coverage is not only a mark of reliability for our clients, but also an essential protection that we systematically require from every contractor involved in our projects.
Clear insights into the importance, requirements, and specific challenges of decennial insurance in the photovoltaic sector.
What is a ten-year warranty (decennial insurance) for photovoltaic systems?
Decennial insurance, also known as a ten-year structural warranty, covers the civil liability of construction professionals for a period of ten years following the completion of the work.
For photovoltaic panel installations, this legal requirement—based on Articles 1792 and subsequent sections of the French Civil Code, as well as the Spinetta Act of January 4, 1978—applies whenever the work may impact the structural integrity of a building or compromise its waterproofing.
In practical terms, decennial insurance protects against damage severe enough to affect the stability of the structure or render elements such as the roof, walls, or roofing system unfit for their intended use. For example, an installation defect in a roof-integrated photovoltaic system may fall within the scope of this coverage.
Why is decennial insurance essential for a photovoltaic installer?
Any photovoltaic installer working on solar energy projects must hold decennial insurance specifically adapted to the technical requirements of solar installations. At Edmond Solutions, every project—whether a solar panel installation in the Var or the Alpes-Maritimes—is fully covered and properly documented. This requirement is justified by the potential risks associated with improper installation, such as water ingress or compromised waterproofing, which can lead to significant structural damage.
In addition to being a legal obligation under Article L.241-1 of the French Insurance Code, decennial insurance also reassures clients about the professionalism and reliability of the solar installer. In the event of a claim, it ensures fast financial coverage for necessary repairs, reducing disputes and strengthening trust between the client and the company.
Which professionals are subject to the legal requirement for photovoltaic decennial insurance?
Installers and general contractors
Photovoltaic installers—whether operating as sole traders, specialised companies, or craftsmen—are all subject to this regulation when carrying out building-integrated solar work. This includes both the structural support systems for solar panels and any interventions affecting the building envelope or roof structure.
However, when installations are carried out as standalone systems (such as independent carports or ground-mounted trackers), the scope of decennial insurance may vary depending on whether the work impacts the structural integrity or intended use of the property. Each professional must therefore carefully assess the exact nature of the works performed to ensure appropriate insurance coverage.
Subcontractors and self-employed professionals
Many subcontractors and self-employed contractors assume they are not affected by this requirement. However, any party involved in construction work, even partially, must hold appropriate decennial insurance covering their scope of intervention. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a €75,000 fine (Article L.243-3 of the French Insurance Code).
Transparency towards clients is also essential. This coverage should be clearly stated on quotations and invoices. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to display the insurance policy number and its period of validity in a visible and dedicated section.
How does decennial insurance work for solar panels?
Types of damage covered
All defects that compromise the structural integrity of the building, including the photovoltaic system, or cause significant damage (such as water infiltration, collapse, or electrical fire) fall under decennial insurance coverage. The origin of the issue is irrelevant: design flaws, defective mounting components, or installation errors are all included.
Typical covered cases include:
- Water leaks caused by faulty roof integration
- Premature deterioration of fasteners or mounting systems leading to a risk of detachment
- Fire hazards linked to electrical malfunction within the solar system connected to the structure
- Mechanical weakening of the roof due to unanticipated overload
Possible exclusions and limitations
Certain elements do not strictly fall under photovoltaic decennial insurance. Standard production issues (temporary drops in performance, micro-defects that do not affect the structural integrity of the building, or normal wear and tear of components) are generally excluded from this legal coverage. Purely electrical issues that are not structural in nature are also excluded.
For more comprehensive protection, other insurance solutions may apply, such as the two-year warranty (covering removable equipment) or professional liability and business insurance, which must be taken out separately with the insurer.
Eligibility requirements and how to take out photovoltaic decennial insurance
Eligibility criteria
Insurance providers require proof of technical competence, including professional certifications (such as QualiPV Electrical or QualiPV Building), proven experience in solar panel installation, and strict compliance with safety standards. A detailed review of the project, including installation plans and the type of electrical connection, is systematically carried out before any application is approved.
Additional supporting documents are often requested, such as staff training certificates, references from previous completed projects, and evidence of product compliance (for example, inclusion in the C2P “green list” from the Agence Qualité Construction or a CSTB Technical Assessment).
Administrative procedures
How much does photovoltaic decennial insurance cost?
Several key factors have a significant impact on the pricing of decennial insurance for the photovoltaic sector. These include the company’s annual turnover, the complexity of the installations (building-integrated systems, roof-mounted arrays, total connected capacity), the team’s level of qualification, and the company’s claims history.
The table below presents the typical price ranges observed on the market in 2026:
Type of work | Annual turnover (€) | Estimated annual premium (€) |
|---|---|---|
Simple residential installation | < 80 000 | From €900 to €1,500 |
Small specialised companies | 80 000 to 250 000 | From €1,800 to €4,500 |
Large commercial/agricultural projects | + 250 000 | From €5,000 to €20,000 |
It is also important to note that the exact amount depends on additional coverage options selected, such as extended professional liability insurance, specific extensions for certain building types, and legal protection coverage.
What best practices should be adopted to ensure reliable project execution?
Comply with regulatory and technical standards
A secure construction site begins with strict compliance with DTU (Unified Technical Documents) and industry best practices in both electrical and building sectors. Using certified materials—ideally listed in the C2P “green list” from the Agence Qualité Construction—ensuring compliance at each stage, and documenting all operations significantly reduces the risk of insurance claim rejection in the event of a loss.
During the works, maintaining full traceability (photos, intervention reports, and handover certificates) provides additional protection in the event of a dispute.
Be transparent with clients
Providing proof of photovoltaic decennial insurance systematically at the time of quotation signing, clearly stating it on all invoices and commercial documents, and educating clients on the scope of the warranty all contribute to strengthening the company’s credibility and professionalism.
Better informed, both private and professional clients in regions such as the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are more confident in entrusting their solar self-consumption projects to recognised installers like Edmond Solutions, thereby securing their investment over the long term.
Frequently asked questions about photovoltaic decennial insurance
Who is required to take out decennial insurance in the photovoltaic sector?
The obligation applies to any professional carrying out work considered as a construction activity, such as integrating solar panels into a roof or the load-bearing structure of a building. This includes craftsmen, general contractors, and engineering design firms working for public or private project owners.
It covers all business structures without exception, including:
- Self-employed contractors (auto-entrepreneurs)
- Companies of all legal forms (LLC, SAS, etc.)
- Subcontractors performing structural work
What types of damage are covered by decennial insurance?
Decennial insurance covers defects affecting either the structural integrity of the building (such as roof collapse linked to the addition of solar panels) or its waterproofing (such as water infiltration caused by poor sealing around mounting systems). Purely electrical issues that are not structural in nature are generally excluded.
Examples of covered damage include:
- Damage caused by panel detachment following a storm
- Water infiltration at mounting points
- Deterioration of the building envelope rendering the property unfit for its intended use
How should you respond in the event of a photovoltaic decennial insurance claim?
It is essential to notify the decennial insurance provider immediately through its dedicated claims service, then prepare a complete file including photos, expert reports, and all documents related to the project. It is crucial to act within the deadlines specified in the contract, as failure to do so may delay or reduce coverage.
Key steps include:
- Promptly informing both the client and the insurer
- Gathering all technical and contractual documentation
- Closely monitoring deadlines to ensure smooth claims processing
What criteria should be considered when choosing suitable photovoltaic decennial insurance?
Choosing the right insurer requires a detailed review of deductibles, compensation limits, and exclusions related to each type of claim. It is advisable to favour insurance companies specialised in renewable energy and to check the availability of extensions to standard public liability coverage in order to secure long-term business activity.
Key points to assess include:
- Availability of qualified legal support
- Personalised assistance in the event of a dispute
- Clear and transparent policy terms, particularly regarding roof-integrated systems versus roof-mounted (over-roof) installations
