TradeGuardSolar & Photovoltaic subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a solar & photovoltaic subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a solar & photovoltaic job into the GC's claim.
Why solar & photovoltaic insurance matters
Roof penetrations (leaks + falls), electrical fire risk, and long-tail production/defect claims on systems meant to last decades.
What to require from a solar & photovoltaic sub
General liability, workers' comp, completed operations, and professional liability for design-build installs.
Usually requires an electrical or specialty solar license. Confirm it and whether the trade designs the array (design = E&O).
Completed-operations additional insured + professional liability where they design the system.
No completed-operations or E&O on a system sold on a 20-year promise.
Most of these gaps come down to one thing: additional insured status and the right endorsement.
General information, not legal or insurance advice; confirm requirements with your broker and the terms of your subcontract.
Never miss a solar & photovoltaic sub's expired COI
TradeGuard tracks every subcontractor's certificate, flags missing endorsements, and warns you before coverage lapses, so a solar & photovoltaic gap never becomes your claim.
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Solar & Photovoltaic insurance FAQ
What insurance should a solar & photovoltaic subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability, workers' comp, completed operations, and professional liability for design-build installs.
Do solar & photovoltaic subcontractors need a license?+
Usually requires an electrical or specialty solar license. Confirm it and whether the trade designs the array (design = E&O).
What's the most common COI gap on solar & photovoltaic work?+
No completed-operations or E&O on a system sold on a 20-year promise.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.