Engineering & Regulatory Standard

RC62 Fire Safety Recommendations & Commercial Solar Insurance

By HeatPumpsAndSolar.co.uk Commercial Technical Team · Published 21 October 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026

Ensuring Insurability: Meeting RISCAuthority & Joint Code Standards for Rooftop Solar

A vital risk-management guide for facilities directors and risk managers covering RISCAuthority RC62 recommendations, combustible insulation mitigation, DC arc-fault detection, and commercial building insurance compliance.

Key Technical Principles

Ask your property insurer which RC62 fire-safety recommendations and installation conditions apply to your roof
Assess the existing roof construction, insulation and fire performance before specifying the array
Consider DC arc-fault detection and isolation measures appropriate to the design and insurer requirements
Agree a documented inspection and maintenance schedule with the installer and insurer
Notify your insurer before installation and confirm any changes to cover in writing

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Why Commercial Insurers Scrutinize Rooftop Solar

Commercial rooftop solar can change a building's fire, roof-penetration and electrical risks. Poor connections, damaged DC equipment and incompatible roof materials should be assessed as part of the design. Discuss RISCAuthority RC62 recommendations and the insurer's project-specific requirements before installation rather than assuming a standard specification will secure cover.

Key Physical Standards of the RC62 Framework

Roof construction: Identify insulation and cladding materials and agree any required fire barriers or separation measures with the insurer and designer.
External fire performance: Check the proposed modules and roof covering against the relevant fire classification and the insurer's written requirements.
Access zones: Agree roof-edge clearances and walkways with the fire-risk assessor, installer and insurer for the specific site.

Electrical Safety: Arc-Fault Detection and Rapid Shutdown

Arc-fault detection, DC isolation and module-level shutdown are options that may reduce specific electrical risks, but their capabilities differ by product and system design. Ask the installer to document the proposed safety measures, the voltage remaining on DC circuits after isolation, and whether these meet the fire-risk assessment and insurer's conditions.

Best Practices for Engaging Your Property Insurer

Notify in advance: Tell your property insurer about the proposal before signing installation contracts.
Provide the specification: Share the drawings, mounting and fire-performance information and proposed electrical safety measures the insurer requests.
Check installer competence: Agree the installer qualifications, evidence of insurance and commissioning documents required for your project.
Plan maintenance: Ask the insurer and installer what inspection and testing schedule they require, including whether thermography is appropriate.

Technical Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Facilities managers and engineering team queries

Will installing commercial solar increase our building insurance premiums?

Premiums and cover conditions depend on the building, roof construction, system design and insurer. Notify your insurer before installation, provide the proposed specification and obtain written confirmation of any premium or policy changes.

Can solar panels be installed on roofs with composite foam insulation?

Possibly, but suitability depends on the core material, fire-risk assessment and the insurer's conditions. Have the roof construction assessed before design; some roofs may need mitigation or may not be acceptable to the insurer.

What testing documentation must be provided to the building insurer upon completion?

Ask the insurer for its project-specific handover checklist. It may request the electrical installation certificate, DNO connection and commissioning records, relevant fire-performance evidence, installer credentials and an as-built operations and maintenance manual.