The UK's commercial and residential property owners are exploring how clean energy infrastructure can help future-proof their assets while meeting evolving environmental expectations and regulatory requirements.
According to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) statistics, government grant schemes have supported the installation of more than 410,000 home EV charge-points and 81,000 workplace charge-points across the UK.1
Solar uptake is also gathering pace, with the UK surpassing 2 million total solar installations in March 2026 as part of the government's clean power ambitions.2
The rapid adoption of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities and rooftop solar installations reflects a shift towards more sustainable properties. As these technologies become more embedded in buildings, property owners will have to adapt to changes in associated operational, compliance and insurance responsibilities.
Potential benefits of EV charging and solar infrastructure
- Properties become more appealing to tenants and buyers looking for modern, energy-efficient buildings.
- Supports sustainability objectives while helping properties keep pace with evolving regulatory and market expectations.
- Future energy storage potential increases, with emerging vehicle-to-home technology expected to enable EVs to act as backup power sources.
Understanding the risks of EV charging and solar facilities
Clean energy facilities can make properties more attractive as climate concerns and energy costs rise. However, this integration does come with risks: property owners are facing increased scrutiny around safety, maintenance and compliance.
EV charging infrastructure
Infrastructure risks
Where EV chargers are connected to wider building systems, a single failure can lead to property damage and service disruption.
Older buildings may face additional challenges if their existing infrastructure wasn't designed to support multiple or high-capacity EV charging points. Installing or expanding charging infrastructure without appropriate technical assessment and professional oversight can increase safety and liability risks.
Climate risks
As weather-related risks continue to evolve in the UK, property owners need to consider measures that help protect their EV charging infrastructure. Any damage caused by floods, storms or other extreme weather events can disrupt charging services and increase repair costs.
Compliance and liability risks
As the regulatory landscape around EV charging continues to evolve, determining who is responsible for the EV charging station can be challenging. In some cases, responsibility lies with a third-party operator, whereas in others, it remains with the landlord or resident management company.
Reflecting this challenge, Rebecca Golding, head of Real Estate Underwriting, Gallagher, says, "If ownership and maintenance responsibilities aren't clearly documented, gaps can emerge around compliance, inspections and liability."
Solar panel installations
Infrastructure risks
Before panels are installed, property owners can assess whether the roof is structurally suitable to support the system throughout its expected lifespan. Installing solar panels on deteriorating roofs can create operational challenges and additional costs if the panels later need to be removed for repairs.
Infrastructure planning is particularly important for older commercial buildings and properties with future redevelopment or maintenance programmes. Failing to assess structural suitability at the outset can increase project costs and affect the long-term value of the investment.
Solar panels are safe when they're properly designed, installed and maintained. However, damaged cabling, defective components and faulty electrical connections can increase the risk of fire and equipment failure.
Compliance and governance risks
Compliance risks often emerge when key requirements are overlooked during installation or throughout the life of the system. Over time, this can create challenges during property sales, refinancing, regulatory inspections and insurance reviews.
Common compliance gaps include:
- Missing installation, certification and electrical safety records
- Inadequate roof and structural assessments
- Poorly documented maintenance and inspection programmes
- Unclear ownership and compliance responsibilities
- Failure to notify insurers of material changes to the risk
Key regulatory requirements
Regulatory requirements vary depending on the type, scale and location of an installation. Property owners may benefit from understanding the key considerations associated with EV charging and solar projects.
EV charging
- Compliance with Building Regulations Part S, which sets requirements for EV charging infrastructure in certain new developments and buildings undergoing major renovation.
- Adherence to electrical safety requirements, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
- Compliance with the Electric Vehicles Regulations 2021, including smart charging, security and consumer information requirements.
- Installation and maintenance by qualified and appropriately accredited contractors.
Solar panel installations
- Compliance with Building Regulations, particularly where structural alterations are required.
- Adherence to electrical safety standards, including BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
- Compliance with fire safety, roof-loading and structural requirements.
How are insurers assessing EV charging and solar risks?
Insurers are assessing a range of property, liability and operational risks associated with EV charging infrastructure and solar installations.
For EV charging infrastructure, insurers are primarily focused on:
- Assessing whether the electrical capacity and resilience of existing building infrastructure can safely support current and future charging demand.
- Evaluating charger location and fire exposure, particularly in underground and basement car parking facilities.
- Reviewing installation quality and compliance standards to ensure charging infrastructure meets relevant regulatory and electrical safety requirements.
- Assessing probable maximum loss (PML) and estimated maximum loss (EML) scenarios, particularly for larger residential and commercial developments where a fire event could affect multiple vehicles, building systems and occupiers.
For solar installations, key areas of focus include:
- Reviewing installation quality and fire protection measures, including contractor competence, equipment standards and electrical safety controls.
- Examining inspection, maintenance and testing arrangements to ensure panels, inverters and associated electrical equipment are properly managed.
- Evaluating battery storage risks, where installed, as these can introduce additional fire and property damage exposures.
Four best practices for property owners
Installing EV charging infrastructure or solar panels isn't just a capital investment. It's a long-term commitment that requires planning and ongoing risk management. Our specialists at Gallagher recommend:
- Get the basics right before installation: Assess whether the property is suitable before investing. For EV charging, assess electrical capacity, grid connection and charger location. For solar, review roof condition, structural capacity and roof lifespan.
- Think beyond installation: Systems should be properly designed, maintained and regularly inspected, with clear ownership and maintenance responsibilities in place.
- Invest with a long-term strategy: The decision to install EV charging infrastructure or solar panels should be based on a clear business case, not simply market momentum. What works well for an office, warehouse or build-to-rent development may not deliver the same benefits elsewhere. A well-planned installation is more likely to deliver long-term value and avoid costly upgrades or underused assets later.
- Review insurance arrangements early: Engage with insurers before installation. Review whether existing cover remains appropriate, including property damage, business interruption, liability and equipment breakdown insurance. Keep a record of installation, maintenance and inspection to support underwriting and future claims discussions.
Gallagher can help
Installing EV charging infrastructure or solar panels in today'schanging real estate and insurance landscape involves a comprehensive strategy.
Our specialists at Gallagher can help you understand the associated risks, review your insurance requirements and identify practical steps to protect your assets.
Speak to a Gallagher specialist today
