Thoughts on Solar
May 21, 2013
We are blowing out the candles on the cake and celebrating our first year in the solar industry. We began on an auspicious note when we launched our Assurant Solar Project Insurance last year. We were greeted by a news headline that said our entry into the solar industry signified the maturing market and less exciting times to come. Well, insurance may seem boring but the past 12 months was high energy for our Solar team…. Read More
January 17, 2013
Every 3,000 miles. When I was teaching my children how to drive I also taught them that every 3,000 miles they should get an oil change and maintenance checkup before something goes wrong. I taught them to not ignore the car service light when it goes on and to remember to fill up the gas tank before it gets too low. But despite my best efforts, I occasionally found myself jumping into my car to go get them… Read More
December 13, 2012
Since we launched Assurant Solar Project Insurance our goal has been to help solar project developers complete more projects by securing project financing more easily. Assurant Solar Project Insurance helps satisfy lender and investor requirements. One of the challenges, however, has been making sure solar installations continue to generate the energy yields that investors anticipate during the course of a project’s lifespan. Sound and ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) services… Read More
November 15, 2012
by Rue Phillips
When Hurricane Sandy pounded the East Coast, it left 8.5 million homes and businesses across 16 states in the dark as transmission lines, transformers and substations fell victim to powerful winds and the storm surge. While the conventional electric grid suffered the storm’s wrath, power generating sources of renewable energy including solar modules made it through largely unscathed. Solar modules are designed to withstand the elements and are resilent in most weather conditions. Hurricane force winds can uproot… Read More
October 16, 2012
by Cindy Henry
I am thrilled to be adding my voice to the discussion on solar photovoltaic (PV) project development as the newest member of the Assurant solar team. For my first post, I thought I’d weigh in on the issue of solar module warranties. It is a topic that continues to preoccupy solar developers, owners, investors and lenders alike. Typically, solar developers only needed to ask themselves two things about solar modules. First, what’s the price? Second, what’s the energy… Read More
September 07, 2012
There are no guarantees in this life but increasingly they are being sought after for solar project developments. In fact, performance guarantees seem to be on the mind of everyone involved in solar project development. At Intersolar North America in San Francisco this summer, I must have heard a dozen conversations about how important performance guarantees are. I can understand why. Market uncertainty caused by solar manufacturer market consolidation and government actions continues to kick up dust storms… Read More
August 20, 2012
By: Jeanne Schwartz and David Schroeder We are excited to join the online discussion and share our ideas with you about solar energy. We hope to stimulate thoughtful discussion on important industry topics and have some fun while we’re doing it. We’ll discuss our experiences, insights and opinions on recent news in the renewable energy industry, share how our customers are using risk management strategies to improve operations and reduce hazards, and announce new solar PV developments. Just… Read More