INSURANCE GUIDE
Solar Panel Insurance UK
Home insurance for solar panels - what is covered, what is excluded, and how to protect your installation.
TL;DR
- Solar panels fixed to your roof are typically covered under buildings insurance as part of the structure.
- You must tell your buildings insurer about solar panel installation - most require notification.
- Panels on outbuildings or ground-mounted panels need separate cover if not at the main insured address.
- Battery storage systems and inverters need to be included in the sum insured and covered explicitly.
Are Solar Panels Covered by Home Insurance?
Solar panels permanently fixed to your roof are generally considered part of the building structure and therefore covered under a standard buildings insurance policy. However, this is not automatic - you must notify your insurer when panels are installed. Some insurers include panels within the standard buildings cover; others require a specific endorsement or a policy amendment. Failing to notify your insurer of a material change such as solar panel installation can affect claims for unrelated events as well as panel-specific claims.
What Solar Panel Insurance Covers
A buildings policy that includes solar panels typically covers: storm and hail damage to panels; accidental damage; fire; theft (of panels from the roof, though this is relatively uncommon given the difficulty of removal); and damage caused by fallen trees or other impacts. Damage to the roof structure caused by panel installation faults may be more complex and depend on the circumstances.
Battery Storage and Inverters
Battery storage systems and inverters - the key components of a solar installation alongside the panels themselves - also need to be covered. Confirm with your insurer that the battery storage unit (if located in the garage or loft) and the inverter are included within the cover. These are high-value components that may not be automatically included within a standard buildings policy amendment for solar panels.
Impact on Buildings Insurance Premium
Adding solar panels to your building increases the rebuild cost, which affects the buildings insurance sum insured and therefore the premium. The additional premium for including solar panels is typically modest relative to the installation cost. Under-insuring by failing to increase the sum insured after installation could result in a proportionate reduction in any claim payout under an average clause.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Always read policy documents in full before purchasing cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell my insurer about solar panels?
Yes. Solar panel installation is a material change to the property that must be disclosed to your insurer. Most insurers require notification within a specified period of installation. Failing to disclose a material change can affect the validity of the policy for all claims, not just those related to the solar installation.
Are solar panels on a rented property covered by landlord insurance?
Landlord buildings insurance should cover solar panels installed by the landlord on the property. The landlord must notify the insurer of the installation. If the solar panels were installed by the tenant, the position is less clear and depends on the tenancy agreement terms regarding alterations to the property. Tenants who install panels should ensure they have appropriate cover for their own panels.
