Insuring solar panels in the UK
Installing solar panels at your home is a significant investment that can lower electricity bills, reduce carbon footprint, and even generate income through surplus energy sold back to the grid. However, solar panels are vulnerable to risks such as weather damage, theft, and accidental breakage. Making sure you have solar panel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection. Without the correct level of cover, a single incident could wipe out equipment that potentially cost several thousand pounds.
Having added solar panels to your property, your home’s rebuild value may also increase which means you will need to be aware of being underinsured. If you are underinsured and need to make a claim, you might not receive the full payout amount.
If you are planning on installing solar panels in the future, talk to your Home Insurance broker on how this update to your property could affect your insurance policy and premiums, as policy terms may need to be reviewed.
In addition, while your solar panels should typically be covered for fire, storm damage, theft and vandalism, they might not be insured for accidental damage, so again, talk to your broker if you are unsure.
Are your solar panels automatically insured under your Home Insurance policy?
Solar panels can often be added to a standard buildings insurance policy as they are considered a permanent fixture of the home. However, homeowners must inform their insurer to ensure they are covered for the full replacement value, including installation costs.
Homeowners with freestanding solar panels that are not attached to the main house, such as those installed in your garden or a paddock, may find they need to be included under a section for ‘outbuildings and other permanent structures’ rather than under the cover for the ‘main house’.
What does your insurance cover you for?
Adverse weather and accidents
The UK’s unpredictable climate, ranging from heavy storms to hail and occasional snow, can pose a threat to solar panels. High winds can dislodge panels, and falling branches can cause physical damage, especially to rooftop panels. Insuring your solar panels can cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged panels.
Theft
Solar panels are often worth many thousands of pounds and can be a target for thieves because of their resale value. Appropriate insurance provides financial protection against such losses, ensuring the system can be restored quickly.
If you are interested in discussing insurance for solar panels, please contact us today.
For new Home Insurance enquiries
If you would like to discuss an existing policy that you already have with us, please get in touch using the details below:
