Solar Panel Insurance: Do You Need Extra Cover?
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Do solar panels need separate insurance?
Most UK home insurance policies cover solar panels as part of the building's structure — you do not usually need separate insurance. However, you MUST notify your insurer that panels have been installed. Some insurers increase premiums slightly (£20–£50/year); a few may exclude solar. The key rule: tell your insurer before installation and keep your MCS certificate.
What Home Insurance Typically Covers
Most UK buildings insurance policies cover solar panels against:
- Storm damage — wind, hail, lightning strikes
- Fire — including electrical fire originating from the solar system
- Falling objects — tree branches, debris
- Theft — though solar panel theft is extremely rare in the UK
- Malicious damage — vandalism
- Flood damage — if panels or inverter are affected
- Subsidence — if ground movement damages the roof and panels
Solar panels are considered a permanent fixture attached to the building, so they fall under buildings insurance (not contents insurance).
Important: Your policy covers the panels as part of the building, but you MUST declare them. Undeclared modifications to the building can void your entire policy — not just the solar claim.
Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidance on home modifications.
What Is NOT Usually Covered
Standard home insurance typically does NOT cover:
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown — if the inverter fails due to wear and tear, that is a warranty claim, not an insurance claim
- Gradual degradation — panels losing efficiency over time is normal and expected, not insurable
- Bird or pest damage — some policies exclude pest-related damage. Bird proofing prevents this.
- Poor installation — if damage results from substandard installation, the insurer may reject the claim and refer you to the installer's warranty
- Loss of generation income — if panels are damaged and you lose SEG income during repair, most policies do not cover lost earnings
- DIY installation damage — some policies exclude damage arising from non-professional work
How to Notify Your Insurer
When you install solar panels, contact your insurer and provide:
- The system size (e.g., 4kW / 10 panels)
- Installation cost (for rebuilding/replacement value purposes)
- MCS installation certificate (proves professional, compliant installation)
- Confirmation that the installer was MCS-certified
- Any structural assessments carried out (if applicable)
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Get a Quote for This WorkMost insurers simply note the modification and continue the policy unchanged. Some may increase your premium by £20–£50 per year. A few may require a specialist endorsement.
If your insurer charges a significant premium increase or refuses to cover solar panels, shop around. Many UK insurers are now solar-friendly — the market has matured and solar is no longer considered unusual or high-risk.
Source: ABI; UK insurance market comparison data.
Do You Need Specialist Solar Panel Insurance?
For most UK homeowners: no. Your standard buildings insurance is sufficient, provided you have notified your insurer.
Specialist solar insurance may be worthwhile if: - Your standard insurer refuses to cover solar or charges an unreasonable premium - You have a very large or high-value system (£15,000+) - You want loss-of-income cover (protection against lost SEG income during repairs) - You want mechanical breakdown cover (protects against inverter/panel failure beyond warranty)
Specialist solar insurance providers in the UK: - GreenAge Solar Insurance - Solar Panel Insurance UK - Maron Energy Insurance
Specialist policies typically cost £30–£80 per year and cover things standard home insurance does not (breakdown, loss of income, pest damage).
For most homeowners with a standard 4kW system and normal home insurance, specialist solar insurance is an unnecessary expense.
Source: UK insurance comparison; specialist provider quotes.
What Happens If Panels Are Damaged?
If your solar panels are damaged (e.g., by a storm):
1. Document the damage — take photos and note the date/circumstances 2. Check if it is a warranty claim or insurance claim: - Product defect → manufacturer warranty claim (free) - Installation fault → installer workmanship warranty claim (free) - Storm/fire/theft → home insurance claim (excess applies) 3. Contact your installer — they can assess the damage and advise whether it is a warranty or insurance matter 4. Contact your insurer — if it is an insurance claim, file a claim with photos and your MCS certificate 5. Get repair quotes — your insurer may require 2-3 quotes from MCS-certified installers
Typical repair costs: - Single panel replacement: £200–£500 (including labour) - Inverter replacement: £800–£1,500 - Mounting system repair: £200–£600 - Full system reinstallation (after fire/major storm): £5,000–£10,000
Source: MCS installer repair pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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Need someone to look at your system?
Faults, cleaning and bird proofing are all installer jobs. Get quotes from MCS-certified installers covering your area.
Get a Quote for This WorkFree, no obligation.