Solar panels and home insurance

Key takeaways

• Solar panels attached to your roof will normally be covered by your home insurance as part of your home’s structure - but be sure to double check this

• You might need to declare them separately if they exceed your policy’s single-item limit for claims

• Solar panels can cost around £5,000 or more to buy and install, but they’re durable and newer panels can last for decades

Are my solar panels covered by home insurance?

Yes, you’ll find that in most cases if you have solar panels they should be covered by your home buildings insurance.

This means you won’t generally need to take out specialist cover for your solar panels - however it’s good to check with your insurance provider before installing them to be sure of the total cost.

It’s also worth checking if you have a solar battery whether it will be included in your buildings cover or contents cover, as it’s likely to depend on where it’s stored.

How much cover do I need for solar panels?

Insurers generally have single-item limits on home insurance, and as solar panels are quite pricey you’ll likely need to declare them separately to make sure they’re covered.

Check to be sure the amount of cover you have on your policy is enough to include your solar panels if you need to repair or replace them.

What will my home insurance cover my solar panels for?

Your solar panels will usually be covered to the same extent as everything else on your policy, depending on the cover you take out.

This means you’ll be able to claim for things like fire or storm damage, theft or vandalism, while you’ll likely need to take out extra protection for things like accidental damage.

What type of solar panels are covered by home insurance?

Home insurance policies will generally cover most types of solar panels that are attached to your roof, including:

• Solar roof tiles

• Photovoltaic monocrystalline panels

• Photovoltaic polycrystalline panels

• Hybrid panels with heat exchanges

However, freestanding solar panels aren’t considered part of your home’s structure, so these will likely need specialist cover.

Should I tell my insurer if I get solar panels?

Yes, you’ll need to tell your insurer if you get solar panels attached to your roof, as well as any other major changes you make to your home. It will likely increase the overall market and rebuild value of your home, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough cover for this.

Will having solar panels affect my home insurance premiums?

It’s likely that installing solar panels will increase your premiums slightly as a result of the overall increased value of your home. However it isn’t likely to be by much, and it will be worth the cost if you need to claim for damage.

Compare home insurance quotes

Comparing home insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find affordable cover for your home and your solar panels. Just tell us a little about yourself, your property and the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for deals that meet your needs.