Are Solar Panels Covered by Home Insurance?
Solar panels are usually covered by your existing home insurance as permanent fixtures to the building – but you must notify your insurer after installation. Failing to tell your insurer could invalidate your cover entirely.
Adding solar panels to your home insurance typically costs £20–£50 per year extra, and some providers include them at no additional charge. A typical 4 kWp solar system adds £5,000–£8,000 to your property rebuild value, which your insurer needs to know about.
Quick Answer
Yes, solar panels are usually covered by standard home insurance as fixtures and fittings. However, you must notify your insurer after installation and update your rebuild value. Expect to pay £20–£50/year extra, though some providers include solar panels at no added cost. Keep your MCS certificate and installation records safe for any future claim.
Last updated March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Are solar panels covered by home insurance?
In most cases, yes. Solar panels are considered permanent fixtures or fittings to your property, much like a conservatory or fitted kitchen. Standard buildings insurance typically covers them against damage from storms, fire, theft, and other insured perils. However, you must tell your insurer they have been installed. If you do not, your insurer may refuse a claim or even void your policy.
“Homeowners should always inform their insurer when solar panels are installed. Solar panels increase the rebuild cost of the property and may affect the terms of the policy. Most insurers will cover them as part of standard buildings insurance.”
Buildings insurance
Covers the physical panels, mounting system, and wiring as part of the building structure. This is the main policy that protects your solar installation against storm damage, fire, falling trees, and similar perils. Your rebuild value needs updating to include the cost of the solar system.
Contents insurance
Does not typically cover solar panels themselves, as they are fixtures rather than contents. However, contents insurance may cover a portable solar generator or removable equipment. The inverter and battery (if inside the home) may fall under either buildings or contents – check with your provider.
What if I do not tell my insurer?
Failing to notify your insurer of a material change to your property (which solar panel installation is) can result in a claim being rejected or your entire policy being voided. Even if you never need to claim for the panels themselves, an unrelated claim (e.g. a burst pipe) could be refused if your insurer discovers undisclosed modifications to the property.
What can go wrong with solar panels?
Solar panels are durable and designed to withstand the UK climate, but they are not immune to damage. Understanding the types of damage that can occur helps you ensure your insurance policy provides adequate cover.
| Damage Type | Likelihood | Typically Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm & wind damage | Medium | Yes | High winds can dislodge panels or damage mountings |
| Hail damage | Low | Yes | Panels are tempered glass but extreme hail can crack them |
| Falling trees/branches | Medium | Yes | Physical impact damage; may also damage the roof |
| Theft | Low | Yes | Rare for roof-mounted panels; more common for ground-mounted |
| Electrical fault / fire | Low | Yes | Faulty wiring or inverter failure; ensure MCS-certified installation |
| Animal / bird damage | Medium | Usually | Pigeons nesting under panels; squirrels chewing cables |
| Accidental damage | Low | If included | Damage during roof work, antenna installation, etc. |
| Gradual degradation | Certain | No | Normal wear; panels lose ~0.5% efficiency per year |
Most standard home insurance policies cover sudden and unforeseen damage. Gradual degradation and wear-and-tear are never covered by insurance – these fall under your maintenance and warranty arrangements.
What to tell your insurer after solar panel installation
Contact your home insurance provider as soon as your solar panels are installed. You will need to provide specific information so they can update your policy correctly. Most insurers handle this over the phone or through their online portal.
| Information Needed | Why It Matters | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Total installation cost | Updates your rebuild value | Your installer’s invoice |
| System size (kWp) | Helps insurer assess risk and value | MCS certificate or installer quote |
| MCS certificate | Proves compliant installation | Issued by your installer post-install |
| Roof-mounted or ground-mounted | Affects risk profile (theft, wind) | Your installer |
| Battery storage (if applicable) | Additional value; lithium battery risk | Your installer’s specification |
| Inverter type and location | Part of the insured system | Your installer’s specification |
How much does your rebuild value increase?
A typical solar panel system adds £5,000–£10,000 to your property’s rebuild value, depending on system size. A standard 4 kWp system costs around £5,000–£7,000 installed. If you also have a battery, add a further £3,000–£6,000. Your insurer uses the rebuild value (not market value) to set your buildings insurance premium and ensure you are not underinsured.
How much does it cost to insure solar panels?
Adding solar panels to your home insurance is typically inexpensive. Most homeowners pay £20–£50 per year extra, and some providers absorb the additional risk with no premium increase at all. The cost depends on your insurer, system size, and overall policy terms.
| Scenario | Typical Extra Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small system (3–4 kWp, no battery) | £0–£30/year | Many providers include at no extra cost |
| Standard system (4–6 kWp, no battery) | £20–£40/year | Most common; modest rebuild value increase |
| System with battery storage | £30–£50/year | Battery adds to rebuild value and risk profile |
| Large system (8–10 kWp + battery) | £40–£60/year | Higher rebuild value; check excess levels |
| Ground-mounted panels | £50–£80/year | Higher theft risk; some insurers exclude ground-mounted |
Ways to keep costs down
- Shop around at renewal – compare quotes
- Ensure your installer is MCS-certified
- Install bird-proofing to prevent pigeon damage
- Keep your MCS certificate and warranty documents safe
- Consider a higher voluntary excess to reduce premium
What to check in your policy
- Is accidental damage included or an optional extra?
- What is the excess for a solar panel claim?
- Are panels covered for their full replacement cost?
- Is loss of income (SEG payments) covered?
- Are ground-mounted panels included or excluded?
Get a quote from MCS-certified solar installers
MCS certification helps keep your insurance costs low. Compare prices from certified installers. Free, no obligation.
Get a Quote ↓Do I need specialist solar panel insurance?
Most homeowners do not need a separate, specialist solar panel insurance policy. Standard home insurance typically provides adequate cover. However, there are situations where specialist or standalone solar insurance may be worth considering.
When standard cover is enough
- Roof-mounted residential system
- System installed by an MCS-certified installer
- Your insurer confirms solar panels are covered
- Rebuild value has been updated
- Accidental damage cover is included
When specialist cover makes sense
- Ground-mounted or solar farm installation
- Your home insurer excludes or limits solar panel cover
- Commercial or landlord property
- You want loss-of-income cover (SEG payments)
- Very large or high-value system (>£15,000)
What does specialist solar insurance cover?
Standalone solar panel insurance policies are offered by a small number of specialist providers. They typically cover:
- All-risks physical damage (storm, fire, impact, theft)
- Accidental damage and mechanical breakdown
- Loss of income from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Third-party liability (e.g. a panel falls and injures someone)
- Removal and reinstallation costs during roof repairs
- Debris removal after damage
Specialist policies typically cost £80–£200 per year depending on system size and cover level. For most residential installations, standard home insurance is more cost-effective.
Solar panel warranty vs insurance: what’s the difference?
Your solar panel system comes with multiple warranties from the manufacturer and installer. These cover different things from your insurance policy. Understanding the distinction helps you avoid paying twice or missing out on a valid claim.
| Issue | Covered by Warranty? | Covered by Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing defect | Yes (product warranty, 10–25 years) | No |
| Performance degradation beyond guarantee | Yes (performance warranty, 25–30 years) | No |
| Inverter failure | Yes (inverter warranty, 5–12 years) | Sometimes (electrical breakdown) |
| Storm damage | No | Yes (buildings insurance) |
| Theft | No | Yes (buildings insurance) |
| Fire damage | No | Yes (buildings insurance) |
| Installation workmanship issue | Yes (installer warranty, 5–10 years) | No (but installer’s liability insurance applies) |
| Accidental damage | No | If accidental damage cover is included |
| Animal / pest damage | No | Usually yes |
Understanding your solar panel warranties
Most solar panels come with a product warranty (10–25 years, covering defects) and a performance warranty (25–30 years, guaranteeing at least 80–85% output). Your inverter has a separate warranty (typically 5–12 years). Your installer should also provide a workmanship warranty covering the quality of the installation itself. Keep all warranty documents with your MCS certificate.
How to make a solar panel insurance claim
If your solar panels are damaged, the claims process is similar to any other home insurance claim. Acting quickly and documenting the damage thoroughly will help your claim proceed smoothly.
Step-by-step claims process
- Document the damage: Take photos of the damaged panels from the ground (do not climb on the roof). Note the date and cause of damage if known.
- Make the area safe: If panels are hanging loose or wiring is exposed, keep people away and contact your installer or an electrician.
- Contact your insurer: Report the claim as soon as possible. Provide your policy number, photos, and details of your solar installation.
- Get an installer assessment: Your insurer may ask for a professional assessment. Use an MCS-certified installer to inspect and quote for repairs.
- Provide documentation: Have your original MCS certificate, installation invoice, and any warranty documents ready. These prove the system’s value and specification.
- Agree the settlement: Your insurer should cover like-for-like replacement of damaged panels and components. If your exact panel model is discontinued, a comparable replacement should be provided.
- Arrange repairs: Once approved, your installer carries out the repair. Ensure the replacement is properly certified and any new components are registered.
Documents to keep safe
- MCS certificate (proof of compliant installation)
- Installation invoice showing full cost
- Panel and inverter warranty documents
- Electrical certificate (BS 7671)
- Photos of the completed installation
- Insurance policy showing solar panel cover
Common reasons claims are rejected
- Insurer was not notified of solar panel installation
- Rebuild value was not updated
- Damage caused by wear-and-tear (not an insured peril)
- Panels were not installed by a certified installer
- Claim value is below the policy excess
- Accidental damage not included in the policy
Solar panel insurance checklist: what to do after installation
Follow this checklist after your solar panel installation to make sure you are properly covered. Most of these steps take just a few minutes but could save you thousands in the event of a claim.
- Notify your home insurer – Call or go online to inform them of the installation. Do this within 14 days.
- Update your rebuild value – Add the full cost of your solar system (panels, inverter, battery if applicable, and installation) to your buildings insurance rebuild value.
- Confirm cover in writing – Ask your insurer to confirm in writing (email or letter) that your solar panels are covered under your policy.
- Check your excess – Understand what excess you would pay on a solar panel claim. If it is very high, consider adjusting it.
- Add accidental damage cover – If not already included, consider adding accidental damage to your policy. It covers damage from things like dropped tools during roof work.
- Store your MCS certificate safely – Keep a digital copy in cloud storage and a physical copy with your home documents. You will need this for any claim.
- Keep your installation invoice – This proves the value of your system and is essential for claims.
- File your warranty documents – Store panel, inverter, and battery warranties together with your MCS certificate.
- Take photos of the installation – Photograph the completed system from multiple angles. This provides evidence of the installation’s condition for future claims.
- Set a reminder to review at renewal – When your home insurance renews, check that solar panels are still covered and the rebuild value is up to date.
Do solar panels affect my home insurance premium?
Solar panels generally have a minimal impact on your home insurance premium. While they increase your property’s rebuild value (which can nudge the premium upward), they also increase your property’s value. The additional insurance cost is far outweighed by the energy savings and property value uplift.
| Factor | Impact on Premium | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Increased rebuild value | Small increase | £10–£30/year |
| Roof modification (mounting) | Minimal | £0–£10/year |
| Battery storage addition | Small increase | £10–£20/year |
| MCS certification discount | Can reduce premium | Varies by insurer |
| Ground-mounted panels | Moderate increase | £30–£60/year |
Premium impacts are estimates and vary between providers. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers at renewal. Some providers actively welcome solar panel owners, while others charge significantly more. MCS certification from your installer can help demonstrate quality and reduce perceived risk.
Solar Panel Insurance FAQ
Are solar panels covered by home insurance?
Yes, in most cases. Solar panels are considered permanent fixtures to the building and are covered under standard buildings insurance. However, you must notify your insurer after installation and update your rebuild value. If you fail to do so, claims may be rejected.
Do I need to tell my home insurer about solar panels?
Absolutely. Installing solar panels is a material change to your property. Failing to notify your insurer could invalidate your entire home insurance policy — not just for solar-related claims, but for any claim. Contact your insurer within 14 days of installation.
How much extra does home insurance cost with solar panels?
Typically £20–£50 per year for a standard residential system. Some insurers include solar panels at no extra cost. The main factor is the increase in your property's rebuild value. Shop around at renewal, as prices vary significantly between providers.
What if my insurer won't cover solar panels?
While uncommon, some insurers may exclude or limit solar panel cover. In this case, you have three options: switch to a provider that covers solar panels (most major insurers do), add a specialist solar panel insurance policy alongside your existing cover, or negotiate specific terms with your current provider.
Are ground-mounted solar panels covered by home insurance?
Not always. Ground-mounted panels are more vulnerable to theft and may be excluded from standard buildings insurance as they are not attached to the building. Check with your insurer — you may need a policy extension or specialist cover for ground-mounted systems.
Does solar panel insurance cover loss of income?
Standard home insurance does not typically cover loss of income from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If your panels are damaged and you lose export income, specialist solar insurance policies may cover this. For most homeowners, the loss of income during repairs is modest (a few pounds per week).
Are solar panel batteries covered by home insurance?
Usually yes, as part of the solar installation. Notify your insurer that you have battery storage and include its value in your rebuild cost. Some insurers may ask about the battery type and location. Lithium-ion batteries (used in all major brands) are generally accepted by UK insurers.
What happens if a solar panel falls off my roof and injures someone?
Your home insurance should cover third-party liability if a properly installed solar panel causes injury or property damage. This is one reason why using an MCS-certified installer is important — it demonstrates the installation met professional standards. Ensuring adequate liability cover is essential.
Do I need insurance during solar panel installation?
Your installer should carry their own public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. Ask to see proof of insurance before work begins. Your existing home insurance covers the property, but does not cover the installation work itself — that is the installer's responsibility.
Can I claim on insurance for pigeon damage to solar panels?
Pigeon damage (droppings, nesting debris, pecking at cables) is typically covered under standard home insurance as accidental damage or vermin damage. Prevention is better than cure — consider installing bird-proofing mesh around your panels. The cost is £300–£500 and saves on cleaning and repairs.
Will my solar panel warranty cover what insurance doesn't?
Warranties and insurance cover different things. Warranties cover manufacturing defects, performance degradation, and workmanship issues. Insurance covers sudden events like storms, fire, theft, and accidental damage. You need both for comprehensive protection. Neither covers cosmetic damage or normal wear-and-tear.
How long do solar panels last compared to their insurance?
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30+ years and typically come with 25-year performance warranties. Your home insurance covers them continuously as long as you maintain the policy. There is no need for a separate, time-limited insurance policy — your ongoing buildings insurance provides continuous cover.
Related Guides
Sources
- ABI: Association of British Insurers
- MCS: Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- Aviva: Home Insurance
- Direct Line: Home Insurance
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- HMRC: 0% VAT on Energy-Saving Materials
Last updated: March 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
Get a Solar Panel Quote
MCS-certified installers help protect your insurance cover. Compare prices from certified installers. Free, no-obligation quotes.