Solar Panel Insurance: Protecting Your Solar Investment

Solar panels have become increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses alike due to their ability to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. However, investing in solar panels isn’t cheap, and damage to these panels can result in significant financial loss. That’s where solar panel insurance comes in. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about solar panel insurance, including what it covers, how to get it, and important considerations to keep in mind.

What Is Solar Panel Insurance?

Solar panel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects your solar investment. It typically covers damage to your solar panels and related equipment, as well as any loss of income resulting from damage or malfunction. Depending on the policy, it may also cover theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

If you have a solar panel system installed on your property, it’s important to consider getting solar panel insurance to ensure you’re protected in case of unexpected events.

What Does Solar Panel Insurance Cover?

Solar panel insurance typically covers damage to your solar panels and related equipment, including:

Covered Damage
Examples
Physical damage
Impact damage, storm damage, fire damage, etc.
Mechanical breakdown
Equipment failure due to manufacturer defect, wear and tear, etc.
Electrical damage
Power surges, lightning damage, etc.
Loss of income
Income lost due to damage or malfunction of the solar panel system
Theft and vandalism
Theft of solar panels or damages from vandalism
Natural disasters
Damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters

How Much Does Solar Panel Insurance Cost?

The cost of solar panel insurance varies depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your location, and the coverage amount you choose. On average, solar panel insurance costs between $0.10 and $0.30 per watt of installed solar capacity per year.

For example, if you have a 5kW solar panel system, you may pay between $500 and $1,500 per year for solar panel insurance.

How Do I Get Solar Panel Insurance?

To get solar panel insurance, you’ll need to find an insurance provider that offers this type of coverage. Not all insurance companies offer solar panel insurance, so it’s important to do your research and find a provider that specializes in this area.

Once you’ve found an insurance provider, you’ll need to provide them with information about your solar panel system, such as the size and location, as well as the coverage amount you want. The provider will then give you a quote based on this information.

Important Considerations When Getting Solar Panel Insurance

When getting solar panel insurance, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Check Your Existing Policy

Before getting solar panel insurance, check your existing home or business insurance policy to see if it already covers your solar panel system. Some policies may offer limited coverage for solar panels, so it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Understand the Policy Exclusions

Make sure you understand the policy exclusions, which are events or types of damage that aren’t covered by the policy. For example, some policies may exclude damage from flooding or earthquakes.

Consider the Deductible

Solar panel insurance policies typically come with a deductible, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Make sure you understand the deductible and choose an amount that works for your budget.

Compare Quotes

Be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money. Consider factors like coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions when comparing quotes.

Solar Panel Insurance FAQs

Do I need solar panel insurance?

If you have a solar panel system installed on your property, it’s a good idea to consider getting solar panel insurance to protect your investment. Without insurance, damage to your solar panels can result in significant financial losses.

What does solar panel insurance cover?

Solar panel insurance typically covers damage to your solar panels and related equipment, as well as any loss of income resulting from damage or malfunction. Depending on the policy, it may also cover theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

How much does solar panel insurance cost?

The cost of solar panel insurance varies depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your location, and the coverage amount you choose. On average, solar panel insurance costs between $0.10 and $0.30 per watt of installed solar capacity per year.

How do I get solar panel insurance?

To get solar panel insurance, you’ll need to find an insurance provider that offers this type of coverage. Once you’ve found a provider, you’ll need to provide them with information about your solar panel system and the coverage amount you want. The provider will then give you a quote based on this information.

What should I look for in a solar panel insurance policy?

When getting solar panel insurance, it’s important to look for a policy that offers adequate coverage for your solar panel system. Be sure to check for exclusions and understand the deductible and coverage limits. It’s also a good idea to compare quotes from multiple providers to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money.

Can I add solar panel coverage to my existing home or business insurance policy?

Some home or business insurance policies may offer limited coverage for solar panels, so it’s important to check your policy before getting additional coverage. However, if your existing policy does not offer sufficient coverage for your solar panel system, you may need to get separate solar panel insurance.

Conclusion

Solar panel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects your solar investment. It typically covers damage to your solar panels and related equipment, as well as any loss of income resulting from damage or malfunction. Depending on the policy, it may also cover theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. When getting solar panel insurance, it’s important to check your existing policy, understand the policy exclusions, consider the deductible, and compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your money.