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Your solar panels are almost certainly covered by homeowner's insurance — but you probably need to update your policy. Premiums increase $10-$25/month. Here is the full picture.
Quick Answer
Yes, solar panels are covered by standard homeowner's insurance under dwelling coverage (Coverage A). You need to increase your dwelling coverage limit by the installed cost of your system ($15,000-$35,000) and notify your insurer. Premiums typically increase $10-$25/month. Battery storage may need a separate rider. Leased panels are usually insured by the leasing company, not you.
Short answer: yes. Rooftop solar panels that are permanently attached to your home are considered part of the dwelling structure — just like your roof, HVAC system, or built-in appliances. They are covered under Coverage A (Dwelling) of a standard HO-3 homeowner's insurance policy.
This means damage from covered perils — hail, wind, fire, lightning, falling trees, vandalism, and theft — is insured. Your panels are covered for their replacement cost (not depreciated value) as long as your dwelling coverage limit is high enough.
Critical step most homeowners miss
You must increase your dwelling coverage limit to include the replacement cost of your solar system. If you have $350,000 in dwelling coverage and add a $25,000 solar system, you need $375,000 in coverage. Otherwise, in a total loss, you would be underinsured.
Call your insurance agent within 30 days of installation
Increase Coverage A by the full installed cost of your system
Ask if battery storage needs a separate rider or endorsement
Request a green energy or renewable endorsement if available
Keep a copy of your installation contract and equipment serial numbers
Take photos of your installed system for documentation
Solar panels increase your dwelling replacement cost, which increases your premium. Here is what to expect.
5-7 kW ($15,000-$20,000)
$8-$15/month
$100-$180/year
8-12 kW ($22,000-$30,000)
$12-$22/month
$150-$260/year
13-20 kW ($30,000-$50,000)
$18-$30/month
$220-$360/year
Context: A $200/year premium increase is less than 1% of the $2,000-$4,000/year you save on electricity. Even after the insurance increase, solar is still a strong financial investment. Some insurers offer a "green energy discount" that reduces the increase by 5-15%.
A comprehensive guide to when your homeowner's insurance pays for solar panel damage — and when it does not.
| Event | Covered? | Coverage Section | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hail damage to panels | Yes | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Subject to deductible. May trigger roof inspection. |
| Wind damage (nor'easter) | Yes | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Includes wind-blown debris. Document damage immediately. |
| Fire (electrical or external) | Yes | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Covers panels + wiring + inverters + roof repair. |
| Falling tree or branch | Yes | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Tree removal often included up to policy limit. |
| Lightning strike | Yes | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Surge damage to inverters/optimizers also covered. |
| Manufacturer defect | No | Manufacturer warranty | Covered by 25-year product warranty, not insurance. |
| Normal degradation | No | N/A | Panels lose ~0.5%/yr. This is expected, not damage. |
| Installer error | No | Installer liability insurance | The installation company's insurance covers this. |
| Flood damage | No | Separate flood policy | Standard homeowner's excludes floods. Need FEMA NFIP or private flood. |
| Power surge (grid) | Yes | Dwelling or equipment breakdown | Some policies require equipment breakdown rider. |
Home batteries (Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ 10c, FranklinWH aPower2) add another layer of complexity to your insurance. While most carriers cover batteries under dwelling or "other structures," some require a separate equipment breakdown endorsement.
Lithium-ion batteries carry a small but real fire risk that some insurers flag. This does not mean they will refuse coverage — modern LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 3 are extremely safe — but your agent should know you have one.
Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage to solar panels, batteries, or inverters. This matters because:
If you are in a flood zone, you need FEMA NFIP or private flood insurance to cover your solar and battery equipment. NFIP policies cover building property (including attached solar) up to $250,000.
One of the most common concerns: does installing solar void your roof warranty?
Most shingle manufacturers (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning) allow solar installation without voiding the warranty — as long as a licensed roofer installs proper flashing at each penetration point. Standard rail-mounted solar uses lag bolts into rafters with flashing boots.
If a leak occurs at a mounting point, the installer's workmanship warranty covers the roof repair — not your roofing manufacturer's warranty and not your homeowner's insurance. This is why choosing a reputable installer matters.
Metal roofs are ideal for solar because S-5! clamps attach directly to the standing seam without any penetrations. This means zero risk of leaks and zero impact on your roof warranty.
For flat commercial-style roofs (TPO, EPDM), ballasted mounting systems use weighted blocks instead of penetrations, also preserving the roof warranty.
If your solar panels are damaged, here is the step-by-step process.
Document the damage
Take photos from multiple angles. Note the date, weather event, and visible damage. Do not attempt to touch or move damaged panels (electrical hazard).
Contact your solar installer
They can remotely monitor your system and identify which panels/inverters are affected. They will also determine if the damage is covered by equipment warranty vs. insurance.
File a claim with your insurer
Provide photos, installer assessment, and system documentation. Solar claims are processed like any dwelling damage claim.
Adjuster inspects the system
Your insurer sends an adjuster who may bring a solar-specialized assessor. They compare damage to your system specifications and installed cost documentation.
Receive payout minus deductible
Replacement cost policies pay for new equivalent equipment. Actual cash value policies depreciate — which is why replacement cost coverage is recommended for solar.
Installer handles repairs
Your installer replaces damaged panels, inverters, or wiring. NuWatt coordinates directly with your insurer for seamless claims.
What we have seen from major carriers in New England and mid-Atlantic states.
Generally includes rooftop solar under dwelling coverage. May require updated home valuation.
Covers solar as part of dwelling. Green Improvement endorsement available for replacement with newer technology.
Includes solar in dwelling coverage. Equipment breakdown coverage recommended for inverter protection.
Military families: USAA covers solar under dwelling. One of the more solar-friendly carriers.
Popular in NE. Covers solar under dwelling. Dividend-paying mutual — may offset premium increase.
Covers solar. Equipment breakdown endorsement includes solar inverters and optimizers.
Yes, in most cases. Solar panels that are permanently attached to your roof are considered part of your dwelling structure and are covered under the "dwelling coverage" (Coverage A) of a standard homeowner's insurance policy. This covers damage from fire, hail, wind, falling trees, and other covered perils. However, your total dwelling coverage limit must be high enough to include the replacement cost of the panels.
Usually, yes — but modestly. Most homeowners see a premium increase of $10-$25 per month ($120-$300/year) because solar panels increase the replacement cost of your dwelling. This depends on your panel system cost, roof type, location, and insurer. Some insurers offer green energy discounts that partially or fully offset the increase. Always get a quote from your insurer before installation.
Yes. Solar panels add $15,000-$35,000 to the replacement cost of your home. If your current dwelling coverage limit does not account for this, you could be underinsured in the event of a total loss. Contact your insurer to increase your Coverage A by the installed cost of your solar system. This is one of the most important steps after installation.
It depends on your lease agreement. In most solar lease and PPA arrangements, the solar company (system owner) carries their own insurance on the equipment. Your homeowner's policy may still cover damage to your roof caused by the leased panels. Always clarify responsibility with both your insurer and the leasing company — there should be no coverage gaps.
Battery systems (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, etc.) are often covered under dwelling or "other structures" coverage, but some insurers require a separate equipment endorsement or rider. Lithium-ion batteries carry a small fire risk that makes some insurers cautious. Ask your agent specifically about battery coverage and whether you need a rider — do not assume it is included.
A tree falling on your solar panels is covered under the standard "falling objects" peril in most homeowner's policies. Your insurer would pay for panel replacement, roof repair, and electrical system damage minus your deductible. If the tree was dead or obviously hazardous and you failed to remove it, the insurer could argue negligence — so keep trees near your solar array trimmed.
Yes. Solar panel claims are subject to your standard homeowner's policy deductible, typically $1,000-$2,500. If your deductible is $2,000 and hail damages $3,000 worth of panels, you receive $1,000. If the damage is less than your deductible, it is out-of-pocket. Consider whether the claim is worth filing — small claims can raise your premiums more than the payout.
Yes. Theft is a covered peril under standard homeowner's policies. However, rooftop solar panel theft is extremely rare for residential systems — the panels are heavy, bolted to racking, and connected to high-voltage wiring. Ground-mount systems have slightly higher theft risk. Regardless, you are covered under the personal property or dwelling section of your policy.
NuWatt provides complete system documentation for your insurer, including equipment specs, serial numbers, and installed cost certifications. We handle the paperwork.