Does home insurance cover solar panels?
Often, but not automatically. Here's what to ask before the panels go on the roof.
It depends on your insurer and policy. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says some insurers extend homeowners coverage to solar panels but not all, and adding panels can significantly affect the cost of your policy. Check with your insurer before you install (NAIC).
Questions for your insurer
- Are roof-mounted panels covered as part of the dwelling, and up to what limit? Does the dwelling limit need to go up by the system's cost?
- Which perils are covered: hail, wind, fire, falling trees? Is there a separate wind or hail deductible?
- Ground-mounted panels may count as a separate structure with a lower limit.
- Removal and reinstallation when the roof is repaired: is it covered?
- What happens to the premium after the system is added?
The NAIC also suggests finding out your legal obligations for insuring the panels before you install, and telling your insurer about the change.
If the system is leased
With a lease or PPA the company owns the system. The FTC says the contract should say who does maintenance and repairs and whether you pay for them, and what happens if you need to repair your roof after the system is installed (FTC). Ask the company in writing who insures the equipment and whether you must add it to your policy.
Warranties are not insurance
Panel and inverter warranties cover defects and output over time, and the installer's workmanship warranty covers the installation. Storm, fire and theft are insurance questions. Keep both in the same folder: how to check a solar quote.
Run your own numbers
Enter your ZIP and bill to see what a system would cost and save where you live.
Keep reading
- Disadvantages of solar panels — Nine downsides to weigh before you sign, with numbers from real tariffs.
- Can hail damage solar panels? — What the certification hail test covers, how big real US hail gets, and fire safety rules on the roof.
- How to get out of a solar lease — Your options before the term ends, when you sell the house, and at the end of the contract.
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Updated 2026-09-22.