Does My Home Insurance Cover Solar Panels?
Are Solar Panels Covered by Home Insurance?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on how they’re installed.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies treat permanently attached rooftop solar panels as part of your home’s structure, just like your roof or siding. This means if your panels are damaged by a covered peril — like hail, wind, fire, or falling branches — your dwelling coverage usually pays to repair or replace them, up to your policy limits.
However, there are important exceptions and details to know.
Rooftop vs. Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
If your panels are mounted on your roof, they’re typically considered part of your dwelling. But if you have ground-mounted panels or panels on a detached structure (like a garage or shed), they might be covered under other structures coverage, which often has lower limits — sometimes only 10% of your dwelling coverage.
If your solar setup is expensive or large, you may want to raise your other structures limit or add an endorsement to ensure you’re fully protected.
What Risks Are Usually Covered?
Homeowners insurance generally covers sudden, accidental damage, like:
Wind and hail damage
Fire and lightning strikes
Falling objects (like tree limbs)
Vandalism or theft
What’s usually not covered:
Gradual wear and tear
Manufacturer defects or poor installation
Flood damage (covered under a separate flood policy)
Earthquake damage (needs a separate endorsement in Ohio)
If you lease your solar panels, coverage can get more complicated — we’ll cover that next.
Do I Need Insurance for Leased Solar Panels?
If you lease your solar panels, the leasing company usually retains ownership and is responsible for insuring them. Always check your lease agreement to confirm who’s responsible if panels are damaged or destroyed.
However, you’re still responsible for any damage they cause to your roof or home — so it’s smart to review your homeowners policy to make sure you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Should I Increase My Coverage Limits?
Solar panels can add $10,000–$30,000 or more in value to your home. If you add panels but don’t update your dwelling limit, you could be underinsured after a total loss like a fire.
It’s a good idea to review your dwelling coverage amount after any major home upgrade — including a solar install — to make sure your policy still covers the full cost to rebuild.
Do I Need Extra Liability Coverage?
Most solar homeowners don’t need extra liability coverage just because they have panels — unless your panels could pose an unusual risk to neighbors or passersby (like ground-mounted panels near a sidewalk). If you sell excess electricity back to the grid, check if your utility requires proof of additional coverage.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we help Ohio homeowners protect their investments — solar panels included. We’ll:
Review your current policy to see how your panels are covered
Explain your options if you lease your panels
Recommend whether you should increase your dwelling or other structures limits
Check for discounts or special endorsements to make sure you’re fully protected
Adding solar panels shouldn’t mean worrying about a coverage gap. We’ll help you get it right so you can enjoy your energy savings with peace of mind.
Solar panels are a great way to lower your utility bills and add value to your home — but only if you’re fully protected when the unexpected happens. Before you flip the switch, reach out to Hixson & Malinowski Insurance. We’ll make sure your home insurance policy is ready to power your future.
