SOLAR EXIT GUIDE
Solar panels on your roof add value — but also complexity to your insurance. This guide covers what's covered, what's excluded, and how to navigate claims for both owned and leased systems.
Published April 13, 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Filing a solar panel insurance claim after storm damage, hail, or other events can be confusing. Whether your solar panels were damaged by a hailstorm, a fallen tree, or something else entirely, understanding your insurance coverage is critical. Based on our research, many homeowners are surprised to learn that insurance coverage for solar panels depends heavily on whether you own or lease the system — and that significant exclusions may apply. This guide helps you navigate the complexities of solar panel insurance claims.
In This Guide
If you own your solar panels outright (purchased with cash or a solar loan), they're generally covered under your standard homeowner's insurance policy. Most policies treat rooftop solar panels as part of your dwelling, similar to how they cover your roof itself. Understanding what does homeowners insurance cover for solar panels is the first step in protecting your investment.
Your solar panels are typically covered up to your dwelling coverage limit. A residential solar system generally costs $15,000 to $35,000 to replace, so make sure your dwelling coverage is sufficient to cover both your home and the solar system. If your coverage limit is too low, you may be underinsured.
Just as important as what's covered is understanding what your homeowner's insurance typically will not cover:
Important: Every insurance policy is different. The exclusions listed above are general guidelines based on our research. Always review your specific policy documents and discuss coverage with your insurance agent. Policies can vary significantly between insurers and between states.
The question of leased vs owned solar insurance coverage changes dramatically depending on your arrangement. This is one of the most important distinctions when filing a solar panel insurance claim.
| Factor | Owned Panels | Leased / PPA Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Who insures? | You, through your homeowner's policy | The solar company (they own the equipment) |
| Your policy coverage | Covered as part of your dwelling | May not be covered by your policy |
| Who files claims? | You file with your insurer | The solar company typically handles it |
| Your responsibility | Deductible and premium increases | Report damage promptly to the solar company |
| Roof damage from panels | May be covered under your policy | May be the solar company's liability |
When you lease solar panels, the leasing company (Sunrun, Sunnova, etc.) typically retains ownership and is responsible for insuring the equipment. If you're dealing with solar panel storm damage insurance issues on a leased system, you'll generally need to work through the solar company rather than your own insurer. Your lease agreement should specify:
Pro Tip: Even if you lease your panels, contact your homeowner's insurance company to make sure they're aware of the solar installation. Some insurers need to know about rooftop modifications, and failing to disclose solar panels could potentially affect your coverage for other claims.
If your owned solar panels have been damaged, here's the step-by-step process for filing an insurance claim:
Do not attempt to repair or touch damaged solar panels yourself. Damaged panels may still carry dangerous electrical current. If you see exposed wiring or cracked panels, contact your solar installer or a qualified electrician.
Before anything is moved or repaired, thoroughly document the damage:
Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. Provide:
Contact qualified solar installers for repair or replacement estimates. Get at least two estimates if possible. The insurance adjuster will compare these with their own assessment.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be present during the inspection if possible, and point out all damage you've documented.
Once the adjuster completes their assessment, you'll receive a settlement offer. Review it carefully to ensure it covers the full cost of repair or replacement. If you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to negotiate or hire a public adjuster.
Dealing with solar panel damage or contract issues? Get a free contract review to understand your options.
To support a strong insurance claim, gather the following documentation:
Adding solar panels to your home typically affects your homeowner's insurance premium. A solar panel insurance premium increase is common, so here's what to expect:
Solar panels increase the replacement cost of your home, which generally results in higher premiums. Based on our research, typical increases range from $10 to $30 per month, though this varies significantly by:
If your premium increase feels excessive, shop around. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers resources for comparing home insurance options. Some insurers are more solar-friendly than others and may offer better rates for homes with solar installations. Ask about:
A separate but related issue is when solar panels themselves cause roof damage — leaks, structural stress, or deterioration at the mounting points. This is an increasingly common complaint.
Complete guide: Solar panels damaging your roof →
If solar panel installation caused roof damage, this is generally not an insurance claim — it's a liability issue for the installer. Your homeowner's insurance typically won't cover damage caused by faulty workmanship. Instead, you may need to:
In some cases, the damage to your solar panels or roof isn't an insurance matter at all — it's a matter of installer liability. Consider pursuing a claim against the installer when:
We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations while dealing with damage claims. Continue making any lease or PPA payments while pursuing your insurance claim or liability claim against the installer through proper channels.
Depending on your situation, you may want to consider additional insurance coverage for your solar panels:
Some insurers offer equipment breakdown endorsements that cover mechanical or electrical failure — which standard policies may exclude. This can cover inverter failures, wiring issues, and other equipment malfunctions. If your solar panels are also affecting your ability to sell your home, see our guide on selling a home with solar panels.
If you're in a flood-prone area, your standard policy won't cover flood damage to ground-mounted solar panels or electrical components that flood waters could reach.
Some insurers offer specific solar panel endorsements or riders that provide broader coverage, including coverage for lost energy production while the system is being repaired.
Ownership Disclosure: SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. TRU Solar Cancellation offers a Solar Exit Document Package for a one-time $450 fee. TRU is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. See our full ownership disclosure for details.
If you own your solar panels (purchased outright or financed with a loan), they're generally covered under your homeowner's insurance policy as part of your dwelling coverage. Coverage typically includes damage from hail, wind, fire, lightning, and falling objects. However, leased panels are typically the solar company's responsibility to insure. Results vary by policy and insurer.
Homeowner's insurance typically does not cover solar panel damage from normal wear and tear, manufacturer defects, improper installation, lack of maintenance, flooding (requires separate flood insurance), earthquakes (requires separate earthquake insurance), or cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function. Check your specific policy for exact exclusions.
When you lease solar panels, the leasing company (such as Sunrun, Sunnova, etc.) typically retains ownership and is responsible for insuring the equipment. Your lease agreement should specify who handles insurance and what happens in case of damage. Always confirm with your homeowner's insurance how the panels affect your own coverage.
Solar panels typically increase your homeowner's insurance premium because they increase the replacement cost of your home. The increase varies by insurer but generally ranges from $10 to $30 per month. Some insurers may require you to increase your dwelling coverage to account for the added value of the solar system.
To file a solar panel insurance claim: document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos, contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage, file a police report if applicable (vandalism, theft), get repair estimates from qualified solar installers, keep records of all communications, and don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects the damage.
If solar panel installation caused roof damage — such as leaks, structural issues, or improper penetrations — you may have a claim against the installer for faulty workmanship. This is generally not an insurance claim but rather a liability or warranty claim. Document the damage, get independent roof inspections, and consult an attorney if the installer refuses to remediate. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Whether it's an insurance claim, roof damage, or a contract dispute, get a free review to understand your options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance coverage varies by policy, insurer, and state. Results vary by individual situation. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. Consult your insurance agent and a qualified attorney before taking action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.