Posted on May 4, 2023
ICHQ | Site Author
Solar panels may lower electric bills, increase property value, and reduce carbon emissions. But the costs of installing solar panels can be substantial, depending on the size of your home and your energy needs. You want to make sure your investment is protected.
If your solar panels are damaged, they may or may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.
From our homeowners insurance claim attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ, here are some things you need to know about damaged solar panels and homeowners insurance coverage.
Are Solar Panels Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Solar panels attached to the roof of your home may be covered under your dwelling coverage. Ground-mounted panels or panels attached to another structure may be covered by the other structures section of your policy.
Your insurance company may exclude wind or hail damage to solar panels. If this is the case, a rider or endorsement to your policy may cover these panel types.
Separate policies for solar panel insurance are available if your insurer doesn’t provide this type of coverage.
What types of solar panel damage are covered?
Any covered peril listed in your homeowners insurance policy protects solar panels. The covered perils (or risks) may include damage from:
- Wind, hail, or lightning
- Fire and smoke
- Water (excluding floods)
- Vandalism or theft
Solar panels are especially vulnerable to weather damage due to their location, so be sure to contact your insurance company before installing the panels. You may determine that solar power isn’t the right solution for your home.
What types of damage are not covered?
Your homeowners policy will not cover solar panel damage from the following:
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Normal wear and tear
Coverage may be different if the solar panels are not permanently affixed to your primary dwelling.
Are Leased Solar Panels Covered?
Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for leased solar panels. However, a solar panel leasing company may maintain its own insurance.
How Do Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance Premiums?
Solar panels offer many benefits, but they may mean higher repair or rebuilding costs if your home is damaged or destroyed. You should consider increasing your homeowners coverage limits after adding solar panels to your home. The added coverage will ensure that you don’t suffer financial hardship in the event of a claim. However, this may increase your premium.
Talk to an Experienced Lawyer in New Orleans, LA Today
Filing an insurance claim for solar panel damage is complex. To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, our experienced homeowners insurance claim lawyers will work on your behalf for a positive outcome.
Contact us at Insurance Claim HQ, serving New Orleans, LA, for a free consultation.
FAQs About Solar Panel Damage
What are the most common ways a solar panel can be damaged?
Aside from weather damage, solar panels can be damaged by dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris. These can scratch or break the glass panels and decrease the amount of energy they produce.
What can I expect from a damaged solar panel?
Imperfections in solar cells can lead to hot spots, which can cause burn marks or fires. In addition, microcracks in thin solar cells can lead to poor energy production and make them more vulnerable to weather damage.
Do damaged solar panels require special handling?
Yes, damaged panels can be dangerous. Broken panels can release toxic components such as arsenic, lead, silicon, and cadmium. A professional removal process is the safest way to address damaged panels.
