Will your home insurance cover plug-in solar panels? 8 essential questions and answers you need to know

With plug-in solar panels now legalised, you might be keen to rush out and add some to your home. But, could you be jumping the gun?

While they may not need planning permission or Building Regulations approval, plug-in solar panels still need careful consideration before you plug them in, and that includes asking if they will change your home insurance requirements.

We asked insurance experts some key questions regarding plug-in solar panels and what you need to do regarding your home insurance. Here's what they said.

1. Will my home insurance cover plug-in solar panels?

Although the general consensus is that you won't need a separate policy for your plug-in solar panels, it's better to disclose them than just assume they are covered.

“Plug-in solar panels are usually/may be covered by home insurance, but it’s likely that you’ll need to tell your insurer about them in order to be protected," explains Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare.

"These panels feed energy straight into your property's electrical circuit, meaning you are installing a mini power station to your home. In fact, if you don’t tell your insurer that you’re using them and then suffer an electrical fire or fault, you could actually invalidate your policy," he warns.

"So, while they are usually protected, it’s important that you communicate with your insure as failing to notify them about a new electrical installation could affect a future claim."

Nathan Blackler

With a 15-year history in the insurance industry, Nathan is a seasoned expert. He specialises in home insurance, broadband, energy and mobile phone deals.

2. Will only certain suppliers and panels be covered by my home insurance?

First and foremost, the main thing you need to do before purchasing plug-in solar panels is to check that they are legally compliant with the UK regulations. Only those that can provide proof they meet the newly launched standards will stand a chance of being covered.

“As plug-in solar panels are new to the UK market, you must ensure that you buy a compliant product, as only panels that meet the new government specifications will be permitted for use," says Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco Insurance.

"We’ve seen uncertified or poor-quality products cause serious safety issues when it comes to other household items, so making these checks before you purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce this risk."

If you are unsure about the supplier you are considering using, you are looking for proof that the panels have been assessed by the Energy Networks Association (ENA), are deemed compliant for use by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).

Shop for compliant plug-in solar panel kits

Alex Cross

Alex Cros is the Chief Customer Officer for Tesco Insurance and Money Services, having been appointed into this role on 1 November 2024.  Alex joined the Group in January 2022 and was Insurance Director prior to his current role. Alex has over 20 years’ experience in senior roles within financial services and insurance, having spent his career working in organisations such as Saga and BGL Group. Most latterly Alex was Executive Director for Saga Insurance before joining Tesco. Alex has an MBA from Imperial College London.

3. Will plug-in solar panels fall under contents or building insurance?

“Currently, plug-in solar panels typically meet the definition of contents, meaning they would usually be covered under a standard contents insurance policy in the same way as other household items," says Alex Cross.

However, as with any changes or home improvements you make, it's always worth checking in with your current provider to ensure you are fully covered.

"While traditional solar panels are usually part of your buildings insurance, plug-in solar panels will likely fall under the contents insurance policy," takes up Nathan Blackler. "This is because they are classed as portable equipment since they aren’t permanently fixed down into place. Again though, you should clarify this with your insurer.

"Homeowners should also check whether their policy has any exclusions for items kept outdoors, as well as any single-item limits that could affect how much they'd receive if a panel was stolen," he adds.

As when renovating your home and wondering if you need separate renovation insurance, or asking what DIY projects can invalidate your home insurance, checking before you purchase or start installation of your plug-in solar panels can save any problems if issues were to arise in the future.

4. What happens if my panels are stolen?

While items stored outside are normally covered by your insurance, there may be conditions in place such as making sure expensive bikes are stored in an appropriate places, including sheds with good security.

However, as solar panels need daylight to work, this isn't feasible. And, while they will be wall- or floor-mounted and attached to a stand, what happens if they are stolen?

“As with any item kept outside the home, such as on a balcony or in a garden, plug-in solar panels can be a target for theft," picks up Alex Cross. “Many policies apply different conditions to items kept outside the home compared to those kept indoors, and some may only cover theft from outside in certain circumstances, so it’s important to check your policy wording before you install a panel rather than after something goes wrong."

“Your best option will likely be to contact your insurer to check if you’ll be covered in this scenario, and if not, ask if there’s anything you can add to your policy to get the protection you need," says Nathan Blackler.

“There are a lot of variables involved that could impact whether you’re covered. For instance, where exactly you’re keeping the panels and how secure they are. Some contents insurance policies protect against theft of possessions out of the home, although you might need to add personal possessions cover as an add-on in order to get this protection," he continues.

"But even with this cover, there could be technicalities around how secure the panels are. These are all reasons why you’ll need to discuss your own circumstances with your insurer."

Alex offers some additional tips to make sure you are protected as best you can be. “Taking sensible steps to secure the panel, such as using the fixings or locking mechanisms recommended by the manufacturer, can help reduce the risk of theft," he says.

“We’d also recommend keeping your receipt, a note of the serial number and a photo of the panel, as having these to hand can make the claims process smoother if you ever need to make one.”

5. What if the plug-in panels cause damage to my home?

While in theory, there should be no risk of damage if you have correctly installed your plug-in solar panels, before you do install them, it's important to ask yourself the following questions to help mitigate the risk of damage.

If the panels are being wall-mounted on a garden wall, is the wall strong enough to withstand the panels moving in high winds or storms? It's worth noting that the plug-in panels recently launched by Octopus Energy for example are full-size ones, weighing around 22kg per panel.

What is the wall you are mounting them to made of? According to Octopus Energy, you need to reconsider if you were thinking of attaching them to a wooden fence – not least of all because of the weight of the panels.

"The new planning rules mean plug-in solar can't be installed under permitted development on wooden fences, gates, walls, balconies or enclosures," says the advice on their website. "The rules around timber sheds aren't completely clear, so we recommend checking with your local planning authority before installing on a wooden structure or avoid mounting on this material all together."

When using the floor mount, you also need to make sure you have something such as gravel or bricks that is heavy enough to hold the mount down. A sheltered area may also be beneficial but again, think about stormy weather and what's close by if the panels did shift in any direction.

Electrical issues

Although plug-in panels are being positioned as an easy DIY solar solution, it's worth remembering that this then puts the onus on you as the homeowner to have completed the necessary due diligence and installed them safely. Unlike standard solar panel installation where the responsibility lies with the installer, with plug-in panels, that's not the case.

Not all homes are suitable for plug-in panels, so you need to establish if yours is or not – this will be particularly important if you're considering adding them when rennovating a house. If you're unsure in any way, it's always worth speaking to an electrician.

And, while there is no major re-wiring or electrical work involved if your home is deemed to be suitable, what happens if they do play havoc and you end up with electrical problems you didn't have before?

“Depending on your level of cover and the circumstances, damage to the fabric of your home, including its wiring and electrics, would typically fall under buildings insurance. Some types of damage may only be covered if you have accidental damage cover, so it’s worth checking what your policy includes," says Alex Cross.

“Where the panel was bought and how it was installed and used may also be considered. Using a product that doesn’t meet the new specification or not following the manufacturer’s guidance could affect a claim, which is why it’s important to choose a compliant product and check your home’s electrics are suitable,” he adds.

Faulty panels

If the issue arises as a result of a faulty panel, Nathan offers this advice:

“If a faulty panel damages your home, your insurer may cover the resulting damage depending on the circumstances and the terms of your policy. In some cases, they may then seek to recover costs from the manufacturer if the product is found to be defective.

"Make sure you keep the receipt for the device so that you have proof of purchase and gather as much evidence as possible that the device caused the damage," he continues. "Taking photos before attempting any repairs is often a good way of doing this. Remember this often doesn’t apply if the damage was caused by negligence or misuse, so make sure you install and maintain the panels properly; otherwise, you might not be able to claim back the costs."

6. When could plug-in panels invalidate my home insurance?

While following the above advice should help steer you away from any major risks regarding solar panels and home insurance, our experts do advice extra caution in two scenarios.

Renters and those in leasehold properties should exercise caution

“Renters and leaseholders should check with their landlord or freeholder before installing a panel, particularly in multi-occupancy buildings," says Alex Cross.

“Once that’s been checked and the necessary approval received, it’s also a good opportunity for consumers to review their insurance policy. People who rent often assume they don’t need cover since they don’t own the property, but contents insurance is designed to protect the possessions inside it, from everyday items to bigger purchases. Cover and any limits that apply can vary between providers, so it’s worth checking your policy wording to make sure you’re covered.”

7. Will I need to declare plug-in solar panels as a valuable item?

“Many contents policies have a single item limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out for any one item unless it has been listed separately on the policy," is the advice of Alex Cross.

"Since a typical plug-in solar panel costs around £400, it may fall within that existing limit, but it’s worth checking your current cover."

8. Will it make my insurance premiums higher?

Concerned your insurance costs might rise if you declare plug-in solar panels to your provider? Nathan Blacker says it's not something he has seen at the moment, but that this may change.

“It's unlikely that every insurer will treat plug-in solar panels the same way. Some may simply note them on your policy, while others could factor them into their assessment of risk. However, because the technology is relatively new to the mass market, insurers are still gathering the data necessary to effectively price against it, so you could see more fluctuations further down the line.”

While the above advice should help you decide how to progress with your home insurer, it's also worth being careful about where you install your plug-in solar panels if you have neighbours.

As the full-size panels on the ground, or on a wall, may be seen from surrounding properties, you'll want to avoid the risk of neighbour disputes. And, if you own a listed building, you'll need to also check there aren't any restrictions that prevent them being placed in the curtilage of your home.