Solar panel installations are typically covered by your existing buildings insurance, not contents insurance
Most UK home insurance policies automatically include solar panels fixed to the roof as part of the buildings cover. Insurers consider roof-mounted solar panels a permanent fixture, like a fitted kitchen or a boiler.
Yes, solar panels are typically covered by your existing buildings insurance, not contents insurance. Most UK policies include roof-mounted panels as a permanent fixture, but you must notify your insurer before installation to avoid voiding your cover.
- Check your buildings insurance covers roof-mounted solar panels as standard.
- Notify your insurer before installation to avoid policy voidance.
- Expect a 5–15% premium increase after solar panel installation.
- Freestanding panels need separate contents insurance cover.
- Typical excess for solar panel claims is £250–£500.
- Solar panel installations are typically covered by your existing buildings insurance, not contents insurance
- The average cost increase for home insurance after installing solar panels is 5–15%
- Quick numbers key cost and cover figures for solar panels and insurance
- You must notify your insurer before installing solar panels, even if your policy doesn't change
- The direct answer installing solar panels does not automatically void your house insurance, but it can change your premiums and cover terms
- Eligibility and verification you need MCS certification and a professional installer to maintain insurance validity
- How to check your specific policy compare buildings vs contents cover and declare the panels
- What to do if your insurer refuses cover or increases premiums significantly
Contents insurance generally covers only movable items inside your home. Freestanding solar panels in a garden or portable solar generators would need separate contents cover, as they are not fixed to the structure.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirms that standard buildings insurance usually covers solar panels. However, homeowners must check their specific policy wording to confirm this applies to their system (ABI, 2026).
The average cost increase for home insurance after installing solar panels is 5–15%
Insurers may raise premiums because solar panels increase the rebuild cost of your property. They also introduce new risks of damage from weather or theft.
Data from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) shows that the average UK home insurance premium rise after solar panel installation is between 5% and 15%. The exact increase depends on the insurer and the value of the panels (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Some insurers offer no increase for panels valued under £10,000. Others may add up to 20% for high-value systems or larger arrays.
Quick numbers key cost and cover figures for solar panels and insurance
| Metric | Typical Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual premium increase | 5–15% | Energy Saving Trust, 2026 |
| Typical excess for solar panel claims | £250–£500 | ABI, 2026 |
| Average panel system value | £5,000–£8,000 | Energy Saving Trust, 2026 |
| Percentage of UK insurers covering panels as standard | Estimated 75% | MoneySuperMarket analysis, 2026 |
You must notify your insurer before installing solar panels, even if your policy doesn’t change
Most home insurance policies require you to tell the insurer about any “material change” to the property. Adding solar panels to your roof is a material change.
Failing to notify could invalidate your cover if you later need to claim for storm damage, fire, or theft involving the panels. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) advises that non-disclosure of a material fact can lead to a claim being rejected (FCA handbook on disclosure and insurance, 2026).
Even if your premium does not change, you must still inform your insurer. Some policies automatically include solar panels, but the insurer still needs to update its records of your property.
The direct answer installing solar panels does not automatically void your house insurance, but it can change your premiums and cover terms
Solar panels are not an automatic exclusion from standard buildings insurance. Most major UK insurers include them under buildings cover, provided you tell them about the installation.
The key factor is whether you inform your insurer and whether your policy explicitly covers permanent fixtures. The ABI confirms that roof-mounted solar panels are typically treated as fixtures under standard buildings policies (ABI, 2026).
Major insurers such as Aviva, Direct Line, and LV= include solar panels under buildings cover. Each has specific exclusions for wear and tear or faulty installation, so you should read the policy document carefully.
Eligibility and verification you need MCS certification and a professional installer to maintain insurance validity
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the industry standard for solar panel installations in the UK. Many insurers require MCS-certified installers for cover to apply (MCS, 2026).
TrustMark registration is also commonly required as proof of quality and consumer protection. TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople (TrustMark, 2026).
For electrical safety, the installer must be registered with NICEIC or NAPIT to ensure the system meets Part P of the Building Regulations. Part P covers electrical safety in dwellings (GOV.UK Part P guidance, 2026).
How to check your specific policy compare buildings vs contents cover and declare the panels
Review your home insurance policy document for the section on “fixtures and fittings” or “permanent structures”. This will tell you if solar panels are explicitly covered under your buildings cover.
If you have a standard policy, call your insurer to confirm that solar panels are included under buildings cover. Ask if any excess applies specifically to them, and whether the excess differs from the standard policy excess.
If you have a listed building or a thatched roof, you may need a specialist insurer. Standard policies often exclude or limit cover for non-standard roofs. Specialist insurers such as NFU Mutual and Hiscox offer tailored cover for these properties (ABI, 2026).
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What to do if your insurer refuses cover or increases premiums significantly
If your current insurer refuses to cover solar panels or raises premiums by more than 20%, you can switch to a provider that specialises in renewable energy cover. The Energy Saving Trust recommends comparing at least three quotes from insurers that explicitly offer solar panel cover (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
If you have a claim rejected due to non-disclosure, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS will consider whether the insurer asked about solar panels at renewal or at the point of sale (FOS guidance on insurance disputes, 2026).
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Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the most effective way to find cover that fits your system value and your budget. Most comparison sites now include a specific question about solar panels when you quote for home insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most UK buildings insurance policies automatically cover roof-mounted solar panels as a permanent fixture. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirms this standard practice, but you must check your specific policy wording.
Yes, you must notify your insurer before installing solar panels. The Energy Saving Trust advises that failing to do so could invalidate your cover if you need to make a claim.
Typically 5–15% per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (2026). The increase depends on the value of your system and your insurer's policy.
No, roof-mounted solar panels are covered by buildings insurance, not contents insurance. Freestanding panels in a garden may need separate contents cover.
Typical excess for solar panel claims is £250–£500, as reported by the ABI (2026). Check your policy for the exact amount.
