Picture this: You’ve just invested in a shiny new rooftop array, it’s cranking out free power, and then a freak hailstorm rips through your suburb. The first thought that flashes across your mind—after the initial panic—is, “are solar panels covered by house insurance?” This is where understanding solar insurance comes in. As installers who field this question daily, we can tell you the answer is usually yes—but only if you tick a few critical
boxes.
In this guide, we break down how solar insurance works in Australia, what’s automatically covered, where gaps exist, and how to keep your system protected and compliant—so you can avoid nasty surprises.
1. How Insurers Classify Rooftop Solar
Most Australian insurers classify rooftop panels and inverters as “fixed building fixtures.” That means they’re covered for common insured events like fire, storm, theft, hail, and vandalism. Insurers like NRMA, AAMI, and RACV clearly outline this in their Product Disclosure Statements (PDS).
What you need to do:
- Notify your insurer once the system is installed.
- Update your “sum insured” to reflect the new asset value—usually $6,000–$12,000 for a 6.6 kW system.
If you skip either step, you risk a partial payout or disputes during a claim.
2. What’s Not Automatically Protected
While solar insurance generally covers the physical system, some key scenarios are excluded unless addressed:
| Scenario | Standard Cover? | How to Close the Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Gradual performance loss | No | Use the manufacturer’s 25-year warranty |
| Electrical faults (bad wiring) | No | Hire a CEC-accredited installer |
| Lost feed-in tariff income | Rare | Ask if “business interruption” add-ons apply |
| Ground-mounted systems | Sometimes | Confirm classification with your insurer |
Layering product warranties and policy add-ons is your best defence against grey areas.
3. Will Solar Increase My Insurance Premium?
In most urban postcodes, adding solar panels increases your home insurance premium by just 3–8%, based on Canstar’s 2024 analysis.
Learn the basics in our quick guide Solar Panels for Your House in 2025: Aussie Essentials.
Why so low?
- Solar panels are durable and rarely fail.
- The real risk is when damaged panels must be removed to repair the roof, increasing claim cost.
It’s a small price to pay for coverage that could save you thousands after an extreme weather event.
4. 3 Common Mistakes That Void Solar Insurance Claims
1. Uncertified Installation
Fix: We provide full Clean Energy Council (CEC) compliance certificates, serial logs, and photo documentation—everything your insurer requires.
2. No Routine Maintenance
Fix: Our optional solar “health check” every two years includes panel cleaning, voltage testing, and error log reviews. Keep this report on file—it’s proof of due diligence.
3. DIY Modifications
Fix: Always call us before adding batteries or panels. DIY work can void warranties and insurance coverage.
5. Are Batteries Covered by Home Insurance?
Solar batteries (like Tesla Powerwall or Sungrow) are typically treated as high-value appliances. Insurers will usually cover them—but only if installed correctly.
What insurers might require:
- Fire-resistant enclosure if inside a garage
- Compliance with IEC 62619 battery safety standards
- Proof of CEC-accredited installation
We take care of all documentation for you—so you stay covered without lifting a finger.
6. Storm, Flood & Hail: Reading the Fine Print
Natural disasters are the main reason people care about solar insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Floods: Coastal flood damage may be excluded. Check if you need a flood-risk add-on based on your location.
- Hail: Modern panels are hail-tested (IEC 61215 standard) but still vulnerable to rare large storms. Your best defence? Ensuring the full replacement value is included in your policy.
- Cyclones: In wind-prone areas (e.g., North QLD), installers must use cyclone-rated fixings. We document anchor spacing, torque, and compliance as part of your install pack.
7. Extra Tips for a Bullet-Proof Insurance Claim
Want peace of mind? Follow this checklist and you’re in the clear:
- Call your insurer the week you book the install to update your policy
- Confirm exclusions for battery fires, lost FIT income, or ground-mounts
- Email your insurer the full install documentation we provide
- Book a solar health check every two years
- Store serial numbers and receipts in the cloud
8. The Cost of Not Updating Your Policy
A single severe hailstorm can cause $7,000+ in damage. And if your policy doesn’t reflect the solar upgrade—or you can’t prove proper installation—your claim might be reduced or denied.
Meanwhile, your solar system is saving you $1,300–$1,600 a year in energy costs. That’s a big upside to protect with just a small premium bump and a five-minute phone call.
Final Word: Don’t Let Insurance Be an Afterthought
So, are solar panels covered by house insurance? Yes—if you notify your insurer, adjust your sum insured, and keep your compliance docs in order. As your solar installer, we handle the paperwork and give you the tools to keep your investment covered for years to come.
Ready for solar with bullet-proof insurance?
Contact us today to book your free roof assessment. We’ll handle the panels and the paperwork so you can generate clean power with total peace of mind.
