Solar Panels and Home Batteries in Connecticut: Are They Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Short answer: Solar panels you own that are attached to your house are generally covered as part of the dwelling under a homeowners policy, so you should increase the dwelling limit to include them. Ground-mounted arrays are usually other structures. Leased systems and power-purchase agreements are owned by the solar company, which insures the equipment, but your policy still covers damage the system causes to your home. Batteries, roof penetrations and installer workmanship each need a check.

Owned systems

• Roof-mounted: part of the dwelling. Add the installed cost to Coverage A so a total loss does not leave you short.
• Ground-mounted: usually other structures coverage, which defaults to 10% of the dwelling limit; increase it if needed.
• Covered perils: fire, wind, hail and falling trees generally; wear and tear, gradual degradation and manufacturing defects are not insurance claims and fall under the manufacturer's warranty.
• Lost energy production after a loss is not typically covered by homeowners policies.

Leased systems and power-purchase agreements

If you lease or have a PPA, the provider owns and usually insures the equipment. Read the contract: it may require you to carry specific homeowners coverage, name the provider, or handle removal and reinstallation if you need a new roof. Your homeowners policy still covers your house if the system causes a fire or a leak.

Home batteries

Connecticut's Energy Storage Solutions program, administered by the Connecticut Green Bank with Eversource and United Illuminating, has made home batteries common. Tell your insurer about the battery, confirm it was installed to code with permits, and include its cost in the dwelling limit. Installation location matters to underwriters: garage or exterior installation with proper clearances is preferred.

Roof leaks and installer insurance

• Leaks from poorly sealed penetrations are often treated as workmanship issues, not sudden accidental damage. The installer's warranty and liability insurance are your recourse; get a certificate of insurance before work begins.
• If your roof is near the end of its life, replace it before installing solar. Removing and reinstalling panels later is expensive and usually not insured.
• Some carriers price or underwrite heavily on roof age, so a new roof can help both projects; see lowering your homeowners premium.

Connecticut programs

Residential solar in Connecticut now runs through the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program, with netting and buy-all tariffs locked for 20 years, rather than traditional net metering. Program details change; check with your utility and the Green Bank.

New England Insurance, an independent Connecticut agency in Bridgeport since 2012, updates dwelling limits and endorsements when clients add solar, batteries or generators. Request a review or see home insurance.