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Why take out insurance for your solar panels? Is it compulsory?
Investing in photovoltaic panels represents a a sustainable and cost-effective approach in the long term. Although it is not systematically required, taking out insurance for your solar panels is a good idea. precautionary measure.
For a brief background, thephotovoltaic effect refers to the physical phenomenon whereby a photovoltaic solar cell produces an electric current when exposed to sunlight. This phenomenon occurs when photons from the sun's rays interact with a photovoltaic panel.
To find out more : Solar panels for electric cars: maximise your energy efficiency
In fact, solar panels now comply with current standards, such as those defined by the guide UTE C15-712-1 regarding low-voltage electrical installations. What's more, given the significant cost of a solar panel, it is strongly recommended that you advisable to take out insurance.
Insurance can cover a range of risks, from natural disasters at acts of vandalismincluding outages or overheating.
💡Did you know ? The risks associated with photovoltaic panels may be relatively low, but they are by no means non-existent. According to a survey conducted in 2022, 124 fire-related incidents panels have been identified in Germany, on around 1.4 million installations. Other losses are also possible, such as water damage caused by roof seepage or even electrocutions.
In short, insuring your solar panels means protect your investment while giving you peace of mind. In the event of a claim, you will not be solely responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, as well as the cost of the installer's intervention.
Criteria for choosing photovoltaic panel insurance
When it comes to choosing insurance for your photovoltaic panels, there are a number of criteria that need to be taken into account to ensure optimum protection. Here are the main aspects to consider if you want to make an informed choice:
- The guarantees offered Solar panels damaged by hail, wind or snow? Your insurance should cover the damage. Also check whether theft, fire and civil liability are included.
- The amount of the excess The excess is the amount you have to pay in the event of a claim. The higher the excess, the cheaper your insurance premium.
- The insurer's reputation Don't hesitate to compare offers from several insurers and check their reputations online.
- Exclusions from cover Some insurers may limit their cover depending on the nature of the damage or the conditions under which the panels are installed. Check these points carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- The tax rating of your installation : Some insurers base the cost of their premiums on the capacity of your installation.
- Taking account of loss of production Solar panels: Consider taking out insurance to cover the loss of income caused by a drop in production from your solar panels following a disaster.
By taking these criteria into account, you can choose an insurance policy that is tailored to your needs and guarantees optimum protection for your photovoltaic installation, while minimising the financial risks.
The different types of insurance for solar panels
There are various insurance options for solar panels, with different levels of cover. We have :
- public liability insurance,
- comprehensive home insurance,
- and the installer's ten-year insurance policy.
So it's a good idea to compare insurers' offers to select cover that suits your needs and your budget.
💡Good to know : If you install your own solar panels, you can insure them, even if you haven't hired a professional.
Civil liability insurance
Civil liability insurance is a guarantee that protects the insured in the event of damage caused to a third partyWe will not be liable to any person or property in connection with the use of your solar installations.
Unlike comprehensive home insurance, which mainly covers damage to your own property, third-party liability insurance covers damage to third parties.
In fact, if an incident involving your solar panels causes damage to a neighbour or passer-by, your civil liability insurance will have to cover it. may cover the costs of repairs or compensation. Here are a few concrete examples of situations where this cover could be useful :
- Bodily injury If a poorly-fixed solar panel comes loose and injures a passer-by or neighbour, civil liability insurance will cover medical expenses, compensation and any legal proceedings.
- Property damage If, for example, a damaged solar panel causes a fire that spreads to your neighbour's property, civil liability insurance will cover the repairs and damage caused.
- Impact on infrastructure In the event of a falling panel damaging public installations, such as a power line or a neighbouring roof, your civil liability insurance could also protect you by covering the cost of repair.
It is vital to make this essential point clear: taking out civil liability insurance is a prerequisite for taking out insurance. required to sell your electricity to an energy supplier. Proof will be required when you finalise the contract to connect your photovoltaic installation to the public distribution network.
Comprehensive home insurance
Comprehensive home insurance, one of the most important the most common solutions for protecting your solar panelsis an all-in-one insurance contract that covers a wide range of risks related to your home, including :
- damage to property,
- civil liability,
- and sometimes specific installations such as solar panels.
That said, when you take out comprehensive home insurance, it's important to check that your solar panels are covered.
Here are the main elements that this insurance can include:
- Property damage Comprehensive home insurance generally covers damage to solar panels caused by events such as storms, hail or fire. This cover means that damaged panels can be repaired or replaced without you having to pay the full cost out of your own pocket.
- Theft and vandalism In the event of theft or vandalism, this insurance can provide financial protection for your solar panels. Make sure that cover specifically includes these risks to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Civil liability : Multi-risk home insurance often includes third-party liability cover for damage caused to third parties by solar installations. For example, if a panel becomes detached and causes material damage or bodily injury to others, this cover may come into play.
There are several advantages to taking out comprehensive home insurance for your solar panels. First of all, it can be more economic than specific insurance policies, because it combines several types of cover in a single contract. What's more, this solution is practice because it includes solar panel protection as part of your overall home insurance packageThis simplifies the management of insurance policies.
Insurance specific to photovoltaic panels
In addition to the basic cover, other clauses specific to solar photovoltaic installations can also be included in your comprehensive home insurance policy:
- replacement value cover
- in the event of a claim, compensation is paid on the basis of the replacement value of the equipment, rather than its residual value.
- Machinery breakdown cover
- covers the cost of repairing or replacing the technical components of the installation
- Damage to works guarantee
- compulsory when photovoltaic panels are integrated into the building, this insurance is in addition to the biennial guarantee.
💡What is the biennial guarantee? ? Solar installers are responsible for guaranteeing any defects that may affect the detachable components of a solar installation for a period of 2 years after completion of the work.
- Property damage cover
- covers material damage to your photovoltaic system
- Electrical damage cover
- protects against damage resulting from power surges, short circuits or other electrical incidents
- Loss of use cover for solar panels
- provides compensation for loss of income due to the interruption of production following a claim
Ten-year insurance
Ten-year insurance is a guarantee for professional solar panel installers. It protects the owner for ten years after completion of the work against damage that would compromise :
- solidity,
- watertightness,
- or the operation of the installation.
This insurance protects the owner in the event of faulty workmanship or hidden defects affecting the performance or durability of the panels. For example, if incorrect installation of the panels leads to water ingress or electrical faults, the ten-year insurance policy will cover repairs.
As a owner of solar panelsyou are not not required to take out ten-year insurance. On the other hand, check that your home insurance covers your solar panels in the event of damage. This gives you extra security in the event of a dispute or problem arising after installation.
Summary table of the different types of insurance for solar panels
| Type of insurance | Main cover | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Civil liability | - Damage caused to third parties (people or property) - Examples: falling panels, fire affecting a neighbour |
- Mandatory to sell electricity to the grid - Necessary for connection to the public network |
| Comprehensive home insurance | - Property damage (storms, hail, fire) - Theft and vandalism - Public liability included |
- Cost-effective solution combining several guarantees - Check that the panels are included in the contract |
| Specific insurance | - Replacement value guarantee (compensation based on new value) - Machine breakdown guarantee (replacement of technical components) - Electrical damage cover (power surges, short circuits) - Business interruption cover (compensation for loss of income) |
- Supplement to basic cover - Suitable for complex photovoltaic installations |
| Ten-year insurance | - Defects or latent defects affecting the solidity, watertightness or operation of the panels | - Mandatory for professional installers - Protects the owner for 10 years after installation |
Good practice in the event of damage to your photovoltaic panels
As previously stated, photovoltaic panels are robust equipmentdesigned to withstand the elements and last for decades. However, unforeseen events can damage your installation, such as :
- the hail,
- from storms,
- or technical incidents.
When faced with these situations, it is essential to react quickly and appropriately to limit the financial and technical consequences.
As soon as you notice a loss, it is essential to notify your insurance company. If your solar panels are covered by comprehensive home insurance or specific insurance, you can be compensated for repairs or replacement.
💡Good to know : It is important to consider the franchiseThis is the amount you will have to pay in the event of a claim before the insurance will pay out. This amount is generally between 100 and €500depending on the contract and the insurer.
So, provide all the documents you need to make a claim, such as photos of the damage and a expert reportto make it easier to process your application.
Worth noting : Pay attention to time limits imposed by your insurance contract.The deadline for reporting a claim is usually between 5 and 10 days. Respecting these deadlines guarantees that your claim will be dealt with quickly.
Once the damage has been assessed, it is essential to use an RGE-certified installer (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) to repair or replace faulty panels. This guarantees not only the quality of repairsbut also the compliance with current standardsThis may be required by your insurer to maintain cover for your installation.
Once the repairs have been carried out, take preventive measures to avoid further damage. Here are a few tips :
- Regular checks on the anchoring of the panels,
- Regular maintenance to ensure they work properly,
- And annual inspections to detect any signs of deterioration.
How much can I expect to pay for photovoltaic panel insurance?
If you decide to include a dedicated cover for solar panels in your comprehensive home insurance policyYou'll need a increase of around €40 per year compared with your current premium.
On the other hand, if you choose a specific insurance policy for photovoltaic panels, the the average annual fee will generally be between €50 and €150.
Naturally, insurance rates for photovoltaic panels vary depending on the insurer and a number of criteria, such as :
- the chosen insurer,
- the power in kWp,
- the number of panels installed,
- as well as the cover already included in your current contract.
💡Good to know : The energy delivered by the solar panels can recharge your electric vehicle via the power supply to your charging point.
Note that you are entitled to a number of grants for the purchase of solar panels. Our article on this subject may be of interest to you: Installing photovoltaic panels: list of regional grants
Insurance policies offering cover for photovoltaic panels
In France, several insurers have positioned themselves in the photovoltaic panel insurance market, offering increasingly specialised products.
Here is an overview of the main companies offering insurance for your solar installations:
- AXA
- Luko
- MAIF
- Allianz
- MACIF
- Groupama
- Pacifica (Crédit Agricole)
Don't hesitate to ask for quotes from several insurers to compare offers and find the solution best suited to your needs!
Conclusion
Taking out insurance for your photovoltaic panels is a good idea. an essential step to protect your investment and guarantee its long-term future.
Whether you opt for comprehensive home insurance or specific cover for solar installations, you can be sure that you'll have the right cover for your home. It's important to compare offers from different insurers..
Groupama, MAIF, AXA, Pacifica and Allianz are just some of the companies main players offering insurance tailored to photovoltaic panelswith cover and options to meet the varied needs of individuals and professionals alike.
Do you need advice? Do you want to invest for the future and ensure your electrical independence? Our experts Beev are available to help you with your project.
