As more homeowners in Boulder and surrounding areas like Milliken invest in solar energy, questions about protecting those systems have become more common. Hailstorms are a known threat along the Front Range, so homeowners naturally want to know: Does insurance cover hail damage to solar panels?
In this article, we’ll walk through typical homeowners’ insurance coverage, exceptions that may apply, and what to do if your panels are damaged in a storm. Whether you’re considering installing new panels or already have a system on your roof, understanding your solar panels’ hail damage insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial protection.
Why Colorado Homeowners Need to Prepare for Hail
Colorado has a history of ranking among the top states in the nation for hail claims, so being prepared for hail as a Colorado homeowner is a smart move.
Solar panels are built to be durable. In fact, many panels are tested to withstand hail up to one inch in diameter, traveling at 50 miles per hour. Still, no system is invincible. Larger hailstones can crack or shatter the tempered glass surfaces of solar panels, even if the rest of your roof remains intact.
When that happens, the big question becomes whether the damage is covered and how to get it fixed.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Solar Panels?
The good news is that in most cases, solar panels are covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy. Insurers typically categorize rooftop solar panels as a permanent part of the home, much like a roof extension or electrical system upgrade. That means they fall under the dwelling coverage portion of your policy, which protects the structure of your home.
If a hailstorm damages your panels, your standard homeowners policy should help pay for repairs or replacement after you’ve met your deductible.
However, it’s important to read the fine print. Not every policy is the same, and not every type of solar panel installation is treated equally. Ground-mounted panels, for example, may be treated differently from rooftop systems. If you lease or purchase your panels through a power purchase agreement (PPA), the provider may insure the system rather than you.
Homeowners should contact their insurance company and confirm whether their policy includes coverage for solar panels and under what conditions. Ask specifically about solar panel hail damage insurance, deductibles, and any applicable exclusions.
How Do You File a Claim for Hail Damage?
If your panels have been damaged by hail, take these steps:
- Document the damage immediately. Take photos from the ground if possible. If it’s safe, photograph the damage from different angles.
- Call your insurance provider. Start the claims process and ask what documentation they need.
- Avoid attempting repairs yourself. Solar systems are complex and potentially dangerous. An insurance adjuster or licensed technician should inspect the damage.
- Contact a solar professional. If needed, a company like Remove and Replace Solar can safely evaluate the damage and provide a removal and reinstallation quote.
- Keep your paperwork. Keep all invoices, technician reports, and correspondence with your insurer in case there are disputes later.
Depending on your policy, your insurer may cover the cost to replace the damaged panels and any related expenses, such as the removal and reinstallation of the system. If your panels need to be removed to repair underlying roof damage, that cost may also be included.
What to Watch Out for in Your Policy
Though most standard homeowners’ insurance policies include solar panels, coverage limits and exclusions can affect your claim.
Common issues to watch for include:
- Named perils vs. open perils policies. A named perils policy only covers events specifically listed in your policy. If hail is not listed, it may not be covered.
- Deductible amounts. Some policies have separate wind and hail deductibles that are higher than standard ones. In Colorado, this is particularly common.
- Exclusion clauses. Some policies may exclude coverage for cosmetic damage, even if the panels still function. If your panels are cracked but working, your insurer may not approve a claim unless performance is significantly reduced.
- Third-party ownership. If your system is leased or under a PPA, check who is responsible for maintenance and insurance. The provider may carry a commercial insurance policy that handles hail claims.
It’s always a good idea to review your policy with your insurer or an insurance agent familiar with solar panel installations in Colorado.
How Does Remove and Replace Solar Help?
At Remove and Replace Solar, we understand the stress of unexpected hail damage. That’s why we offer fast, reliable, and affordable service to homeowners across Boulder, Milliken, and surrounding areas.
If your insurance company covers the cost to remove and reinstall your system during roof or panel repairs, we’ll coordinate with your roofing contractor and handle the entire process:
- Quick turnarounds to keep downtime minimal;
- Licensed, experienced crews who understand the nuances of different systems;
- Detailed reports will assist with your insurance claim; and
- Affordable pricing that makes working with us a wise choice, even if insurance only covers part of the job.
We can’t control the weather, but we can ensure that your solar system is handled with care when damage occurs.
Should You Notify Your Insurance Company When You Install Solar Panels?
Yes. Whether installing solar panels for the first time or replacing an older system, it’s essential to notify your insurance company. Adding solar panels increases the replacement cost of your home, which may require an increase in your dwelling coverage limits.
If you don’t update your policy and hail damages your system, you could be underinsured and responsible for part of the repair costs.
It’s also worth asking your insurer whether installing solar panels qualifies you for any discounts or premium changes. Some providers offer green energy incentives that lower your overall rate.
Hail Is a Risk, but Coverage Is Available
Milliken and the greater Boulder area homeowners know hailstorms are seasonal threats. Fortunately, with the right homeowners’ insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing your solar investment is protected.
The key is preparation. Understand your coverage, confirm the details with your provider, and partner with trusted professionals like Remove and Replace Solar to handle damage quickly and correctly.
So, does insurance cover hail damage to solar panels? In most cases, yes, but the details matter. Don’t wait for a storm to determine whether your panels are covered.
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