Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the country, making it a great place to install solar panels. But as many Grand Junction homeowners already know, it’s also a state known for unpredictable weather, and hailstorms are part of the seasonal norm. If you’ve installed a solar energy system or are considering one, you’ve probably asked yourself a critical question: Does insurance cover hail damage to solar panels?
This is especially important in western Colorado, where Grand Junction sees a mix of sunshine and severe spring and summer weather. The cost of repairing or replacing solar panels after a hailstorm isn’t something most homeowners want to shoulder out of pocket. Fortunately, in many cases, your homeowners’ insurance may help, but there are several important factors to consider.
Are Solar Panels Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
In most situations, yes. If your solar panels are permanently attached to your roof, they are typically considered part of your home’s structure. That means they fall under the “dwelling coverage” section of your policy, which protects the physical components of your house.
When a hailstorm rolls through and damages those panels, your insurance may help cover the repair or replacement costs. However, whether your insurance covers hail damage to solar panels also depends on how your specific policy is written. Some policies have exclusions, separate deductibles for wind and hail damage, or limitations on what damage they will cover.
If your solar panels are ground-mounted or installed on a structure that isn’t attached to your home, like a shed or detached garage, they may be covered under a different section of your policy or possibly not at all.
It’s also important to note that if you lease your solar panels, the leasing company may be responsible for insuring them. In that case, your homeowners’ insurance might not apply, even if the panels are on your property.
What Kind of Hail Damage Can Solar Panels Sustain?
Solar panels are designed to withstand the elements, including wind, rain, and moderate hail. Most are built with tempered glass and tested to endure hailstones up to an inch in diameter traveling at high speed. But as residents of Grand Junction know, Colorado hail can be aggressive.
Panels may crack, shatter, or suffer microfractures from hail impacts. These types of damage can reduce efficiency or shut your solar panel system down entirely. Depending on the extent of the damage, a single storm may mean the difference between functioning panels and a complete replacement.
The cost to replace one or more panels, or to remove and reinstall a system for roof repairs, can be significant. That’s where solar panels hail damage insurance becomes essential.
What Does the Claims Process Look Like?
If your solar panels are damaged by hail, the process typically starts like any homeowners’ insurance claim would. First, document the damage as safely as possible. Take photos of broken panels and, if applicable, signs of hail damage to other parts of your property. Contact your insurance company and start the claim.
An adjuster will assess the damage and determine whether the policy covers the loss. If approved, your policy will help cover the repair or replacement costs, minus your deductible. Depending on the type of damage, your insurer may also cover the removal and reinstallation of panels during a roof replacement.
For those in the Grand Junction area, companies like Remove and Replace Solar make this process easier by working with roofing contractors and insurers to provide timely service. Our crews can remove, store, and reinstall solar systems with minimal disruption to your energy production.
Does the Type of Insurance Policy Matter?
Yes, and many homeowners don’t realize this until after the storm. There are two primary types of homeowners’ insurance policies: named peril and open peril.
A named peril policy covers only the specific risks listed in the contract. If hail is not one of those named perils, your policy may not cover damage to your panels. Alternatively, an open peril policy covers all types of damage unless explicitly excluded. While open peril policies are generally broader, verifying whether solar panels are included under dwelling or other structures coverage is still important.
Some insurers also apply a separate deductible for hail or wind damage, especially in states like Colorado, where severe weather is frequent. In such cases, the deductible might be higher than your standard one. Review your declarations page or speak with your agent to clarify your out-of-pocket cost before filing a claim.
What Happens If You Need Panel Removal?
Many homeowners overlook the cost of removing and reinstalling solar panels. If your roof has suffered hail damage and needs replacement, the panels must come off before that work can begin.
Remove and Replace Solar can help. We work directly with homeowners and contractors in Grand Junction to coordinate the timely removal and safe storage of your solar equipment. Once roof repairs are complete, we reinstall your panels to ensure they continue producing clean energy.
Depending on your policy, the insurance company may cover these costs as part of your hail damage claim. If not, we provide affordable pricing and fast turnaround times to reduce downtime and get your system back up and running.
How to Make Sure You’re Covered Before the Next Storm
Before the next hailstorm arrives in Grand Junction, take a few proactive steps to protect your home and your investment in solar energy:
- Review your homeowners’ insurance policy and look for language related to solar panels and hail damage;
- Contact your insurer and ask whether your policy covers hail damage to solar panels attached to your roof;
- Clarify whether you have a separate wind or hail deductible;
- If your panels are leased, confirm who holds the insurance and how to initiate a claim if needed; and
- Talk to your installer about panel durability and hail resistance ratings.
Planning can save time, stress, and money when the next storm hits.
Grand Junction Solar Owners: Know Your Coverage Options
With its bright skies and growing interest in renewable energy, Grand Junction is a smart place to install solar panels. However, those benefits also come with the responsibility of understanding how your investment is protected. If a storm damages your panels, having the right coverage can make all the difference.
In many cases, solar panel hail damage insurance is already built into your homeowners’ policy, but only if you’ve confirmed the details. And when damage does occur, partnering with a responsive, reliable company like Remove and Replace Solar ensures you’ll get back to full power as quickly as possible.
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