Does Adding Solar Change Your Homeowners Insurance in Florida?
Short answer: it can. Adding solar increases the value of what’s being insured, so it’s worth notifying your insurance carrier and confirming your dwelling coverage and any relevant riders reflect the new system.
Quick answer: Installing solar typically means notifying your homeowners insurance carrier, since it adds value to your property that should be reflected in your coverage. Depending on your policy, this may mean an adjustment to dwelling coverage limits or, in some cases, a specific rider for the system.
Why notifying your insurer matters
Your homeowners policy is generally based on the value of your home and its attached systems. Since solar adds both value and a new piece of equipment to your property, most insurers want to know about it to make sure your coverage limits are appropriate if something happens to the system.
This is particularly relevant in Florida given the state’s exposure to severe weather, where confirming your system is properly covered before storm season matters more than in lower-risk regions.
What to ask your insurance provider
Ask whether your existing dwelling coverage limit needs to be increased to reflect the added value, and whether the policy covers solar equipment the same way as other permanently attached home systems or requires a separate rider.
It’s also worth asking how claims involving solar equipment are handled specifically, since this can vary by carrier and policy type.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my insurance company I installed solar panels?
It’s generally recommended, since solar adds value to your property and is typically considered part of what your homeowners policy should cover, similar to other permanent home improvements.
Will my homeowners insurance premium go up after installing solar?
This varies by carrier and policy, since it depends on how the added property value and equipment are reflected in your coverage, so it’s worth asking your specific insurer directly.
Does my policy automatically cover solar panels?
Not necessarily. Some policies cover attached solar equipment as part of standard dwelling coverage, while others may require a specific rider, so it’s worth confirming directly with your insurer.
Is solar equipment covered under hurricane or windstorm coverage in Florida?
This depends on your specific policy and carrier, which is why it’s worth confirming exactly how storm-related damage to solar equipment would be handled under your coverage.
When should I contact my insurer about a new solar installation?
It’s generally best to notify your insurer around the time of installation, so your coverage can be updated to reflect the new system before it’s needed, particularly ahead of storm season in Florida.
Related guides
- What happens to solar panels during a hurricane?
- What is a solar production guarantee?
- Home solar, battery and EV charging in Florida
- Solar systems
- Battery storage
- Florida solar by city
Figures on this page are typical industry averages for planning purposes and assume Florida’s 14.5¢/kWh average residential rate and 5.5 peak-sun hours per day. Your actual numbers will differ based on your utility, roof, and system — request a free evaluation for figures specific to your home.