Why Installer Insurance Matters
Solar installation involves working at height, penetrating your roof, and connecting electrical equipment to your home's wiring. Without proper insurance, a single accident or defective installation could leave you with a damaged roof, a failed electrical system, or no recourse when an underperforming system costs you thousands in lost savings.
Choosing a qualified installer with proper credentials provides a baseline level of protection. However, it is still worth verifying the insurance details yourself before signing a contract.
Types of Insurance to Check
Before signing a contract, confirm your installer holds all of the following.
Public Liability Insurance
EssentialMinimum recommended: $1 million (recommend $2m+)
Covers damage to your property or injury to people caused by the installer or their employees during the installation. If a roofer accidentally damages your roof tiles, guttering, or internal ceiling, this insurance pays for repairs.
What to ask:
What is your public liability limit? Can you provide your certificate of insurance?
Professional Indemnity Insurance
ImportantMinimum recommended: $500,000+
Covers financial losses caused by errors in advice, design, or specification. If your installer designs a system that underperforms significantly due to incorrect shading analysis or incorrect sizing, professional indemnity covers the loss.
What to ask:
Do you carry professional indemnity insurance? What is the coverage limit?
Workmanship Warranty
RequiredMinimum recommended: Minimum 2 years (industry standard)
Not technically insurance but a contractual guarantee that the installation work itself is free from defects. If a roof penetration fails and causes a leak, or wiring connections prove faulty, the installer returns to fix it at no charge.
What to ask:
How long is your workmanship warranty? Is it backed by an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG)?
Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG)
RecommendedMinimum recommended: Strongly recommended
Protects your workmanship warranty if the installer ceases trading. Without an IBG, your workmanship warranty becomes worthless if the company goes into administration or simply closes down.
What to ask:
Do you offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee? Which provider backs it?
Questions to Ask Your Installer About Insurance
Ask these questions before signing. A reputable installer will answer them clearly and provide documentation.
Can I see your certificate of insurance?
Any legitimate installer will provide a copy of their public liability certificate on request. It shows the insurer, policy number, and coverage level.
Are all your installation engineers directly employed or subcontracted?
Subcontractors may not be covered under the main contractor's insurance. Ask whether subcontractors carry their own public liability or are specifically covered by the main policy.
What is the process if something goes wrong during installation?
A professional installer will have a clear process. Vague answers or reluctance to discuss this is a warning sign.
Do you offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee on the workmanship warranty?
This protects you if the installer ceases trading before the workmanship warranty period expires. Without it, you have no recourse if the company closes.
Will this installation affect my home insurance, and what documentation do you provide?
Good installers understand that homeowners need to notify their insurer and will provide the documents needed: electrical installation certificate and product warranties.
How Solar Panels Affect Your Home Insurance
Solar panels are a fixed fixture on your home. Follow these steps to ensure your buildings insurance covers them properly.
Notify Your Insurer Before Work Begins
Some insurers require notification before structural changes. Contact your provider before installation begins to confirm your policy is not affected.
Confirm Solar Panels Are Covered
Most standard building insurance policies automatically cover solar panels as fixed structures, but confirm the policy wording with your insurer. Ask specifically about storm damage and accidental breakage.
Declare the Approximate Value
A 4 kWp system typically costs $6,000-$9,000. Your insurer may need to know the replacement value. Underinsurance can result in proportional settlement of claims.
Keep Your Installation Certificate
Insurers may ask for your installation certificate to verify professional installation. Keep all documentation safe.
Review Annually
When you renew home insurance, confirm that solar panels are still covered and that the declared value remains accurate.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Damage During Installation
- 1.Document the damage with photographs before anything is moved or repaired
- 2.Notify the installer in writing as soon as possible
- 3.Request the installer's insurance details if they are not resolving it directly
- 4.If unresolved, contact their public liability insurer directly with the policy details
Faulty Workmanship After Completion
- 1.Contact your installer and describe the issue in writing, keeping copies
- 2.Refer to your written workmanship warranty if they are unresponsive
- 3.If the installer has ceased trading, contact your Insurance Backed Guarantee provider
Common Questions About Solar Installer Insurance
What if the installer sends a subcontractor I have not vetted?
Ask the main installer whether subcontractors are covered under their public liability policy or are required to carry their own. Get the answer in writing before installation day. Reputable installers use vetted, insured subcontractors or directly employed engineers.
Does my home insurance automatically cover the panels?
In most cases, yes — as a fixed structure, solar panels are covered under standard buildings insurance. However, policies vary. Some exclude certain types of damage or require you to declare the panels. Always check with your insurer after installation and keep a record of confirmation.
What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee and do I need one?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is a policy that protects your workmanship warranty in the event your installer ceases trading. Without an IBG, your 5 or 10-year workmanship warranty becomes worthless if the company closes down. IBGs are available from several providers and typically cost a modest fee paid by the installer. Always ask your installer whether they offer one.
Can an uncertified installer still have good insurance?
Yes — insurance and installer qualifications are separate. An installer could carry adequate public liability insurance without formal certification. However, without recognised certification, you lose access to formal dispute resolution processes, and you may not be able to access Greener Homes Grant payments. The practical advice is to use a qualified installer and verify their insurance.
What documents should my installer provide at the end of the job?
On completion, you should receive: an electrical installation certificate, panel and inverter product warranties, details of your workmanship warranty, grid connection notification confirmation, and the installer's insurance certificate if requested. Keep these documents safe — you will need them for insurance and when selling your home. Our warranties guide lists all the documents to retain.
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