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 MCS-certified installer provides a baseline level of protection, because MCS requires installers to maintain adequate insurance as a condition of certification. However, it is still worth verifying the 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
Required by MCSMinimum recommended: Minimum 2 years (MCS requires this)
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. MCS Consumer Code installers must offer access to an IBG scheme.
What to ask:
Do you offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee? Which provider backs it?
How MCS Certification Relates to Insurance
MCS certification is not itself insurance, but it creates important protections that work alongside insurance:
- Insurance requirement: MCS requires certified installers to maintain adequate public liability insurance as a condition of keeping their certification
- Consumer Code: MCS installers must comply with the MCS Consumer Code, which includes dispute resolution and minimum warranty terms
- Home insurance recognition: Many home insurers require MCS certification as a condition of covering solar panels under a buildings policy
- Manufacturer warranties: Some panel and inverter manufacturers may void their warranty if the system was not installed by a certified installer
Read our MCS certification guide to understand what certification means in full.
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: MCS certificate, 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 the MCS certificate to verify professional installation. Some policies specifically require MCS certification to maintain coverage for the panels.
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 is MCS-certified, raise a complaint through the MCS Consumer Code dispute resolution process
- 4.If the installer has ceased trading, contact your Insurance Backed Guarantee provider
MCS Consumer Code Dispute Resolution
If your installer is MCS-certified and you cannot resolve a dispute directly, you can use the MCS Consumer Code's free dispute resolution service. This is an independent process designed specifically for homeowners in disagreement with their installer. It covers issues including system performance, damage, and contract disputes. Keep a written record of all communications from the start.
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 a non-MCS installer still have good insurance?
Yes — insurance and MCS certification are separate. A non-MCS installer could carry adequate public liability insurance. However, without MCS certification, you lose access to the Consumer Code dispute resolution process, and you cannot receive Smart Export Guarantee payments. You may also find your home insurance is affected if the installer is not certified. The practical advice is to use a MCS-certified installer and verify their insurance.
What documents should my installer provide at the end of the job?
On completion, you should receive: the MCS installation certificate, an electrical installation certificate (EIC or Minor Works certificate), panel and inverter product warranties, details of your workmanship warranty, DNO notification confirmation, and the installer's insurance certificate if requested. Keep these documents safe — you will need them for insurance, Smart Export Guarantee applications, and when selling your home. Our warranties guide lists all the documents to retain.
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