Home Insurance for Solar Panels in Spain: What's Covered and What to Tell Your Insurer
Key Takeaways
- In many cases, fixed solar panels are treated as part of the building/fixtures, but only if they're declared and valued correctly in the policy.
- The two most common problems are underinsurance (panels not included in the building sum) and unclear coverage for inverters/batteries.
- Before you install (or right after), confirm in writing what's covered for storm, theft, electrical damage, and liability—and what's excluded.
Solar panels are now a normal upgrade for homes in Spain. But insurance often lags behind the installation. Many homeowners assume the panels are "automatically covered" under home insurance. Sometimes they are. Sometimes they aren't, or they're covered only up to a limit that won't come close to the real replacement cost.
This guide is for homeowners (and second-home owners) who want a clean answer: what home insurance usually covers for solar panels in Spain, what you need to declare, and what to check so a claim doesn't turn into a dispute.
Are Solar Panels Covered by Spanish Home Insurance?
If the panels are fixed to the building (roof-mounted, permanent installation), many insurers treat them as part of the building (fixtures/"continente")—but only if the policy is set up correctly.
The key detail is not "do you have home insurance?" The key detail is:
- • Did you declare the panels?
- • Did you increase the building sum insured to include them?
Important: Insurers commonly warn that you should add the value of the installation to the building capital to avoid underinsurance.
What Solar-Panel Related Damage Is Often Covered
Every policy is different, but these are the areas you typically want clarified:
Weather and Storm Damage
If a storm breaks panels or damages roof fittings, you want to know whether the policy treats it as a building claim and what evidence is required (photos, installer report, repair invoice).
Fire and Resulting Damage
Panels and inverters are electrical equipment. If fire occurs, cover often depends on whether the damage is considered sudden/accidental and whether the installation meets required standards.
Theft and Vandalism
Theft can be tricky because insurers often apply security conditions. Confirm whether panels on a reachable roof or ground-mounted systems are treated differently.
Electrical Damage (Surge, Short Circuit)
Some policies include electrical damage as standard; others restrict it or apply specific limits. This is where inverters can become a grey zone if not clearly listed.
Liability: If Something Falls or Causes Damage to Others
If a panel or mounting system is damaged and causes injury or damages a neighbour's property, you want strong liability cover attached to the home policy.
The Two Traps That Cause Most Claim Headaches
1) Underinsurance Because Panels Weren't Included in the Building Sum
If your building sum insured reflects only the "old" property, you can end up with a payout that's reduced because the insured value doesn't match the real replacement value. Insurers explicitly advise adding the solar installation value to the building capital to avoid this problem.
2) "It Wasn't Declared"
Even if panels can be covered, problems start when the insurer says the risk wasn't disclosed properly. The fix is simple: declare the installation, confirm how it's listed (building vs add-on), and keep proof.
Panels, Inverter, and Battery: Where Each One Usually Sits
Solar systems aren't one item. Insurance treats components differently.
Panels and Mounting Structure
Usually treated as part of the building when permanently fixed—again, assuming declared and valued correctly.
Inverter and Electrical Components
Often included, but not always described clearly. If the inverter is wall-mounted and part of the fixed installation, some insurers treat it as building equipment; others want it specified.
Battery Storage (If Installed)
Batteries can raise extra questions (electrical risk, fire risk, replacement cost). Do not assume battery cover just because the panels are covered. Ask the broker/insurer to confirm whether it's included, and if any special conditions apply.
What to Ask Your Insurer (Checklist)
Use this checklist to avoid vague answers:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Are the solar panels insured under building cover or as a specific add-on? | Determines which section of the policy applies |
| Does the building sum insured include the installation value? | Avoids underinsurance and reduced payouts |
| Are inverter and batteries covered? Under what section and limits? | Components can be treated differently |
| Is theft covered for roof or ground-mounted panels? Any security conditions? | Accessible panels may have restrictions |
| Is electrical damage covered (surge/short circuit)? What limits? | Critical for inverter protection |
| What documents do you need for a claim? | Prepare invoices, certificates, photos in advance |
If There's Damage: What to Do So the Claim Goes Smoothly
Prevent Further Damage
Safe shutdown if advised by a qualified professional.
Document Everything
Take clear photos/videos of panels, roof fixings, inverter/battery area, and any secondary damage.
Keep All Paperwork
Installer inspection reports, electrician notes, replacement quotes, original invoices.
Notify the Insurer Fast
Ask what they need before repairs start (unless emergency repairs are required).
Document Context
If a storm or third party is involved, document timing and circumstances.
Getting the Policy Set Up Correctly
If you want a broker to confirm the right structure and avoid gaps, we can help you get home insurance that properly covers your solar installation.
Contact Us
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I install solar panels?
Yes. Even when panels can be covered under home insurance, insurers commonly expect them to be declared and valued, and the building sum insured updated to include the installation value. The practical reason is simple: solar equipment changes the insured property and its replacement cost. If the insurer later believes the installation wasn't disclosed correctly, the claim can turn into a dispute. The safest approach is to declare the installation right away, confirm whether it's listed under building cover or an add-on, and keep invoices and basic installation documentation.
Are the inverter and battery covered by home insurance in Spain?
Sometimes—but don't assume. Panels fixed to the building are often treated as part of the building when declared correctly, but inverters and batteries can be described differently depending on the insurer and policy wording. Ask for a written confirmation of where they sit in the policy (building, contents, or specific add-on), what per-item limits apply, and whether electrical damage is included. If you have battery storage, also confirm whether there are extra conditions, since replacement costs and risk assumptions can differ from standard fixtures.
Does home insurance cover lost savings or income if the system stops working?
Often, no. Home insurance is usually designed to cover physical damage and liability, not the "lost benefit" of the system (missed energy savings or feed-in income). Some insurers may offer optional extensions, but you need to ask directly and check the wording. If your priority is protecting the property and avoiding out-of-pocket replacement costs after storm, theft, or electrical damage, focus first on getting the panels properly included in the building sum and confirming coverage for key components. Then consider whether any extra cover is worth it for your situation.
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