5 Things Adjusters Should Know About Solar Power Equipment

Scroll down for facts that may help you handle claims that include this increasingly popular equipment.

You’re likely to see more solar equipment in claims.

Hover over the questions below to reveal the answer.
How many U.S. homes have a solar array installed?

A 2024 report from SolarInsure states that more than 4.2 million single-family home have solar equipment installed. If trends continue, this number is likely to grow, as electricity produced by solar equipment has increased almost every year since 2006.

Why are more policyholders choosing solar?

Homeowners may opt for solar equipment for a number of reasons, including lower energy cost and consumption, environmental concerns, and the possibility of increased home value.

Where are you more likely to see claims involving solar equipment?

While solar equipment is gaining popularity throughout the country, and the top four producers of solar energy are spread from coast to coast, many states with high production are in the southwest.

Utility-scale solar electricity generation by state, 2022

Brush up on what adjusters should consider about this increasingly popular equipment in our article: 

It’s more than just panels. 

Solar equipment is complex, and many components may be vulnerable to failure. Familiarity with the equipment can aid your decision-making process as you seek an accurate settlement. You may see claims for structural damage from the mounting equipment that anchors the solar panels or causes of loss that center on the controller or monitoring system.

Test Your Knowledge!


(Clickable 3 question quiz)

Question 1: What are the two most common types of solar panels?

A: Monocrystalline
and polycrystalline

Correct!

B. Monocell
and multicell

Incorrect

C.  Glass and
fiberglass

Incorrect

Question 2: Which component is responsible for converting direct
current electricity to alternating current for use?

A. Converter

Incorrect

B. Capacitor

Incorrect

C. Inverter

Correct!

Question 3: What is the purpose of a battery bank in a solar power system?

A: Pulling
electricity from the
utility grid

Incorrect

B. Storing
unused energy
for later use

Correct!

C.  Protecting
against lightning
and surge damage

Incorrect
Familiarize yourself with the other major components of solar equipment and how they contribute to its operation with this illustrated guide:

An accurate cause of loss is vital.

You know what’s in your customers’ policies, but you might need a solar power equipment expert to determine an accurate cause of loss before you make your decision.

 

Solar equipment is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, but weather phenomena like hail, wind, and lightning are the most frequently claimed causes of loss. Settling solar power equipment claims without an assessment risks an inaccurate resolution; while hail was the reported cause of loss in 21% of solar power equipment claims, assessments determined it to be the actual cause in only 8%.

Learn more about commonly claimed perils here:

Improper installation may lead to structural damages.

While many solar claims center around the equipment itself, some will also benefit from assessment support from structural engineers. Solar power equipment adds load to a building, most often on the roof, so improper installation could lead to damages.

Broken rafters, sagging roofs, and cracked or bowed walls can result from failure to reinforce the roof structure.

Water intrusion may be result of improper fastening or failure to fill in punctures created for installation, which allows water to enter the structure.

Panels being shifted and/or uplifted by wind, which can be unpredictable, can lead to wind-damaged roof structures.

Check out a real example of how Donan’s structural engineering team identified inadequate structural modifications following solar panel installation:

Replacements may not be necessary.

An unbiased solar equipment assessment should not only determine the cause of loss but also provide repair vs. replacement recommendations. There are a few reasons adjusters shouldn’t skip this step.

$10,951

The average replacement cost for solar power equipment

$7,471

The average repair cost for solar power equipment

46%

Solar power equipment that was non-damaged or could be returned to pre-loss condition with a repair

Recognize failure trends and the importance of assessments:

About Alpine Intel

 
As solar equipment technology expands and develops, settling claims that include it requires an assessment partner with the innovation and expertise to answer complex questions. Alpine Intel provides a broad range of property insurance intelligence through our suite of services. The experts within our operating brands, HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering, and the Component Testing Lab, are prepared to assess solar equipment losses and other failures or damages related to them  nationwide.
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