Renewable Energy & Home Insurance: A UK Homeowner’s Guide
As more UK homeowners install renewable technologies such as solar panels, battery storage systems, and air source heat pumps, one crucial step often gets overlooked—notifying your home insurer. While it may not seem urgent, failing to disclose your installation could affect your home insurance policy and leave you exposed in the event of a claim. You should always confirm any additions with your provider.
At Blue Ape Renewables, we not only handle your installation but also help you prepare everything you need to stay fully compliant and protected.
What’s Considered a “Material Change” to Your Home?
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a “material change” is any alteration that could affect the structure, value, or risk profile of your property. This includes installing:
- Solar PV systems
- Home battery storage
- Air source or ground source heat pumps
- EV charging points
- Solar carports or ground-mounted arrays
These upgrades often increase your home’s value and alter its electrical setup, making it essential to update your insurer.
Why Notifying Your Insurer Matters
- Avoid Invalid Claims
If your insurer isn’t aware of your renewable installation, any future claim related to fire, water damage, or electrical failure could be rejected due to non-disclosure. - Protect Your Investment
Systems like solar panels and batteries can cost thousands. Ensuring they’re covered under your policy means you won’t be left out of pocket if they’re damaged by storms, vandalism, or accidents. - Improved Property Value
Adding renewables often increases a home’s market value. Some insurers may even lower your premiums because of your reduced carbon footprint or improved energy rating.
💡 Gem of wisdom: Some underwriters now favour properties with solar and battery systems as they reduce the risk of claims due to energy reliability.
What to Ask Your Insurer
📝 Always check the fine print and confirm any changes with your provider directly. Some providers cover solar panels as standard under ‘fixtures and fittings’, while others require them to be declared and valued separately as a high-value item.
How to Notify Your Insurer – Step-by-Step
- Write to your insurer
Email or post is fine, but ask for written confirmation of any updates. - Include key details
System type (solar, battery, heat pump), installer name and accreditations (MCS, NAPIT), cost, and date of installation. - Request a policy update
Ask for confirmation that your cover remains valid and that the new equipment is included.
Will It Affect Your Premium?
In most cases, no major increase is expected—especially if you use a certified installer like Blue Ape Renewables. Some policies may rise by a few pounds a month if specialist cover is required, but this is a small price for long-term peace of mind.
💷 Ballpark premium uplift (illustrative estimates only):
– Solar PV only: ~£10–£25 annually
– Battery storage: ~£20–£40 annually
– Heat pump: Often no additional cost if properly installed
How Blue Ape Renewables Helps
We provide all the documentation you need for your insurer:
- MCS/NAPIT Certification
- System photos for documentation
- Written quotations for insurance claims
- Condition reports and safety certificates
- Help contacting your insurer if needed
💬 Thinking of reroofing too? If we’re installing your solar system and you accept our quote for a new roof, we’ll remove and reinstall your panels free of charge. Learn more here.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This Step
Notifying your insurer *before* or immediately after installing renewable technology is simple, fast, and essential. It protects your investment, keeps your cover valid, and ensures you’re not caught out by the fine print.
At Blue Ape Renewables, we take the stress out of renewable energy—from installation to documentation and ongoing support.
