Do You Need to Tell Your Home Insurer About Plug-In Solar?
Most home insurance policies don't exclude plug-in solar, but you should notify your insurer. Here's a template letter.
The Short Answer
Yes — you should notify your home insurer when you install plug-in solar. Most policies require you to inform them of any changes to the property or its contents that could affect risk.
Why Notify?
- Policy compliance: Failing to disclose material changes can void your cover
- Contents coverage: Your plug-in solar kit is a valuable item (£400-1,000)
- Liability: If the system caused damage to the property, undisclosed modifications could affect your claim
- It's easy: A quick phone call or email is all it takes
What Insurers Typically Say
Most home insurers accept plug-in solar without any premium increase because:
- It's a portable consumer product, not a permanent modification
- It plugs into a standard 13A socket
- Certified kits meet the DESNZ Interim Product Specification safety requirements
- It's legal from 27 August 2026
Template Notification Letter
Dear [Insurance Company],
I am writing to inform you that I have installed a plug-in solar system at [address]. The system is a [brand/model], certified to the DESNZ Interim Product Specification under SI 2026 No. 848. It generates up to 800W of electricity and connects to a standard 13A wall socket via a BS 1363 plug with a 5A fuse.
The system is portable (not permanently fixed to the building), does not modify the fixed wiring, and was installed without an electrician as designed by the manufacturer.
Please confirm whether this affects my policy terms or premium. The system's replacement value is approximately [£X].
Yours faithfully, [Your name]
What If Your Insurer Objects?
This is unlikely but possible. If your insurer adds an exclusion or increases premium significantly:
- Ask specifically what their concern is
- Explain that certified kits meet government safety standards
- Get quotes from other insurers — most won't have an issue
- Check our insurance guide for detailed advice
- 800W dual-panel plug-in solar kit
- 600Wh battery with smart scheduling
- App monitoring with real-time generation data
- Balcony, garden & flat-roof mounts available
Will my premium go up?
Unlikely. Most insurers treat plug-in solar the same as any other portable appliance. A few may add a small loading (£10-20/year).
Should renters notify their contents insurer?
Yes. Your contents policy should cover the solar kit as a valuable portable item. The landlord's buildings insurance isn't your responsibility.
Related reading
See how much plug-in solar could save you — with real data for your postcode.