Solar panel insurance in Switzerland — what’s covered (and what’s not)
Many owners think they are automatically covered. In practice, a poorly declared solar installation can result in partial compensation, or even refusal, after a disaster.
Critical point: a photovoltaic installation must be declared to your building insurer. Without updating the contract, you take a real risk in the event of hail, fire or power surge.
1) What insurance covers solar panels in Switzerland?
In the majority of cases, the panels are attached to thebuilding insurance because they are permanently attached to the roof. This policy in principle covers material damage linked to natural events and fire, according to cantonal and contractual conditions.
The inverter, the monitoring system and sometimes the battery may be covered by different guarantees depending on the company. Some include these elements in the building coverage, others require a dedicated “technical installations” endorsement.
2) Losses generally covered
Hail and storm
Often covered, with specific excess depending on the policy.
Fire safety
Standard building coverage, including collateral damage on the roof.
Surtension/foudre
Variable depending on insurer; sometimes included via an electrical extension.
Water damage after roof disaster
Often covered if the link with the insured event is proven.
3) Frequent exclusions to check
Normal wear and lack of maintenance. A progressive drop in yield is not an insurable loss. Insurers expect documented maintenance.
Installation error or assembly defect. These cases generally fall under the installer's guarantee (and their professional liability insurance), not your building insurance.
Loss of income on network injection. Some policies compensate for operating losses, many do not without an explicit additional option.
4) How much does photovoltaic insurance cost?
In Switzerland, the annual surcharge for a residential installation of 6 to 10 kWp is often between CHF 0 and CHF 300, depending on the canton, the insured value, the excess and the extensions chosen (electrical breakdown, loss of production, battery).
A slightly more expensive contract that is clear on exclusions is generally preferable to an ambiguous “cheap” policy. The difference in annual premium is small compared to the cost of an inverter or battery to replace.
5) Checklist before and after installation
- • Declare the photovoltaic installation to building insurance upon commissioning.
- • Check hail, storm, fire and surge coverage in black and white.
- • Check the exact deductible applicable to the panels and the inverter.
- • Confirm if production loss is covered (and for how many months).
- • Keep invoices, electrical diagram, photos and commissioning report.
Quick FAQ
Do I need to insure my panels separately? Not always. Many cases involve building insurance, but you must validate the exact wording of your contract.
Is the battery automatically covered? No. On several contracts, it requires a specific extension or a separate declared value.
What to do in the event of a disaster? Report the incident quickly, document the damage (photos, quotes, installer report) and avoid any definitive repairs before the expert visits, except for emergency measures.
Sources
OFEN (protection of PV installations), public information from cantonal building insurers, contractual practices observed among major Swiss insurers in 2025–2026.