Damage to and caused by solar systems: Insuring balcony power plants: Which policy covers what?

From crashes to destruction—if your balcony power plant has or develops a problem, it can be expensive. And not all damage is automatically insured.

It's great when your balcony power plant is finally up and running and producing electricity. But what if it gets damaged by a storm, or—worse—if the solar system causes damage to the building or injures people? Which insurance covers this? An overview:

Does private liability insurance cover damage caused by balcony power plants? Many policies already do. If you're not sure, call your insurance company and ask, and have the safety information confirmed in writing. Damages like these are typically covered:

• Damage to common property or apartment building caused by the balcony power plant, for example due to falls or fire
• Personal injuries caused by the balcony power plant
• Third-party claims for damages caused by the balcony power plant
• However, damage caused intentionally is not covered.

Important: The Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Advice Center advises that you also ask your insurer whether damage caused by the operation of the system - for example, to the household electrical installation - is also insured.

Damage to the photovoltaic system

If the plug-in solar device itself is damaged, it is usually covered by household contents insurance. At least, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV), this will be the case for tariffs starting in November 2023. To be on the safe side, it's best to check the policy terms and conditions or call your insurer.

The Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Advice Center recommends informing your home contents insurance about the installation of a balcony power plant and keeping the registration confirmation safe. As part of your home contents, the system is insured against, among other things, the following damages:

• Hail damage
• Fire damage
• Damage caused by storms
• Overvoltage damage after lightning strike

According to the Association of Insured Persons, electronics insurance taken out in addition to household contents insurance also covers deliberate destruction by third parties, property damage caused by operating errors, and design, material, or workmanship defects.

Intentionally caused damage is not covered by either policy.