Question 1

What is a common misconception about General Liability for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Solar installers think they're 'electrical contractors with panels.' Carriers see solar as roofing + electrical — combining the two highest-loss trades. Underwriting is more conservative than either alone.

Question 2

What happens if solar installers don't have General Liability?

Accepted Answer

An array on a residential roof leaks 14 months later — water damage to interior $42K. GL completed-ops pays third-party damage; you eat the leak repair.

Question 3

What is a common misconception about Workers' Compensation for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Solar firms think class code 5538 (sheet metal) covers them — most carriers want a roofing-rated 5551 exposure for solar.

Question 4

What happens if solar installers don't have Workers' Compensation?

Accepted Answer

Installer falls 22 ft from a 2-story residential roof. Compound fracture, surgery, 5 months out — $160K medical, $30K wages. WC pays.

Question 5

What is a common misconception about Commercial Auto for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Operators think panel cargo is covered under auto. Cargo coverage is a separate motor-truck-cargo policy or inland-marine endorsement.

Question 6

What happens if solar installers don't have Commercial Auto?

Accepted Answer

An accident damages 24 panels in transit ($28K) plus injuries — $90K total. Auto liability pays the injury portion; cargo coverage handles panels.

Question 7

What is a common misconception about Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment) for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Panel theft is a real and growing problem — especially commercial sites with sub-arrays staged before install.

Question 8

What happens if solar installers don't have Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)?

Accepted Answer

A staged commercial install loses 18 panels overnight — $24K. Inland marine pays.

Question 9

What is a common misconception about Professional Liability (E&O) for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Solar firms think 'we just install — manufacturer covers panels.' Sales reps' performance promises and system-design choices are professional services exposure standard GL excludes.

Question 10

What happens if solar installers don't have Professional Liability (E&O)?

Accepted Answer

A residential customer's actual production is 30% below your sales rep's projection. They sue for refund + financing differential — $42K. E&O pays.

Question 11

What is a common misconception about Commercial Umbrella for Solar Installers?

Accepted Answer

Most utility/commercial solar contracts require $5M+.

Question 12

What happens if solar installers don't have Commercial Umbrella?

Accepted Answer

Electrical fire from an installation destroys $1.6M of commercial building. Primary GL + $2M umbrella pays.

Solar Installers Insurance Coverage Guide | RISKX