When a windstorm peels three panels off your roof in Temecula or a wildfire sends debris raining down on a system in Murrieta, the first question homeowners ask is: does my insurance cover this? The answer is usually yes, but the details matter enormously. The wrong coverage type, an outdated dwelling limit, or a policy from one of the many carriers now retreating from California can leave a solar owner holding a five-figure repair bill.
California's insurance market is under significant stress. Major carriers have exited or sharply restricted new business. Premiums are rising. FAIR Plan enrollment has surged. And Inland Empire homeowners sit in a particularly complicated position: enough wildfire exposure to trigger carrier concern, but not necessarily in the highest-risk zones that dominate the news.
This guide walks through exactly how homeowner's insurance works for solar panels, what to do if you have a claim, the critical difference between replacement cost and actual cash value for a system that cost $30,000 to $50,000, and how to protect yourself in a market where standard coverage is no longer guaranteed.
How Homeowner's Insurance Covers Solar Panels
Standard homeowner's policies are structured around four coverage categories: Coverage A (dwelling), Coverage B (other structures), Coverage C (personal property), and Coverage D (loss of use). Which category your solar panels fall into determines the coverage limits that apply to them, whether depreciation is deducted, and how a claim is settled.
Most insurers classify rooftop solar panels as part of Coverage A because the panels are permanently attached to the dwelling. This matters because Coverage A is typically written on an open perils basis under HO-3 and HO-5 policies, meaning all causes of physical loss are covered except those explicitly excluded. It also typically means panels are settled at replacement cost value rather than actual cash value, which is the more favorable outcome for the homeowner.
Ground-mounted systems are sometimes classified under Coverage B (other structures) instead, which may have a sublimit of 10% of the dwelling limit. If your home is insured for $600,000 and your Coverage B limit is 10%, a ground-mounted array worth $45,000 would only be covered up to $60,000, which is adequate in this case, but worth confirming when the system value is significant.
Coverage Classification by System Type
Rooftop-Mounted Panels
Typically Coverage A (dwelling). Subject to dwelling limit. Usually settled at replacement cost value. Open perils coverage applies under HO-3 and HO-5 forms.
Ground-Mounted Arrays
May be Coverage B (other structures). Subject to a sublimit, often 10% of dwelling coverage. Confirm with your insurer in writing and request an endorsement if the default limit is insufficient.
Battery Storage Systems
Treatment varies by carrier. Some include batteries in Coverage A as part of the integrated solar system. Others treat the battery as personal property under Coverage C. Request written confirmation of which category applies.
The most important step is notification. Insurers require you to notify them of material changes to the property. Installing solar qualifies as a material change. If you installed panels without notifying your insurer and you later file a claim, the carrier could argue the installation created an unreported risk and complicate or delay payment. Call your agent before or immediately after installation, get written confirmation that the panels are covered under Coverage A, and request that your dwelling limit be reviewed.
What Damage Is Covered and What Is Excluded
Standard homeowner's policies cover physical damage to solar panels from a specific list of named perils or, under open perils forms, from all causes not specifically excluded. Here is a breakdown of common damage scenarios and how they are typically handled.
Covered Perils for Solar Panels
Windstorm and Hurricane Damage
Panels cracked or dislodged by high winds, Santa Ana conditions, or debris impact from wind events are covered under standard policies. This is one of the most common solar claims in Riverside County, where Santa Ana winds regularly exceed 50 mph during fire season. Document the event date using the National Weather Service storm reports, which serve as independent confirmation of the weather conditions.
Hail Damage
Hail large enough to crack panel glass or damage cells is a covered peril. Southern California receives far less hail than the Mountain West, but significant hail events do occur in Inland Empire communities during winter storm systems. Hail damage can be subtle, often requiring an infrared scan or electroluminescence test to detect micro-cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. Always request a professional inspection after any hail event rather than relying on a visual check from the ground.
Fire and Wildfire Damage
Fire damage to solar panels is covered, including damage from embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. Wildfire is a named peril in standard policies and an increasingly significant risk for Temecula, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore homeowners. The challenge in wildfire claims is that panels may survive a fire that destroys the roof beneath them, creating a structurally compromised installation that must be removed and reinstalled as part of the roof repair. That reinstallation cost should be included in your claim.
Falling Objects
A tree branch, utility pole, or other falling object that strikes and damages panels is a covered peril. Keep records of any tree trimming or removal work on your property to establish that you maintained the trees properly, which can matter if the insurer raises a maintenance question.
Theft and Vandalism
Solar panels are a theft target because they are valuable, moderately accessible, and often not under active surveillance. Panel theft has increased across Southern California as second-hand markets for solar equipment have grown. Standard policies cover theft of panels under Coverage A. File a police report immediately, as insurers require a police report number for theft claims. Vandalism, including deliberate damage to panels or wiring, is also a standard covered peril.
Lightning Strikes
A direct lightning strike on or near the solar system can destroy inverters, damage panels, and compromise wiring. Lightning is a covered peril. Power surge damage from a nearby strike, as opposed to a direct strike on the equipment, may or may not be covered depending on whether you have added a power surge endorsement. Standard policies typically exclude surge damage not caused by lightning directly hitting the property.
Common Exclusions
Normal Wear and Gradual Degradation
Insurance does not cover the fact that solar panels lose efficiency over time. A panel producing 85% of its original output after 15 years has not suffered an insured loss. This is what manufacturer production warranties are designed to address.
Flood Damage
Flooding from heavy rain, overflowing drainage, or storm surge is excluded from standard homeowner's policies. NFIP or private flood coverage is required. This is relevant in Temecula's lower-lying neighborhoods during significant rain events.
Earthquake Damage
California earthquake damage is excluded from standard policies. The state's seismic risk is high enough that earthquake coverage requires a separate policy through the California Earthquake Authority or a private carrier. Panels damaged in an earthquake are not covered without this separate policy.
Manufacturer Defects and Product Failures
A panel that stops working because of a manufacturing defect is not an insured loss. This falls under the manufacturer's product warranty. If the panel physically damages your roof or causes a fire due to a defect, that resulting damage may be covered, but the defective panel itself is a warranty matter.
How to File a Solar Panel Insurance Claim: Step by Step
A solar panel insurance claim follows the same general process as any other property damage claim, with a few additional documentation steps specific to solar systems. Taking these steps correctly from the start prevents delays and disputes.
Step 1: Secure the Property and Document the Damage
Before touching anything, photograph and video every aspect of the damage from multiple angles. Include wide shots showing the roof and array in context, close-ups of individual damaged panels, shots of racking and mounting hardware, and any damage to the roof surface itself. If any panels are hanging loose and pose a safety risk, contact a licensed solar contractor to make the system safe before anyone accesses the roof. Do not attempt emergency repairs yourself, as working on or near energized solar systems without proper equipment and training is dangerous.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurer Promptly
Call your insurer's claims line as soon as it is safe to do so. Most policies require prompt notification of loss. Delayed reporting can give the insurer grounds to question whether additional damage occurred between the loss event and your notification. Have your policy number ready, the date of loss, a brief description of the damage, and the approximate total number of panels affected. Ask for your claim number and the name of the assigned adjuster.
Step 3: Gather Your System Documentation
This is where preparation before a loss pays off. The adjuster will need: the original installation contract with itemized costs, panel model numbers and specifications (found on the original proposal or system documents), inverter make and model, permits and final inspection sign-off from the city or county, your monitoring app history showing production before and after the event, and any available warranty documentation. If you do not have these on hand, contact your installer for copies. Most installers retain project records.
Step 4: Get an Independent Solar Assessment
Request that the insurer's adjuster be accompanied by a licensed solar contractor during the inspection, or obtain your own independent assessment beforehand. General adjusters often lack the training to identify all solar-specific damage, particularly micro-cracks, delamination, hotspot damage from debris, and wiring problems caused by racking movement. An independent solar contractor's written assessment documents all damage that may not be visible to a non-specialist, which protects you if the initial claim estimate is too low.
Step 5: Review the Claim Settlement Offer Carefully
When the insurer issues a settlement offer, review it line by line against the independent contractor assessment. Confirm the estimate covers: panel replacement at current market cost for equivalent or better units, inverter replacement or testing if affected, racking and mounting hardware, labor for removal and reinstallation, any roof repairs required before panels can be reinstalled, and system re-inspection and re-permitting fees if required by your jurisdiction. If the offer is lower than the contractor estimate, submit the contractor's assessment formally and request a supplemental review. You have the right to invoke appraisal or mediation provisions in your policy if negotiations stall.
Step 6: Coordinate Roof and Solar Repairs Together
If the damage also affected your roof, plan both repairs together. Solar panels must come off before roofing work, and must be reinstalled after the roof is complete. That removal and reinstallation adds $1,500 to $4,000 or more depending on system size and is a legitimate cost that should be included in the insurance claim. Never allow a roofer to work around the panels or attempt to move them without a licensed solar contractor present.
Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value: Why It Matters for Solar
The single most financially significant variable in a solar insurance claim is whether your panels are settled on a replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV) basis. For a system that cost $40,000 ten years ago, the difference between these two approaches could be $15,000 to $20,000.
Real-World Example: 10kW System Damage Claim
Replacement Cost Value Settlement
Actual Cash Value Settlement
Depreciation rates and payout amounts are illustrative. Actual depreciation schedules vary by insurer and policy form.
Most standard HO-3 policies cover the dwelling at replacement cost by default. Because rooftop solar panels are typically classified as part of the dwelling, they are often settled at RCV. However, this is not universal. Some policies include endorsements or sublanguage that applies ACV to certain components. Battery storage systems in particular may be treated as personal property and settled on an ACV basis unless you have requested an RCV endorsement.
The practical step is to pull out your declarations page and policy form and look for language about how losses to the dwelling are settled. If the policy says "replacement cost" without qualification, you are likely covered at RCV for panels. If you see language about "actual cash value" or "depreciation," call your agent and ask specifically whether solar panels installed on the roof are subject to depreciation in a claim settlement. Get the answer in writing.
What the California Insurer Exodus Means for Solar Owners
California's insurance market has undergone a structural disruption that directly affects solar homeowners. Between 2022 and 2025, several major carriers announced they would stop writing new homeowner's policies or significantly restrict coverage in California:
- State Farm: Stopped writing new homeowner's policies in California in May 2023. Also announced non-renewal of 72,000 existing policies in 2024.
- Allstate: Stopped writing new California homeowner's policies in late 2022.
- Farmers: Announced a 10-year moratorium on new policies in California in July 2023.
- USAA: Began restricting new business in higher-risk California ZIP codes.
- AIG / Lexington Insurance: Reduced admitted market appetite, pushing more homes to surplus lines.
For solar owners, this creates three specific risks. First, if your carrier non-renews your policy, you may lose the specific coverage terms that protect your panels at replacement cost, and your replacement policy may be more expensive or less comprehensive. Second, the FAIR Plan, which many displaced homeowners have been forced onto, offers minimal property coverage and does not cover liability, theft, or personal property at standard levels. Third, some carriers that are still writing policies in California have added exclusions or sublimits for certain types of equipment, including solar systems in high fire risk zones.
Temecula's position is nuanced. Most of the city sits in moderate fire hazard severity zones rather than the high and very high zones that have prompted the most aggressive carrier withdrawals. However, the surrounding hills and communities like Aguanga and Rainbow carry higher risk ratings, and Temecula's canyon-adjacent properties have seen carrier scrutiny. Homeowners who received non-renewal notices should work with an independent insurance broker who has access to the full spectrum of admitted carriers, excess and surplus lines markets, and can build a solution combining admitted coverage, a DIC policy, and supplemental endorsements.
The California Department of Insurance issued a moratorium on non-renewals in wildfire-adjacent areas following recent declared disasters, providing temporary relief to some homeowners. Commissioner Ricardo Lara also implemented the Sustainable Insurance Strategy requiring carriers to write in high-risk areas in exchange for being allowed to use forward-looking catastrophe models in their rate filings. Whether this stabilizes the market or creates perverse incentives is still playing out.
If Your Insurer Non-Renews You: Priority Actions
- Contact an independent broker (not a captive agent) with access to multiple admitted carriers and the E&S market.
- Get quotes from Mercury Insurance, Kemper, Openly, Hippo, and specialty surplus lines carriers before accepting the FAIR Plan as the only option.
- If you end up on the FAIR Plan, purchase a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to restore theft, liability, and personal property coverage.
- Confirm explicitly with any new carrier that your solar panels are covered under Coverage A at replacement cost value and that the dwelling limit is adequate to cover both the home and the system.
- Document your fire mitigation efforts: defensible space, ember-resistant vents, Class A roof, cleared gutters. Some carriers offer mitigation credits that can partially offset premiums.
Inland Empire Wildfire Risk and Solar: What Solar Owners Need to Prepare For
Riverside County's fire history is real and relevant. The Cranston Fire in 2018 burned more than 13,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains above Hemet. The Valley Fire in 2020 destroyed hundreds of structures in the Aguanga area east of Temecula. The Thomas Fire in 2017 and the Holy Fire in 2018, while centering north of Riverside County, pushed ash and embers across the region. Solar systems in these areas faced direct damage as well as the secondary effects of rooftop debris impacts from falling embers.
For solar owners in or near fire-prone areas, there are several insurance and preparedness considerations that go beyond the standard damage claim.
First, when a wildfire approaches, your solar system should be shut down if possible. Most modern solar systems can be shut down at the inverter or via a rapid shutdown device required under NEC 2017 and 2020 code. Firefighters who access a burning roof face electrocution risk from solar systems that remain energized, and some fire departments require rapid shutdown before they will approach a structure with a solar array. Know where your rapid shutdown device is and how to use it.
Second, ember intrusion can deposit burning debris between panels and the roof surface. This is a documented fire ignition pathway in solar installations that lack ember-resistant underlayment. If your system was installed before 2020, the underlayment may not meet current ember-resistance standards. This is worth discussing with your installer during any routine maintenance visit.
Third, wildfire smoke and ash can temporarily reduce solar production. The 2020 California wildfire season produced air quality so poor that some solar systems saw production drops of 20 to 30 percent for weeks at a time. This is not an insurable loss but it is worth knowing when interpreting your monitoring data.
Fourth, if your property is located in a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ) as mapped by CAL FIRE, your insurer has likely already applied a fire-related surcharge or, in some cases, declined coverage. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection publishes HFHSZ maps by county. You can look up your specific parcel to determine your classification and use that information when shopping for coverage.
Solar Panel Warranty vs. Insurance Coverage: Two Separate Protections
One of the most common points of confusion for solar homeowners is the difference between their panel manufacturer's warranty and their homeowner's insurance policy. These are completely separate protections that cover different categories of loss and are handled by different parties.
Manufacturer Warranty Covers
- + Product defects causing early failure
- + Power output falling below the guaranteed production level (usually 80-85% of rated output after 25 years)
- + Manufacturing defects in cells, frames, and junction boxes
- - Physical damage from storms, fire, theft, or vandalism
- - Damage caused by improper installation
- - Panels from a manufacturer that has gone out of business
Insurance Covers
- + Storm, wind, hail, and debris damage
- + Fire and wildfire damage
- + Theft and vandalism
- + Lightning strike damage
- - Gradual wear and efficiency loss
- - Manufacturing defects
- - Flood or earthquake damage (without separate policies)
The warranty situation in California is further complicated by a pattern of solar manufacturer bankruptcies and market exits. SunPower, which was one of the most widely installed premium panel brands in Inland Empire homes, filed for bankruptcy protection in 2024. Panel warranties backed by a bankrupt manufacturer are difficult to enforce. Inverter maker Enphase and battery maker Tesla (Powerwall) are still operating as of mid-2026, but the history of the solar industry includes enough company failures that homeowners should keep documentation that does not depend on the manufacturer remaining in business.
The workmanship warranty, which is provided by your installer rather than the manufacturer, covers defects in the installation itself, such as improper flashing that causes roof leaks or wiring errors that cause system underperformance. These typically run 5 to 10 years and are only as durable as the installing company. For installer bankruptcy situations, some states provide a remedy through contractor licensing bonds, but California's CSLB bond limits are modest and often insufficient for a full system replacement.
How Solar Panels Affect Your Homeowner's Insurance Premium
Adding solar panels to your home typically increases your homeowner's insurance premium, though the increase is usually modest in comparison to the cost of the system itself. The premium increase reflects two factors: the increased replacement value of the dwelling and the insurer's assessment of any additional risk introduced by the solar equipment.
On the replacement value side, if your panels add $35,000 to $50,000 in equipment and installation value, your dwelling should be rebuilt for that much more in a total loss scenario. An insurer who does not increase your dwelling coverage after installation is leaving you underinsured. When you notify your insurer of a new solar installation, they will typically rerun a replacement cost estimator and adjust your premium accordingly. The premium impact of a $40,000 system at standard rates is usually in the range of $60 to $200 per year, depending on the carrier, your deductible, and the credit rating factors in your policy.
On the risk side, some carriers have specific underwriting guidelines for solar. A carrier that has had significant solar fire claims may apply a modest surcharge. Others view solar as relatively low additional risk and make no adjustment beyond the dwelling value increase. Roof-mounted panels in good condition do not materially change the fire risk profile of a home for most carriers.
In California's current market, however, the premium question is secondary to the availability question. Whether your carrier will keep writing your policy at all is a more pressing concern than whether they add $100 to your annual premium for solar. Focus first on confirming your coverage is intact and your panels are explicitly included in Coverage A at replacement cost value. Once that is confirmed, evaluate whether the premium is reasonable for the coverage provided.
Documentation to Keep for a Solar Insurance Claim
The quality of your documentation determines how smoothly a claim is resolved. Keep the following records in a location you can access even if your home is inaccessible, such as a cloud storage folder or a fireproof safe away from the property.
Installation Contract and Invoice
The complete itemized invoice showing panel model numbers, quantity, wattage, inverter make and model, battery if applicable, labor costs, permitting fees, and total installed cost. This is your primary documentation of what was installed and what it cost.
Panel Specification Sheets
The technical data sheet for your specific panel model showing rated power output, physical dimensions, and the model number exactly as it appears on the panel label. This helps the adjuster confirm what equivalent replacement panels cost at current market prices.
Permit Documents and Final Inspection
The building permit issued for the installation and the final inspection sign-off from your city or county. Some insurers want to see that the system was permitted and inspected to confirm it was installed to code.
Utility Interconnection Agreement
The agreement from your utility confirming your system is approved to connect to the grid. This establishes the system was active and generating power, which matters for lost production claims.
Production Monitoring History
Screenshots or data exports from your monitoring app (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring, SunPower, etc.) showing production history for the 12 months before the loss event. This documents normal production and establishes a baseline for any lost income claims if you have a production-based claim component.
Photos Before the Loss
Annual photos of your array from multiple angles, including close-ups of panels in good condition. These are invaluable for demonstrating the pre-loss condition if an adjuster questions whether existing damage predated the insured event.
Warranty Documents
The manufacturer's product warranty and linear power warranty for the panels, and the installer's workmanship warranty. While these are warranty documents rather than insurance documents, they establish the expected useful life of the equipment, which is relevant to depreciation disputes.
Tips for Choosing Homeowner's Insurance When You Have Solar
Whether you are buying a home with existing solar, preparing to install, or shopping for coverage after a non-renewal, use these criteria to evaluate any homeowner's policy when solar is on the roof.
Confirm Coverage A Includes Solar Panels Explicitly
Ask the agent or broker to confirm in writing that rooftop solar panels are covered under Coverage A (dwelling) and not classified as personal property or as an excluded structure. If the policy has any language that creates ambiguity, ask for an endorsement that explicitly names the solar system as covered dwelling property.
Verify Replacement Cost Value Settlement
Confirm that Coverage A losses, including solar panels, are settled on a replacement cost value basis. If any component of the solar system is settled on ACV, ask about an RCV endorsement and what the cost is to add it.
Review and Update Your Dwelling Coverage Limit
Your dwelling limit should be sufficient to rebuild the entire structure, including the solar system, at current construction and equipment costs. Request a replacement cost estimator from the insurer and add the full installed cost of your solar system to that number. If you are underinsured, you are a co-insurer in your own claim.
Ask About Battery Storage Coverage
If you have a battery storage system, ask specifically how it is classified and what its coverage limit is. A $20,000 Tesla Powerwall may not be automatically included in Coverage A on all policies. Get written confirmation and request an endorsement if necessary.
Check for Solar-Specific Exclusions or Sublimits
Some surplus lines policies, which are increasingly common in California, include endorsements that limit or exclude coverage for solar equipment in high fire risk zones. Read the exclusions and endorsements pages, not just the declarations page, before binding coverage.
Consider an Equipment Breakdown Endorsement
Standard policies do not cover mechanical or electrical breakdown of your inverter or other system components. An equipment breakdown endorsement (sometimes called an equipment protection or systems failure endorsement) adds coverage for sudden and accidental mechanical breakdown, electrical arcing, and power surges, typically for a modest additional premium of $50 to $100 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my homeowner's insurance automatically cover my solar panels in California?
In most cases, yes. Standard California homeowner's policies include solar panels as part of Coverage A (dwelling coverage) because panels are permanently attached to the structure. However, the coverage limit is tied to your dwelling limit, and many homeowners installed solar after last setting their dwelling limit years ago. If your dwelling coverage has not been updated since installation, you may be underinsured for a total loss that includes both the roof and the solar system. Always notify your insurer after installation, confirm the panels are included in Coverage A, and verify your dwelling limit is high enough to cover replacement of both the home and the system at current rebuild costs.
What types of solar panel damage are covered by homeowner's insurance?
Standard homeowner's policies cover solar panels damaged by windstorm, hail, falling objects such as tree branches, fire, lightning, vandalism, and theft. They do not cover damage from normal wear, gradual deterioration, manufacturer defects, or power surges unless you have added equipment breakdown or power surge endorsements. Flood damage is excluded from standard policies and requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Earthquake damage is excluded and requires a separate earthquake policy, which is particularly relevant in Southern California. The specific perils covered depend on whether your policy is an HO-3 (open perils for dwelling, named perils for personal property) or HO-5 form.
What is the difference between replacement cost value and actual cash value for solar panels?
Replacement cost value (RCV) pays you the full cost to replace damaged solar panels with new, equivalent panels at current market prices, with no deduction for depreciation. Actual cash value (ACV) pays the replacement cost minus depreciation, which for a 10-year-old solar system could mean a payout of 40 to 50 percent of what new panels would cost today. Most standard HO-3 policies settle personal property claims on an ACV basis by default, but many insurers classify permanently attached solar panels as part of the dwelling, which is typically covered at RCV. Confirm with your insurer in writing whether your panels are classified as dwelling (RCV) or personal property (ACV), and request the RCV endorsement if ACV is the default.
Which insurance companies are still writing policies for homes with solar panels in California?
As of 2025 and 2026, several major insurers have reduced or stopped writing new homeowner's policies in California, including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and USAA, primarily due to wildfire exposure. This creates a real problem for homeowners with solar, because the remaining market is smaller and premiums have increased significantly. Insurers that are still actively writing California policies include Mercury Insurance, Kemper, Openly, Hippo, and several surplus lines carriers. The FAIR Plan (California's insurer of last resort) covers the dwelling but offers minimal coverage and excludes liability, theft, and personal property. Homeowners on the FAIR Plan should purchase a separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to fill the gaps.
Does adding solar panels increase my homeowner's insurance premium?
Adding solar panels generally does increase your homeowner's insurance premium slightly, because the panels increase the replacement cost of your home and because the insurer takes on additional risk. The increase is typically modest, in the range of $50 to $200 per year for a standard residential system. However, in California's current insurance market, the bigger factor is whether your insurer will continue to write your policy at all. Some carriers have declined renewals in wildfire-adjacent ZIP codes regardless of solar status. The practical advice is to notify your insurer before installation, get written confirmation that your policy covers the panels, and request an updated quote. If your insurer non-renews you, start shopping immediately through an independent broker who has access to admitted carriers and the surplus lines market.
How does my solar panel manufacturer's warranty differ from my homeowner's insurance coverage?
Manufacturer warranties and homeowner's insurance cover completely different categories of loss. The panel manufacturer's product warranty (typically 10 to 12 years for defects) and power production warranty (typically 25 years guaranteeing a minimum output level) cover failures that are inherent to the product itself, such as a cell defect causing premature degradation. Homeowner's insurance covers external physical damage from storms, fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. If a panel cracks because a tree branch falls on it during a windstorm, that is an insurance claim. If a panel's output drops below the guaranteed threshold due to manufacturing defects, that is a warranty claim with the manufacturer. You need both, and neither one substitutes for the other.
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