Nearly One in Five Homeowners with Solar Panels or Home Battery Systems Have Experienced Weather-Related Issues
New Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) research highlights the importance of looking after solar panels and home battery systems as adoption of solar technology continues to grow across Ireland
- 18% of homeowners with solar panels or home battery systems have experienced weather-related issues
- Aviva has seen an increase in customer queries relating to solar panels as more households adopt the technology
- Aviva is encouraging homeowners to arrange professional inspections and monitor system performance to help identify potential issues early
Nearly one in five homeowners (18%) with solar panels or home battery systems have experienced weather-related issues with these technologies, according to new research* from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva).
The Aviva research, carried out among 750 homeowners across Ireland, explored homeowners' experiences of solar panels and home battery systems. Among homeowners with these technologies installed who had experienced an issue, weather-related issues were the most commonly reported. These can include reduced system performance during periods of extreme heat, as well as damage caused by storms, high winds or heavy rainfall.
The findings come as solar panels become increasingly common in Irish homes. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)**, more than 102,000 homes have installed solar panels with grant support since 2018, with applications almost doubled to 10,000 in March compared with the same month last year.
As more households invest in solar technology, Aviva has seen an increase in customer queries relating to solar panels, with households seeking information on maintenance, weather related damage and insurance cover. Homeowners are encouraged to monitor system performance, look out for obvious signs of damage that can be safely observed from ground level, and arrange periodic inspections by a qualified professional.
Looking after solar panels and batteries
As more households install solar panels and home battery systems to help reduce energy bills, like any electrical system, they can be affected by weather, ageing components and general wear and tear.
Issues can develop gradually over time and may not become obvious until they begin to affect performance. Regular inspections by a qualified professional can help identify issues early, reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs and help ensure systems continue to operate safely and efficiently.
Homeowners should avoid attempting to inspect rooftop panels or electrical components themselves and instead seek advice from a suitably qualified installer or electrician if they have any concerns.
Protecting your investment
Solar panels and home battery systems can represent a significant investment for homeowners. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of the system, maintain performance and identify potential issues before they become more serious.
Homeowners should also let their insurer or broker know if they install solar panels or a home battery system and check that their policy reflects any changes made to their home.
Solar panels and home battery systems are becoming increasingly popular with Irish homeowners. Our research found that weather-related damage was one of the most common issues reported by homeowners who had experienced difficulties with their system, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspections. Homeowners should also let their insurer or broker know if they install these systems, as many home insurance policies provide cover for accidental damage and damage caused by insured events such as storms.
Commenting on the findings, Gillian Devereux, Senior Loss Adjuster at Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC said:
Aviva's top tips for solar panel and home battery owners
- Use a qualified installer – ensure solar panels and home battery systems are installed by appropriately trained and accredited professionals.
- Arrange regular inspections and maintenance – have systems checked periodically by a qualified professional.
- Look out for warning signs – damaged wiring, corrosion, water ingress, unusual noises, error messages or signs of overheating should be checked by a professional.
- Maintain your roof and mounting equipment – a well-maintained roof and secure mounting system can help protect solar panels and support long-term performance.
- Monitor system performance – unexpected changes in output may indicate that something needs attention.
- Keep records of servicing and maintenance – retain documents relating to installation, inspections and repairs.
- Tell your insurer or broker about any changes – make sure your insurer or broker is aware if you install solar panels or a home battery system and check that your cover reflects the changes you’ve made to your home.
ENDS
*according to research of 750 homeowners by 3Gem Research & Insights conducted on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, 2026
**according to SEAI data, reported here