Contractor Nightmares #13:

The Loose Connection

How One Loose Cooection Can Become a Massive Commercial Insurance Claim

The Story-

A solar contractor completed a residential rooftop installation on a Friday afternoon. Everything passed inspection and the homeowner was thrilled.

Three weeks later, the homeowner called in a panic.

Smoke was coming from the attic.

The fire department responded and discovered a loose electrical connection beneath one of the solar panels had overheated. The fire spread into the roof structure before firefighters could contain it.

The home suffered over $450,000 in fire and smoke damage.

Within days...

- The homeowner sued the solar contractor.

- The general contractor demanded reimbursement.

- The financing company became involved.

- The utility company requested documentation.

- Attorneys started sending letters.

The contractor assumed his General Liability policy would handle everything.

Instead...

The insurance company questioned whether the work had been completed according to manufacturer specifications and whether subcontractors performed part of the installation.

The claim became far more complicated than anyone expected.

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A plumbing lineburst causing thousands of dollars in damage.

The Solar Roof Fire

Solar Installation Contractor Insurance

✓ Commercial General Liability

✓ Contractor Errors & Omissions

✓ Installation Floater / Inland Marine

✓ Damage to Work in Progress

✓ Products & Completed Operations

✓ Commercial Excess Liability Umbrella

✓ Builders Risk Considerations

Could This Happen To You?

Solar contractors work around:

- High voltage

- Roof penetrations

- Electrical connections

- Battery storage systems

- Expensive homes

- Fire risks

- Severe weather exposure

One installation mistake can result in hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in damages.

Lessons Learned

✔ Always document every installation.

✔ Photograph wiring before panels are installed.

✔ Follow manufacturer torque specifications.

✔ Verify subcontractors carry proper insurance.

✔ Keep permits and inspection records.

✔ Maintain Products & Completed Operations coverage after the project is finished.

How JC Family Insurance Helps Solar Contractors

We help solar installers find insurance solutions that may include:

- General Liability

- Products & Completed Operations

- Workers' Compensation

- Commercial Auto

- Inland Marine

- Tool & Equipment Coverage

- Installation Floaters

- Umbrella Liability

- Contractor Bonds

Whether you're installing residential rooftop systems, commercial solar arrays, or battery storage systems, we'll help you understand your coverage options so you're better prepared before a claim happens.