‘I’m really upset’: Insurance company drops Pinellas County homeowners with solar panels

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Cathy and Barry Taylor needed to go green and help save hard cash, so they chose photo voltaic electric power and mounted panels on their roof. For decades, they hadn’t paid a dime for electrical power. Then, five decades later, arrived a huge shock in the mail.

The Taylors learned they were having dropped by their insurance business. On June 29, their house insurance policies policy will expire. In a notice, Edison Insurance policies Organization said it will not be renewed.

Their house, positioned in Redington Shores, is ineligible because of to estimate “Solar Panels— Tier 2 or 3—Solar Strength Interconnection…”  

“I’m genuinely upset,” explained Cathy. “It would’ve been awesome if they’d long gone into a very little bit additional depth.”

“What are we meant to do? We have to have dwelling coverage. We strategy on residing right here right until we croak.”

“And the why was why we desired to speak to you,” explained Barry.

8 On Your Side Investigator Mahsa Saedi took appear at the rates some individuals are having to pay for solar power in the Sunshine State to get solutions for the Taylors.

The Taylors explained to 8 On Your Aspect they went photo voltaic in 2018, setting up 47 panels on their roof. It’s identified as a Tier 2 system—not Tier 1—because it generates much more than 10  Kilowatts (kW) of power. So significantly so, the Taylors haven’t paid out a dime for electrical power.

But appear July, they panic they’ll be shelling out a whole lot additional for coverage, by a distinctive provider.

“Minimum double?” requested 8 On Your Facet Investigator Mahsa Saeidi.

“Which is what we’ve been quoted so significantly,” reported Barry.

“Our premium below was $5,000 and now it is a minimal of $10,000 and perhaps as large as $15,000.”

The Taylors say it’s been tricky to get answers. So, they turned to 8 On Your Aspect, determined to retain their latest coverage.

“The broker mainly explained insurance coverage firms will not inform us particularly what standards they’re working with,” stated Barry.

“What could we do to take care of the trouble?” questioned Cathy.

8 On Your Aspect referred to as Edison Insurance plan.

In a assertion, the company’s president said they proudly cover “new solar power panels …subject to…filed and accredited recommendations.”

If the Taylors want to remain with Edison, the business claims they can transform their procedure to fulfill suggestions.

The couple would have to decrease their voltage and transition to a Tier 1 procedure.

If you have a tale for Mahsa, electronic mail her at [email protected].

Here’s the comprehensive assertion from Edison Insurance plan Organization:

“Edison proudly covers new photo voltaic energy panels in its protection for policyholders in the Sunshine Condition subject matter to our submitted and accepted tips. We stimulate buyers to understand the interconnectivity of the system that is currently being skillfully mounted on their household. Currently, there is only 1 interconnection settlement which qualifies for protection with Edison.  In this instance, we are satisfied to contact the policyholder right to go over their situation and their arrangement.  Thank you for bringing this to our consideration as buyer provider is our top priority.” – Clint Strauch, President Edison Insurance policies Company