THE SHORT ANSWER
Tesla’s disaster guidance illustrates the ownership distinction: for its lease or PPA customers Tesla owns the equipment, while its cash-purchase and many financing customers are directed to their own insurance path. Your contract determines your path. [1]
Find the executed agreement
Locate the lease, PPA, loan or purchase contract and any later assignment. Do not classify the system from a payment amount or an app logo. Identify the legal equipment owner, loss-notice address and the party authorized to remove or replace components.
Open the right case first
Contact the equipment owner or contract servicer and the homeowner insurer as the documents require. Ask each for a case number and requested evidence. Avoid authorizing disposal before ownership and inspection rights are resolved; a damaged panel can still be someone else’s asset.
Ask how billing is handled
Tesla’s page describes contract-specific billing treatment during inactivity for its customers. [1] Other providers may differ. Request a written answer from your provider rather than assuming payments pause, production credits continue or a force-majeure clause has a particular effect.
Coordinate the home repair date
Roof reconstruction may determine when solar can return. Share the projected roof scope with the equipment owner and ask what milestone triggers removal, reinstallation or redesign. A general contractor should not promise another owner’s equipment schedule without authorization.
Use a local provider within permission
Origin can discuss inspection, maintenance or remove-and-reinstall work only after ownership permission and supported scope are clear. Keep the manufacturer or lessor case attached to the request. This protects the homeowner from paying for unauthorized work that must later be repeated.
Before your next conversation
- Identify the legal equipment owner.
- Open contract-provider and insurance cases as required.
- Obtain written authorization before removal or repair.
Primary sources
- Tesla: Systems Affected by Natural Disaster or Force Majeure Event
Primary reference checked September 9, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the named utility, manufacturer or authority for your property.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
Need help with the system you already have?
Share the ownership authorization with Origin when requesting a local service scope.
Request solar service →Equipment support, diagnostic fees, availability and accepted work are confirmed before service. A request is not a confirmed appointment.