# Should I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) 4. Should I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [Should I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected. By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What does the network provider say? 2. Why is solar a storm concern at all? 3. What if my solar is damaged or flooded? 4. Who do I contact after a storm? 5. What to note and photograph from a safe distance 6. How can I prepare before storm season? 7. Frequently asked questions Energex has published guidance on shutting down solar systems ahead of a cyclone. Follow it together with your installer's instructions for your own system, and never go on the roof. After a storm or flood, do not touch damaged equipment, because panels and cabling can stay live. Have a licensed installer inspect it first. ## What does the network provider say? Energex, the network provider for South East Queensland, has published a news article on shutting down solar systems for cyclone safety, which you can read [on its website](https://www.energex.com.au/news/2025/shut-down-solar-systems-for-cyclone-safety). It is the best starting point for network-level advice. Your own system may need different steps from a general guide. We don't list shutdown sequences here, because the order differs between inverters and batteries, and getting it wrong can leave equipment live. Ask your installer for written instructions for your system before storm season starts, so you are not working it out under pressure. ## Why is solar a storm concern at all? Wind can lift or damage panels and mounting, debris can break cabling, and flooding can reach inverters, batteries and switchboards. Panels produce power whenever light reaches them, so damaged equipment can still be live, even in a storm or when the area has lost power. Never go on the roof Do not climb onto the roof, clear debris or touch the panels, before or after a storm. Keep children and pets away from damaged equipment and anything wet near it. If there is smoke, sparks, flames or a burning smell, leave the building and call 000. For fallen power lines, stay well clear and call 000 and your network provider. ## What if my solar is damaged or flooded? Treat any wet or damaged solar equipment, including the inverter, battery and switchboard, as live. Do not touch it, and do not stand in water near it. Keep clear until a licensed installer or electrician has inspected the system and confirmed it is safe to use. Do not start the system again yourself. Restarting damaged equipment can cause a fire or shock, and it may affect your insurance. See our page on *restarting your solar system* for more. ## Who do I contact after a storm? Your installer is the first call, because they know your system. A licensed electrician with solar experience can help if they are unavailable. Contact your network provider's faults line for outages affecting the street or area, and your insurer if there is damage. ## What to note and photograph from a safe distance 1. Visible damage — Photograph broken, wet or scorched equipment and displaced panels from the ground or a safe distance. Do not step into water or onto the roof. 2. What the display or app shows — If the inverter display is visible without touching anything, photograph it and note any error code. 3. Time and weather — Note when the storm hit, what happened and whether other equipment in the house was affected. 4. Make and model — Locate your installation paperwork or the labels so the installer can look up your equipment. ## How can I prepare before storm season? Ask your installer now for written shutdown and restart instructions for your system, so you are not searching for them during a storm. Keep your installation paperwork, the make and model details and your installer's contact details together in one place. It also helps to check that your insurance policy covers storm and flood damage, and to ask your insurer what it expects after an event. If your installer has moved on, a licensed electrician with solar experience can fill the same role. Many installers are busy before and after major weather, so asking early gives you the best chance of a calm, unhurried answer. ## Frequently asked questions - No. Roof work in storm conditions is dangerous. Ask your installer in advance about options for your system. - Not until a licensed installer or electrician has inspected it. Flooded equipment can be live and unsafe. - No. Panels can produce power whenever there is light, so damaged equipment can still be live even if the area has no power. - Energex has published solar shutdown guidance for cyclones on its news page. Your installer can explain how it applies to your system. - Your installer or a licensed electrician with solar experience. [Learn about Solar Power](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/) Related services: [Solar Cleaning](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-cleaning/), [Solar Batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) - [Clean Energy Council](https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [SolarHow do I turn off a solar inverter safely?Panels make power whenever light hits them, so shutdown should be done by your installer or a licensed electrician, not by guesswork.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [SolarHow do I restart my solar system after a shutdown?Restart your solar system only to your installer's or manufacturer's instructions, and expect a waiting period before it exports power again.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/restart-solar-system/) - [SolarDo solar panels work during a blackout?Most grid-connected solar shuts down in a blackout to protect line workers, so backup power needs a battery set up for it.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [SolarWhy is my solar inverter showing a red light or error?A red light or error means the inverter has detected a condition; note the code and call a licensed installer, and do not open the unit.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-inverter-red-light-fault/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What does the network provider say? 2. Why is solar a storm concern at all? 3. What if my solar is damaged or flooded? 4. Who do I contact after a storm? 5. What to note and photograph from a safe distance 6. How can I prepare before storm season? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).