Solar Should I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?
Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected.
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. 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.
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
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.
What the display or app shows
If the inverter display is visible without touching anything, photograph it and note any error code.
Time and weather
Note when the storm hit, what happened and whether other equipment in the house was affected.
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.
Related services: Solar Cleaning, Solar Batteries
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