Cyclone season in Australia typically begins in November and runs through April, affecting WA, Queensland, and the Northern Territory mostly.
With cyclone season approaching, we’ve noticed an increase in people wondering, “Should I turn off solar in a cyclone?”. Yes, you should turn off solar in a cyclone, and this guide will show you how. We’ll also detail solar isolator shutdown, practical safety steps, and post-cyclone solar panel inspection.
Why Shutting Down Solar in a Cyclone Matters
Solar panels are manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as hail and cyclones. In Australia, solar systems must meet stringent safety requirements in compliance with AS/NZS 5033. However, solar panels are not indestructible.
Cyclones can unleash strong winds that can cause flying debris and fire hazards if isolators are damaged. This puts homeowners and emergency service workers at risk. The risk of damage and fire hazards makes it necessary to know how to turn off solar in a cyclone.
To protect utility workers, most grid-tied solar systems shut down automatically during power outages, such as during a cyclone. This stops electricity from being fed back to the grid to protect your solar equipment and emergency service workers. Still, it can be a good idea to shut down your solar panels and inverter manually.
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How to Safely Turn Off Your Solar System
Every system is different, so it is important to check your manufacturer’s instructions. Knowing how to turn off solar in a cyclone can prevent damage from electrical faults or power surges from flying debris or high winds.
Here are the general steps on how to turn off solar in a cyclone:
- Check the shutdown procedure label provided during installation.
- Switch off the solar supply main switch at the switchboard
- Switch off the rooftop isolator (if safely accessible before the cyclone)
- For solar isolator shutdown, switch off the rooftop isolator (if safely accessible before the cyclone).
* Safety note: Never climb on the roof during a storm.
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After the Cyclone — System Restart & Solar Safety WA Safety Checks
After a cyclone, it is crucial to check your solar system for damage by following these solar safety WA steps:
- Wait: Wait until conditions are safe before going out to inspect for damage. Again, never climb on a roof during a storm. If you suspect electrical damage, stay far away and call in professionals to fix it. Voltage leaks present the risk of electric shock. Follow your system’s shutdown procedure (AC isolator first, then DC isolator) before inspecting the system for damage.
- Check for Damage: Inspect from the ground, checking for debris, exposed wiring, structural concerns, visible damage, cracks, or loose fittings. Also, check your inverter for sudden output drop, red lights, or error codes.
If you notice damage or problems, contact a licensed solar electrician right away. Even tiny micro-cracks need to be addressed. Minor damage can lead to decreased efficiency or structural vulnerabilities in future storms.
- When in Doubt, Call a Professional: If you are unsure about possible damage or electrical faults, call a licensed solar electrician before restarting your system.
- Document: If there is damage to your solar panels, take photos at a variety of angles to document it.
- Contact: Contact your insurance provider and book an inspection with accredited Australian solar inspectors. Solar Accreditation Australia lists accredited inspectors in SA, WA, QLD, and NSW.
Learn more about checking for solar panel damage after a storm here: Does Hail Damage Solar Panels? | Aus Energy Solar
Extra Safety and Backup Considerations
Here are additional solar cyclone safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Consider off-grid or solar battery storage systems to help support essential loads after a cyclone. Battery systems offer extra peace of mind during extreme weather, knowing there is reliable backup power.
- If you have a solar system with a battery system, make sure to isolate both systems before a cyclone
- Document your solar system’s condition by taking photos before a cyclone
- Avoid floodwaters, especially near electrical components
Learn more about off-grid and hybrid solar systems here: Off-Grid Solar in Australia – What Does It Take?
Quick Cyclone Prep Checklist
Here is a quick solar cyclone safety checklist:
- Secure Loose Objects: Make sure to secure any loose objects, which can turn into projectiles during a cyclone’s high winds. Trampolines, outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas, and BBQs must all be secured before a severe storm. Make sure any limbs or overhanging tree branches are trimmed and cleared away.
- Know Your System: It is essential to be familiar with where your main switch and rooftop isolator are located. We encourage homeowners to understand the shutdown procedure before a cyclone is even in the forecast. You don’t want to be scrambling around for shut-off instructions during extreme weather.
- Keep Info Handy: Ensure shutdown instructions are clearly visible and accessible. We recommend keeping shutdown instructions near the switchboard for reference. Keep emergency contacts, such as your insurance provider, solar installer, and SES, easily accessible as well.
- Monitor Local Weather Conditions: Watch local weather conditions closely if a cyclone or extreme weather is predicted. We recommend Cyclone Overview – Department of Fire and Emergency Services to familiarise yourself with WA’s cyclone warning system.
- Be Proactive with Inspections and Maintenance: Properly maintained solar panels can withstand extreme weather better. Maintain your solar system and schedule regular system inspections before cyclone season. Professional inspections ensure damage, even minor cracks, is caught and fixed early. Book a pre-season solar inspection if your system is older or if isolator labels are faded.
Keep Your Solar System Safe and Prepared Before Cyclone Season
Solar systems are safe when managed properly during extreme weather. With Australia’s cyclone season approaching, it is important to plan ahead. Practice the shutdown procedure, secure loose objects, and book a pre-season system inspection.
Book a pre-season inspection with Aus Energy Solar today to make sure your system is cyclone-ready and safe.
FAQs — Solar and Cyclones
Do I always need to switch off my solar during a cyclone?
Yes, it is recommended to turn off solar in a cyclone as a safety precaution. This helps prevent power surges from damaging your solar system.
Will my solar panels be covered by insurance?
Insurance may cover cyclone damage since solar panels are considered part of the home. Some insurance policies may cite “force majeure” as a reason to exclude solar panels from coverage due to weather events.
We always recommend informing your insurance provider about your residential solar system. Double-check that your policy covers cyclone damage and ask for a copy of the policy details. Also, be aware that insurance typically only covers like-for-like solar panel replacement.
We also recommend asking your insurance provider if they require proof of safe shutdown and professional inspection.
Can my solar still charge batteries if the system is switched off?
Yes, if a solar panel is wired to bypass the disconnect switch, the batteries can charge even if the system is off. Check your solar system’s wiring for battery voltage when the switch is disconnected to confirm.
What happens if I forget to switch off my system?
If you do not turn off solar in a cyclone, it can present significant hazards. These include the risk of damage to equipment, fire, and electrocution.
The majority of grid-tied solar systems are manufactured to automatically shut down during power outages. However, a manual shutdown ensures the system is fully isolated from the grid.
