With Cyclone Alfred rapidly approaching Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, Energex has advised customers to turn off their solar systems as a precaution. But do you really need to? Let’s break it down.

Should You Turn Your Solar Off Before the Cyclone?

For most homeowners, the answer is probably not—especially if you have a solar battery or backup power system (such as a PV Point). If that’s the case, now is the time to fully charge your battery or test your backup system to ensure it’s working.

So why is Energex advising shutdowns?

It’s largely a precautionary measure to reduce potential grid stability issues during extreme weather. However, in most cases, your solar inverter has built-in safety features to handle storm conditions automatically.

When Should You Consider Turning Off Your Solar?

While most solar systems are built to withstand extreme weather, there are certain situations where shutting it down might be a good idea:

✅ Risk of Flooding: If your inverter is located in a low-lying area that could flood, turn it off to avoid water damage.

✅ Severe Panel Damage Expected: If you’re in a high-risk area for extreme wind or flying debris, turning off your system could be a safer option.

✅ Major Roof Damage: If your roof is severely damaged after the cyclone, do not attempt to check your panels yourself—call a qualified electrician instead.

If you decide to leave your system running, rest assured that modern inverters include advanced safety mechanisms to handle power fluctuations and shut down if needed.

How to Turn Off Your Solar System

Turning off your solar system is simple. Follow these steps:

1️⃣ Switch Off Your Solar Supply Main Switch – This is located in your switchboard.
2️⃣ Turn Off the PV Array Isolator – This is usually near your inverter or on the roof.
3️⃣ Confirm the Inverter is Off – Your inverter screen should go blank.

💡 When the cyclone passes, you can turn your system back on—just make sure there’s no visible damage first. Your inverter will automatically run safety tests before restarting.

If You Have a Tesla Powerwall…

Tesla’s Storm Watch feature should already be activated in your Tesla app. This ensures your battery is fully charged in preparation for potential power outages.

What to Do After Cyclone Alfred Passes

Once the storm has cleared and it’s safe to go outside:

🔎 Visually Inspect Your Solar Panels & Inverter – Look for cracks, loose fittings, or exposed wiring. Do not touch damaged components.

⚡ Flooded Inverter or Battery? Do Not Turn It On. – Water damage can pose serious electrical hazards. Call a professional for an inspection.

🏠 Roof Damage? Call SolaProtect or a Licensed Solar Technician – If repairs are needed, a qualified expert must reinstall your solar system properly.

Lodging an Insurance Claim for Solar Damage

If your solar panels or inverter are damaged, contact SolaProtect or your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies cover weather-related damage, but having pre-storm photos of your system can help speed up the claim process.

Need an inspection before or after the cyclone? SolaProtect is here to help. Contact us for expert advice and support.

🌞 Stay safe, stay informed, and protect your solar investment. 🌞