Cyclone Alfred: Solar System and Battery Storage Tips
As we all are aware the Tropical Cyclone is expected to make landfall on the coast of Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales as a Category 2 cyclone.
The current warning zone listed by BOM (Bureau Of Meteorology) includes cities and towns from Double Island Point to Grafton, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina but not including Grafton.
As Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales braces for cyclone, Energex is urging people to take key safety precautions, particularly when using Solar System and Battery Storage.
Get A Free 30-Minute Consultation
Below is the post link from Energex:
We do understand during this severe weather you might have many questions with regards to your Solar System and Battery Storage. It is very important to understand how to safeguard your Solar Panel System or Solar Battery Storage during these severe weather conditions.
Should You Shut Down Your Solar System or Battery Storage System?
Solar Panels in Australia are built to endure harsh weather conditions including cyclones. In most cases, your system will automatically communicate with the inverter as most systems are grid-connected systems and automatically shut down if the power is out or the grid becomes unstable.
What you need to know:
If you are located in the warning zones for cyclones, it is recommended to turn off your solar power system as a precaution, you can follow the shutdown procedure which can be usually found at the inverter and/or on the main switchboard.
You can also follow below simple steps below to turn off the solar power system.
- Turn off the Solar Supply Main Switch – Located in your Switchboard
- Turn off the DC Isolator Switch – Usually found below the inverter
- Switch off the inverter AC Mains Isolator – Usually found in the Meter box
- Turn Off PV array isolator – Located next to the inverter
- Confirm the inverter has powered down – Inverter display should be off
If you need any assistance on how to turn off your solar power system, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1300 650 747 or write us at support@smarthousesolar.com.au and we will provide you with all the necessary assistance for the same.
Please note that if there’s a risk that flood water will reach inverters and cables, ask licensed electrical contractor or an accredited electrician to fully shut down your PV array, you can contact us in such a situation and we will assist you with the same.
During the weather event if your solar power system becomes wet or submerged while it still turns on, we request you to treat it as a serious electrical hazard.
Below are the precautionary steps you need to follow to stay safe from your solar power system during the flood.
- If any part of your system is wet, please do not touch it and keep a maintained distance.
- Stay away from any inverters, isolators, switches and wiring
After the Cyclone passes and authorities declare it safe, first inspect your system before turning it on.
Make sure that you inspect visually for loose wiring, wet components and damaged panels.
If you have any concerns, visually inspect your system from a safe distance and check for any error messages on your inverter
If you notice any cracked solar panels, exposed wiring, or inverter faults, please contact us before attempting to restart your system. We are here to provide updates and support to ensure your system runs safely.
By taking these precautionary steps, you can ensure the safety of your solar power system.
We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, and we are committed to supporting you through this. Rest assured, we are here to assist with any concerns you may have.
For any questions or assistance, please reach out to us at: 1300 650 747 or write to us at support@smarthousesolar.com.au
