Solar Power Saftey

Solar PV systems may pose an electrical safety risk for residents and emergency crews during severe weather events and flooding.  Solar panels and their cables should always be treated as if they are live.

After a storm a cyclone, customers concerned about the integrity of their system should follow the manufacturers or installer’s shutdown instructions located at the inverter, or main switchboard.  Do not attempt to reconnect solar PV systems if roof damage is suspected as the roof may be live, or residual moisture may have caused the system to become live.  Contact an accredited installer to restore or recommission, or a licensed electrical contractor to test it is safe.

When preparing for a flood, customers should follow the manufacturers or installer’s shutdown instructions located at the inverter, or main switchboard.  If there is a risk that water levels could reach the inverter or main switchboard, contact a licensed electrical contractor to disconnect the PV array for safety.

Following receding flood waters, customers should not attempt to operate any switches as residual moisture may have caused the solar PV system to become live.  Instead, contact a an accredited installer or licenced electrician to recommission the system.

Download and keep this Solar PV Safety brochure (PDF 1.5 mb).

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This safety message was brought to you by Ergon Energy.