Installing solar panels is a significant investment and likely a decision you’ve carefully considered. It’s not just about saving on electricity bills; it’s also a step toward sustainability and energy independence. But while solar panels are built to endure the blazing Australian sun, they also need to face the challenges of unpredictable weather—especially during the stormy season.
In Australia, summer isn’t just about hot days by the pool or barbecues with friends. It also brings heavy rains, gusty winds, and the occasional fierce thunderstorm. This raises an important question for solar panel owners: How do storms affect your solar system, and what can you do to protect it?
Your system will shut off during an outage from the storm
If your home is still connected to the grid (as most solar-powered homes are), your solar energy system will automatically shut down during a power outage. This might seem inconvenient, but it’s an essential safety measure. Utility companies need to prevent electricity from feeding back into the grid while maintenance crews are working to restore power. This protects workers and ensures the system can be brought back online smoothly.
The good news? Once the storm passes and the outage is resolved, your solar system will start operating as normal. There’s nothing you need to do—just sit tight and let the system take care of itself.
Always check your inverter
After the storm clears, it’s a good idea to inspect your inverter. Your inverter converts solar energy into usable electricity for your home, so any issues with it could impact your entire system.
Look for warning lights or error messages on the inverter. If you notice an error light that doesn’t clear within 24 hours, it’s time to call your solar provider.
How can we use our solar systems in a blackout?
Here’s where solar batteries come into play. If you’re worried about blackouts, especially in areas with frequent outages, a solar battery can be a game-changer.
Here’s how it works: Instead of sending surplus energy back to the grid, a solar battery stores the extra power your panels generate during the day. When a power outage occurs—or when you need energy at night—the battery kicks in to keep your home running. With a solar battery system, you’ll have a dependable energy source even when the grid goes down.
Adding a solar battery is especially beneficial if you live in a storm-prone region where outages are common. While it’s an investment, the peace of mind it provides can be well worth it.
Most of the time, storms won’t cause any harm to your solar system. Panels are built to withstand extreme weather, and damage is rare. However, in severe conditions, there’s a small chance that components like panels, inverters, or wiring could sustain damage. If you suspect an issue, schedule a professional inspection to ensure everything is in working order. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of storms and where outages are common, it might be worth looking into getting a solar battery.
Your Solar & Electrical Experts
Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.
