Solar Panels After a Storm: Why You Shouldn’t Reconnect Them Yourself

Solar Panels After a Storm: Why You Shouldn’t Reconnect Them Yourself

Overview

Protecting Your Property, Your Power, and Your Safety In the aftermath of a severe storm, one of the most commonly overlooked hazards is a damaged solar system. Whether it's cracked panels, flooded inverters, or loose rooftop cabling, solar equipment can pose significant risks to both your home and the people inside it. While it might be tempting to reset the system and get your solar running again, doing so without a proper inspection can be extremely dangerous. At Make Safe Oz, we provide certified solar make safe services designed specifically for storm-affected properties. Here's why you should leave your solar system to the professionals. The Hidden Dangers of Damaged Solar Solar panels and inverters are designed to work in tough conditions — but storms, hail, and wind can exceed those limits. Even if the system looks fine from the ground, here’s what might be going wrong: Live cables exposed due to panel movement Water intrusion into the inverter or DC isolators Broken glass or internal micro-cracks in panels Compromised mounting frames loosening from the roof Roof damage affecting solar junction boxes or cabling These issues can cause electric shock, fire, or further system failure if you attempt to reconnect without a full inspection and isolation. Why You Should Never DIY Reconnect Reconnecting a solar system might seem as easy as flicking a switch — but behind that switch is live DC voltage, and potentially hidden faults. This is especially risky after rain or flooding, when moisture may still be inside components. Common DIY mistakes include: Resetting breakers while the system is still compromised Attempting to dry out components without isolation Walking on roofs without checking structural integrity Turning on a system that’s feeding unstable current to the grid Not only can this void warranties and insurance coverage — it can cause real harm. Solar isolators are one of the most common fire starters in Australian homes when damaged. What a Professional Solar Make Safe Involves When Make Safe Oz arrives on site, our licensed solar-trained electricians carry out a thorough assessment before any reconnection is attempted. Our process includes: Isolation of solar and battery systems from the grid and main board Inspection of panels, mounting frames, and cabling Testing of inverter and voltage stability Moisture checks and insulation resistance tests Documentation for insurance and Clean Energy Council compliance We also provide a full safety report for insurers and can liaise with your installer or repair team to complete reinstatement safely. Solar System Repairs and Reinstatement Once the site is declared safe, Make Safe Oz can assist with: Replacing broken panels Reconfiguring systems that need cabling changes Ensuring new or repaired systems are safely reconnected Our team doesn’t just isolate — we ensure your solar system is future-ready, safe to energise, and compliant with the latest electrical standards. Final Word: Storms Are Unpredictable — Your Safety Isn’t Don’t take risks with damaged solar systems. A system that looks fine on the outside may be hiding serious electrical faults inside. Let Make Safe Oz handle it with care, experience, and compliance.

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