Energex is highlighting the potential dangers solar rooftop systems can pose to its maintenance crews restoring power after storms.
Area Manager for the utility, Craig Burchill wants customers to shut down their systems ahead of severe storms and extreme weather events.
“More than a third of Queenslanders have rooftop solar systems and it’s crucial customers take steps to ensure their own safety and consider the safety of emergency crews by knowing how to correctly shut down their system ahead of severe storms,” Mr Burchill said.
“It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s or installer’s shutdown procedures. Shutdown procedures should be located at the inverter or on the main switchboard.”
He said while grid-connected solar PV systems could not supply the home when the network was not operational, the panels could continue to generate direct current (DC) power, even in cases where a system had been damaged.
Mr Burchill said safety should always be the number one priority and under no circumstances should people get onto their roof without having the system checked first.
“Solar panels and their cables should always be treated as if they are live and customers should not attempt to reconnect solar PV systems after severe storms or roof damage, as their roof may be electrified,” he said.
He also warned solar PV systems should be turned off whenever there was a risk of flooding.
“Electricity and water don’t mix and even if Energex has disconnected power ahead of the flood, solar PV systems do not require mains power to generate a DC supply and that’s why we treat all solar PV installations as energised,” Mr Burchill said.
“Do not reconnect any solar PV systems unless a licensed electrical contractor has certified the installation is safe.”
