Storm Season Guide for Your Solar & Battery
With North Queensland’s storm season now underway, we want to make sure you know how to safely manage your solar and battery system during severe weather and potential power outages.
Please take a moment to read the information below.
1. Turning Off Your Solar System (Only If Safe to Do So):
In the event of severe weather — lightning, high winds or flooding — you may choose to shut down your solar system.
Only do this if it is 100% safe to access the switches.
To turn off and isolate your system:
Turn off the Main Solar Supply Switch in your switchboard.
Turn off the Solar AC Isolator (if fitted).
Note: Some newer systems do not have a separate AC isolator if the inverter is installed directly beside the switchboard.
Turn off the Solar DC Isolators on the inverter.
If you have a battery: turn off the Battery Isolator and follow the shutdown steps in your handover pack.
If you are unsure or cannot safely reach any switches, it is best to leave the system running. All modern systems are designed to withstand normal storm conditions.
2. Using a Generator During a Power Outage
If you plan to use a generator during an extended outage:
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet — this is dangerous and illegal.
Only use a dedicated generator inlet, if your home has one.
Switch the home to Generator Mode using the changeover switch at the switchboard.
Ensure the main grid supply is turned OFF before connecting the generator to prevent back-feeding into Ergon’s network.
If you don’t have a generator inlet or changeover switch, please contact a licensed electrician first.
3. Battery Tips for Storm Season
To make sure your battery is ready when you need it:
Avoid fully draining the battery on cloudy or stormy days.
Try to keep 30–40% charge in reserve when storms are forecast.
Increase backup reserve settings during storm season (we can assist).
Reduce use of high-load appliances (pool pumps, dryers, ovens) during storm warnings so the battery lasts longer.
Your battery will automatically power your home during an outage as long as there is sufficient charge
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions about shutdown procedures, battery settings, or generator use, please reach out anytime.