Solar Panels in a Cyclone: What Every Aussie Home Should Know

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent across Australia, especially in cyclone-prone regions like Queensland and Northern NSW, solar system owners are asking one critical question: Are my solar panels safe during a cyclone? And more importantly, Should I turn off solar panels in a cyclone?

If you’ve invested in solar energy, understanding how to protect your system—and your home—is essential. In this article, we’ll explore how solar panels hold up in cyclonic conditions, what you can do to prepare, and why choosing the right installer makes all the difference.

How Cyclones Impact Solar Panel Systems

Cyclones bring heavy rainfall, high winds (often exceeding 200km/h), and flying debris—all of which can pose risks to rooftop solar systems. While most solar panels in Australia are built to meet rigorous wind load standards (especially those installed in cyclone-rated regions), they aren’t invincible.

Key risks include:

• Physical damage from debris impact
• Roof damage from loose racking or poor installation
• Electrical surges due to grid instability or lightning

However, with proper mounting, bracing, and pre-cyclone maintenance, your panels can remain intact and operational.

Should You Turn Off Solar Panels in a Cyclone?

That’s the exact question we covered in our latest blog at Solar National: Should You Turn Off Solar Panels in a Cyclone?

In short, yes, it’s generally advised to shut down your solar inverter and isolate the system during a cyclone or extreme storm event. This reduces the risk of electrical faults or fires caused by damaged wiring or moisture ingress.

Your inverter will typically have a shutdown procedure, often involving:

• Turning off the AC mains switch
• Switching off the DC isolator near the panels
• Confirming the inverter display is off

Always refer to your installer’s instructions or contact a professional if unsure.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Solar System for a Cyclone

Whether you're living in Townsville, Cairns, Darwin or along the Queensland coast, here’s how to prepare:

1. Book a Pre-Storm Inspection Have a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer check your solar racking, wiring, and isolation switches.
2. Secure Loose Items Remove or secure anything on your roof or around your yard that could become airborne.
3. Know Your Shut-Down Procedure Familiarise yourself with how to safely turn off your system. Keep a printed copy near your inverter.
4. Install Surge Protection Surge arrestors and circuit breakers can protect your inverter from voltage spikes.
5. Choose Cyclone-Rated Solar Mounting Systems Not all solar panel mounting hardware is created equal. At Solar National, we use cyclone-compliant frames and brackets built to withstand Australia’s harshest conditions.

Why Quality Installation Matters

Choosing a reliable, experienced installer isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about safety. Poorly installed solar panels can become dangerous in high winds, leading to ripped-out racking, exposed wiring, or damaged rooftops. This is why we always recommend working with CEC-accredited professionals, like our team at Solar National, who understand local regulations and cyclone standards.

We don’t just install and walk away—we guide you through maintenance, inspections, and emergency procedures so you’re never left in the dark when a storm hits.

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are a smart investment, even in cyclone regions—provided they’re installed correctly and maintained regularly. While no system is completely storm-proof, following safety guidelines and using quality components can minimise risks.

If you're unsure whether your system is cyclone-ready or want expert advice on solar panel safety in storms, visit our blog Should You Turn Off Solar Panels in a Cyclone? for a detailed breakdown.

For tailored advice or a system health check, reach out to the experts at Solar National—your trusted solar partner in Australia.