Solar and Battery Safety: Fire, Storms and Flooding
What to do if your solar, battery or inverter equipment is damaged, smoking or affected by water.
If there is smoke, fire, sparking or immediate danger, move everyone away and call 000. Stay out of smoke and tell emergency responders that solar panels and batteries are installed.
Keep away from damaged equipment
Do not touch damaged panels, cables, batteries or wet electrical equipment. Do not open covers, disconnect cables, move a battery or try to repair damage. A switch being off does not prove every part of a solar and battery system is safe.
Do not approach equipment to take photos or perform a shutdown if there is heat, smoke, water or other danger. Follow emergency-service directions. Any shutdown must use your site's labelled procedure and only be attempted when it is safe.
After a storm or flood
- Stay clear of fallen powerlines and objects touching them.
- Do not operate switches or restart equipment that has been affected by water.
- From a safe location, note any visible damage and when it occurred.
- Arrange a licensed electrician to inspect affected wiring, solar and batteries before they are returned to service.
When the immediate danger has passed
Contact MyEnergy to arrange assessment of the energy system. Describe the event and any emergency-service instructions. Do not assume an alarm clearing means damaged equipment is safe.
Further guidance: SA Metropolitan Fire Service solar and battery safety and SA Power Networks flood safety.
Need help?
Submit a MyEnergy support request, email support@myenergysolar.com.au or call 1300 706 870, option 3. Include your site address, the time of the issue, battery percentage and any alarm photos.