Did you know that knowing how to turn off solar panels is significant to stay safe during maintenance, emergencies, and when troubleshooting issues?
A proper shutdown procedure can prevent damage and reduce electrical hazards if you face a fire emergency, electrical fault, or prepare for a severe storm like a cyclone. On top of that, it becomes a serious electrical hazard if your solar system gets wet or submerged while switched on.
SolarThoughts® believes that every system owner should know how to safely turn off solar panels. This knowledge becomes even more vital for systems that have battery storage, since turning off the panels stops these batteries from charging. Australian safety standards require all solar installations to have clearly labeled isolation switches that let homeowners and emergency personnel disconnect the system quickly when needed.
This piece will guide you through the step-by-step process to safely disconnect your solar panels and restart your system properly afterward. You’ll be ready to handle any situation that comes your way!
Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your Solar Panels
You might need to safely turn off your solar panels in certain situations. Learning about these scenarios will help you protect your investment and avoid potential hazards.
Fire, storms, or electrical faults
Solar panels keep generating electricity during emergencies, even when grid power is off, which creates serious electrical hazards. Active solar systems put firefighters at risk of electrocution because panels and wiring stay energized whenever sunlight hits them. Rapid shutdown systems solve this problem by de-energizing the system in less than a minute, which removes shock hazards for emergency responders.
Your solar system needs to be disconnected before storms hit to protect against power surges from line slap or fallen power lines. These surges can damage your electronic equipment, including inverters. A complete system shutdown should be done to prevent electrical hazards if panels get damaged during cyclones.
Strong winds can tear panels from mounting systems and turn them into dangerous projectiles weighing up to 25 kilograms. So, system shutdown becomes vital to protect both your equipment and personal safety.
Routine maintenance or cleaning
The system should be completely shut down according to the manufacturer’s guidelines before you clean your solar panels. Water and electricity create dangerous conditions, so proper isolation protocols prevent shock risks during maintenance.
A maintenance check every 2 years helps catch potential issues early. These checks should include a thorough inspection of electrical equipment, cabling, and panels to spot defects like cracks or discoloration.
System upgrades or inspections
Many regions have specific rules for system modifications. To name just one example, Western Australia requires all new and upgraded solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less to be remotely managed in emergencies. Victoria has similar rules, requiring new or upgraded systems to have an emergency backstop mechanism.
Technicians must properly isolate components before any system upgrade. Professional verification after upgrades ensures everything works correctly and safely before reconnection.
Professional assessment becomes crucial after extreme weather events. Your system needs a professional inspection before reactivation if storms or flooding cause visible damage, to prevent electrical hazards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Turn Off Solar Panels
Solar panel shutdown needs specific steps in the right order to stay safe. A methodical process helps avoid electrical risks and lets you handle maintenance, emergencies, or fix problems.
1. Locate and switch off the solar supply main switch
Your main switchboard needs to be opened first. The switch labeled “Solar Supply Main Switch” should be turned to the OFF position. This dedicated switch sits in your home’s main electrical switchboard. The connection between your solar system and the home’s electrical circuits gets cut when you flip this switch first.
2. Turn off the AC isolator near the inverter
The AC isolator switch sits near your inverter. You’ll see it labeled as “Inverter AC Isolator” or “AC Switch.” Some installations within 3 meters of your switchboard might not have a separate AC isolator switch. The switch disconnects alternating current flow between your inverter and electrical system if present.
3. Switch off the DC isolator near the panels or inverter
The DC isolator switch usually sits underneath or near the inverter, though some systems have it mounted on the roof close to solar panels. Look for labels like “PV Array” or “DC Isolator.” The OFF position stops direct current electricity that flows from your solar panels to the inverter.
4. Confirm the inverter display is off
The inverter’s display panel should be checked after the previous steps. A blank screen and no lights show that your system has disconnected properly. No electricity should flow through components at this point.
5. Wait 5 minutes before proceeding
The system needs to stay off for at least 5 minutes. This pause lets any leftover electrical energy discharge from the system completely. Electrical hazards could occur if you skip this step, even with switches turned off. The system’s internal components reset during this time if you’re fixing problems.
Note that your solar panels create electricity whenever sunlight hits them—they just won’t send it to your home’s electrical system while turned off.
How to Turn Solar Panels Back On Safely
Your solar panels need proper reactivation after maintenance work or emergency repairs. The right restart sequence will help your system resume normal operation without component damage or safety risks.
1. Inspect for damage before restarting
A visual inspection of all components should be your first step. Your system needs a check for visible damage to panels, mounting systems, and wiring. Signs of trouble include cracks, broken glass, loose connections, or debris buildup during maintenance or storms. A licensed solar electrician should handle any most important damage you find. Safety must be your priority – electrical equipment should never be touched in wet conditions.
2. Turn on the DC isolator first
The restart sequence begins with the DC isolator switch. This vital step connects power from your solar panels to the inverter. Your system stays protected from arcing damage when you turn on the DC side before AC. You’ll find this switch near your inverter or on the roof close to your panels.
3. Switch on the AC isolator
The AC isolator comes next, usually found near your inverter. This step reconnects your inverter to your home’s electrical system. Most inverters need at least a minute to complete their startup procedure after activation.
4. Turn on the solar supply main switch
The solar supply main switch on your home’s electrical switchboard needs to be flipped to “ON”. This final connection allows solar-generated electricity to flow into your home’s power system.
5. Check the inverter display for normal operation
Your inverter’s display panel will show if everything powers up correctly. The screen should indicate normal system function without error codes. Flashing lights during the inverter’s internal testing are expected. Watch your system briefly to confirm proper power generation before you call it complete.
Conclusion
Your solar panel system is a valuable investment, but it can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Following the correct shutdown and restart sequence protects you, your home, and emergency responders from electrical hazards. Always switch off in the order: solar supply main switch, AC isolator, then DC isolator — and reverse the sequence to restart after checking for damage. For battery storage systems, know all isolation points and understand rapid shutdown features before an emergency. Safe, careful operation ensures your system runs efficiently for years to come. If anything seems unclear or doesn’t work as expected, contact a licensed solar electrician rather than attempting risky DIY repairs.
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FAQs
Q1. How do I safely turn off my solar panel system?
To safely turn off your solar panel system, first switch off the solar supply main switch at your switchboard, then turn off the AC isolator near the inverter, followed by the DC isolator. Confirm the inverter display is off and wait 5 minutes before proceeding with any work.
Q2. When should I consider turning off my solar panels?
You should turn off your solar panels during emergencies like fires or severe storms, before performing routine maintenance or cleaning, and when conducting system upgrades or inspections. This ensures safety and prevents potential electrical hazards.
Q3. How do I restart my solar panel system after turning it off?
To restart your solar panel system, first inspect for any damage. Then, turn on the DC isolator, followed by the AC isolator, and finally the solar supply main switch. Check the inverter display to confirm normal operation.
Q4. Are there special considerations for solar systems with battery storage?
Yes, systems with battery storage require additional steps. You need to turn off the main battery supply switch, the PV array DC isolator near the battery, and the DC isolator inside the battery unit. For hybrid systems, also switch off the battery isolator near the battery or inverter.
Q5. What should I do if my solar system doesn’t restart properly?
If your system fails to restart, inspect for visible damage. Don’t attempt to operate the system if you notice any issues. Instead, contact an accredited installer to recommission the system, especially if there’s been exposure to moisture or flooding.
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