Storm season prep for rooftop solar (Nov–Apr): simple checks, fastening, isolator health, and what to photograph for insurance

Summer storms hit hard across Brisbane and the Redlands. A few simple checks now can prevent leaks, electrical faults and insurance headaches later. Here’s a practical guide from Solair Electrical — your local Thornlands team — to get your system ready.

Why preparation matters in Brisbane’s Nov–Apr storm window

• High winds & hail can stress rail, clamps and roof fixings.
• Intense rain finds weak seals around rooftop isolators, conduits and penetrations.
• Power quality events (surges, brownouts) can trip inverters or damage electronics.

15-minute ground-level checks you can do today

1) Inverter status & readings

• Confirm the inverter shows normal operation (no red fault lights or warnings).
• Compare today’s production with a similar sunny day. Big drops can signal shaded strings, faults or water ingress.

2) Quick roof scan (from the ground)

• Look for lifted panels, missing end caps on rails, or any debris lodged against the array.
• Check conduits are secure and straight with no obvious sags.

3) Indoors

• Check the ceiling under the array for new stains (sign of leaks).
• At the switchboard, make sure the Solar Supply Main Switch label is clear and the breaker is seated firmly (don’t open the board).

Fastenings & frame health: what we look for

• Module clamps: correctly positioned and torqued; no sharp edges contacting glass.
• Rail joiners & end caps: tight joins; end caps fitted so wind can’t whistle under rails.
• Roof fixings: no movement, cracked tiles replaced, tin screws snug with intact seals.
• Earthing/bonding: earth links present and corrosion-free.
• Corrosion check: surface rust on brackets or rails is a warning sign in coastal suburbs like Wellington Point, Cleveland and Redland Bay.

If you need solar repairs in Brisbane and Redlands get in contact with our team today!

Cables, conduit & isolator health

Rooftop DC isolators

• Enclosure not yellowed, cracked or warped; lid closes square and firm.
• Glands tight with intact seals; no green/white residue (moisture/corrosion clue).
• Handle operates positively; no burnt smell or heat discolouration.

Conduits & cabling

• Conduits secured with UV-rated saddles and correctly sealed at entry points.
• No exposed MC4 connectors or cable loops rubbing on roof edges.

AC isolator/inverter area

• Labels legible; isolator body intact; weather hood present if outdoors.
• Inverter mounted solidly with drip loop on cables and no insect nests inside vents.

Is your Solar inverter showing a fault code? get in contact with us today to book a solar check

What to photograph for insurance (before & after storms)

Clear, dated photos make claims smoother. Use the same angles before and after a storm.

Pre-storm photo checklist

• Wide shot of each roof face showing the whole array.
• Close-ups of clamps, rail ends, and roof fixings (tiles/sheets and flashings).
• Rooftop DC isolator front, side and underside (showing glands and seals).
• Conduit entries and any sealant around penetrations.
• Inverter face (including display), nameplate and serial number.
• Switchboard solar labels and the Solar Supply Main Switch.
• Shading risks (overhanging branches) as “before” evidence.
• Receipts, maintenance records, and any previous test reports in one folder.

After-storm photo checklist

• Same wide shots for comparison, plus close-ups of any cracks, dents, lifted rails or loose clamps.
• Water marks around isolators/conduits, ceiling stains under the array, and any internal inverter fault codes on the screen.
• Hail size photographed next to a coin for scale.

When (and how) to shut down safely

Only perform a shutdown if it’s safe to access the switches and the area is dry. Follow the shutdown sticker near your inverter. The general sequence is:

1. Turn OFF the Solar Supply Main Switch (AC) at the switchboard or next to the inverter.
2. Turn OFF the PV Array DC isolator(s) at the inverter and/or rooftop.
3. Wait 5 minutes before touching any equipment.

To restart when conditions are safe: reverse the steps — DC ON then AC ON — unless your label says otherwise.

After a severe storm: what to do next

• Do not switch on if water may have entered isolators, conduits or the inverter.
• Take your after photos and note any fault messages or unusual noises.
• Contact Solair Electrical for testing and a report suitable for insurance (IR tests, DC/AC checks, photos and compliance notes).

Our team also does complete solar system installations in Brisbane, Redlands and surrounding suburbs

What our professional storm-season service includes

• Roof hardware audit: clamps, rails, joiners, fixings, corrosion and earthing.
• UV/water ingress check on all isolators (rooftop and inverter) and glands.
• Conduit and cable management tidy-up, replacing perished saddles and UV ties.
• Electrical tests: insulation resistance (IR), string open-circuit voltage checks, polarity, earth continuity, AC protection checks.
• Inverter firmware/settings review and fault log check.
• Photo pack: before/after images of critical components for your insurer.
• Written summary with any recommended remedial works.

FAQs

How often should I get a storm-season check?

Annually before summer is ideal, and always after a major storm or hail event.

Can I claim preemptive maintenance on insurance?

Policies vary. Photos and a dated maintenance invoice help show you’ve taken reasonable care.

My rooftop DC isolator looks sun-damaged — is it urgent?

Yes. UV-damaged isolators are a common water ingress point. Arrange replacement before heavy rain.

Do you service systems not installed by you?

Absolutely. We test, repair and document systems across Brisbane and the Redlands.

Solair Electrical — 0405 685 441 — info@solairelectrical.com.au