16/03/2026
βοΈ Is Your Solar System Storm-Ready?
Bad weather doesn't have to mean bad news for your solar system. Here's what to do when the clouds roll in:
β‘ Load Management
β’ Stick to the essentials β fridge, security, and lights.
β’ Hold off on kettles, irons, and washing machines.
β’ Catch any sunny breaks by running large appliances during the day.
π Battery Care
β’ Keep charge above 20β50% to protect battery health.
β’ Fully charge before a storm if you know it's coming.
β’ Adjust inverter settings to prioritise battery charging.
β οΈ Stay Safe in Severe Storms
β’ Switch off the system if flooding or flying debris is a risk.
β’ AC isolator first, then DC isolator.
β’ Treat all wet electrical equipment as live β never touch it.
Questions about your solar setup? We're here to help.
π 072 710-7447 | π§ [email protected] | π www.flexelectrical.co.za
Panels still produce 10β25% of their rated capacity on cloudy days, but smart management is essential to protect your system and your batteries.
1. Load Management
β’ Run only essential appliances: fridge, security, and basic lighting.
β’ Avoid high-draw appliances β kettles, irons, washing machines, and heaters.
β’ Schedule large loads during any intermittent sunshine to use solar power directly.
β’ Enable eco modes and switch to LED lighting to cut overall consumption.
2. Battery Management
β’ Keep batteries above 20β50% charge to protect lifespan.
β’ Pre-charge fully before a predicted storm.
β’ Set your inverter to prioritise battery charging over grid feed-in during bad weather.
3. Storm and Flood Safety
β’ Switch off the system if high winds, flying debris, or flooding is likely.
β’ Shut-down order: AC isolator first (meter box), then DC isolator (near inverter).
β’ Never touch wet inverters, switchboards, or wiring β treat all as live.
4. Maintenance and Preparation
β’ Clear leaves and debris from panels after storms so they are ready when the sun returns.
β’ Schedule regular inspections to ensure your system can handle rain and wind.
β’ Ensure your system is properly earthed to reduce lightning risk.