Natural Disasters and Emergencies Guide

A number of Australian households with solar systems are located in areas under threat from natural disasters such as bushfires, isolated fires, floods and cyclones.

If you have solar panels on your roof and are faced with an emergency fire, flood or cyclone situation, there are only two things you need to remember:

1. If you need to evacuate, leave your house immediately

2. Upon returning to your home, do not attempt to turn your solar system back on. Contact your installer or your local Solahart Dealer so they can inspect your system to ensure it is safe.

Water Heaters

Our advice for water heaters that have been partially or fully submerged is that in the majority of cases they will need to be replaced. The reasons for this requirement vary between water heater types and the extent of damage to the specific water heater unit in question. As a general rule submerged water heaters will have:

  • Electrical components including controls, pumps & motors damaged beyond repair and/ or with indeterminate functionality following contact with water
  • Gas components and flue paths including heat exchangers may be affected by silt & blockage leading to unsafe operation
  • Other components of the water heater such as insulation may be rendered ineffective thereby affecting the operation of the water heater


If contaminated water has entered a water heater, the quality of the potable water provided may be compromised and it is recommended that the unit be replaced. In some cases, a water heater may be able to be salvaged.

This downloadable guide contains a general outline of which type of water heaters may be economically repaired and the minimum general requirements of those repairs.

 

Solar Power Systems

If your solar power panels have suffered fire, flood or cyclone damage, attempting to turn them back on (including operating any switches) could result in a lethal electric shock. An accredited installer needs to check that your system is safe.

If any of the components of your solar power system have been submerged they may be full of sediment or water that cannot escape. Your local Solahart Dealer is able to provide advice on whether the products can be returned to service with a few checks or whether they should be replaced.

For more information, you can visit the Clean Energy Council Website, or send us an enquiry using the form below.

Natural Disasters and Emergencies

If you have been affected by the latest natural disaster and would like us to contact you, please fill in the form below: