Solar panel safety warning for flood-affected Queensland

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is pleading with homeowners in flood affected Queensland to be extremely careful around solar panel installations if they are forced onto their rooftops by flooding.

MEA Chief Executive Malcolm Richards advised solar panels would continue producing electricity during flood events - even if Energex has cut off the power supply and even if the panels have been switched off at the switchboard.

“Homes that are inundated by flooding will, in most cases, be disconnected from the electricity grid by the distribution company, Energex,” Richards said. “However, homeowners with roof-top solar panels must understand that those panels will continue to produce electricity.

“Homeowners who are forced onto their roof tops to avoid flood water need to stay well clear of the panel and associated wiring.

“Because of the recent explosion in the number of homes with solar installations, this is not a problem the people of South-East Queensland have ever dealt with before. This is a very new threat to hundreds of homeowners, and has the potential to cause death or serious injury if people come into contact with the wiring to the panels. We urge people to stay away from their solar panels.

“Homeowners forced to evacuate their homes should turn off the main power at the switchboard before they leave if they can do so safely.”

Master Electricians has a hotline to assist homeowners with electrical safety issues and has contractors on standby in every Brisbane and Ipswich suburb.