A Cyclone and a Wake-Up Call for Australia’s Need to Build Solar Resilience

Thankfully, ex-Cyclone Alfred wasn’t nearly as destructive as it seemed like it would be when it was swirling off the coast of Queensland. By the time it made landfall, it had been downgraded and for most it simply meant an unpleasant weekend indoors.

Queensland’s infrastructure also weathered that storm pretty well. However, it could have been worse and, at some stage, there will be a cyclone that doesn’t weaken as it approaches land. Recent weeks have been a good reminder and opportunity to re-evaluate the robustness of the many commercial and industrial solar systems that have been constructed in Queensland in recent years.

Industrias has been on the ground assessing the impact of ex-Cyclone Alfred, and overall the findings have been encouraging. And yet at the same time, it’s important to note that resilience is not just about surviving the immediate aftermath. Beneath the surface we are seeing subtle vulnerabilities that could compromise solar assets – both in the months to come and the next time Queensland is battered by a summer cyclone.

Three Things to Monitor in the Immediate Aftermath

While weaker than anticipated, ex-Cyclone Alfred still tested the durability of solar installations across Queensland through heavy rains and high winds. The good news is that solar systems have largely withstood the storm. Industrias’ extensive network of maintenance and monitoring teams has not seen a widespread failure of solar assets, reaffirming the robustness of well-maintained commercial solar installations.

However, the absence of immediate damage does not mean all systems are unscathed. While major structural failures have been rare, there are still certain vulnerabilities that may not be immediately evident.

1. Water Damage in Battery Systems One of the most common post-storm issues seen on the ground is subtle water ingress in battery storage units. Watermarks inside enclosures or on battery casings can be tell-tale signs of exposure to moisture, which can lead to long-term performance degradation or even system failure if left unchecked. Even minor breaches can cause electrical faults or corrosion over time, making it crucial for businesses to conduct thorough inspections following extreme weather events.
2. Rooftop Isolators: A Potential Weak Point Another area of concern is rooftop isolators. These critical components are designed to shut off power during emergencies but are often exposed to the elements. Even if they appear undamaged, they could have sustained moisture intrusion or minor cracks due to high winds, compromising their integrity over time. These issues may not manifest immediately but can lead to system faults or fire risks months after the storm.
3. Long-Term Battery Performance Degradation Beyond immediate water damage, batteries that have been exposed to extreme conditions may experience accelerated performance decline. Variations in temperature, moisture exposure, and sudden fluctuations in charge cycles can shorten battery life and reduce efficiency. Regular post-storm testing and monitoring are essential to ensure long-term reliability.
4. Earth faults caused by water ingress in damaged MC4 connectors and cables are a major risk. These faults aren’t just a performance issue—they’re a serious safety hazard. In some cases, they can lead to full inverter shutdowns or even rooftop fires. During recent inspections, we found exactly that: an MC4 connector compromised by moisture, silently creating a live fire risk that would have gone unnoticed without proper assessment.

If one of your systems have been affected, then some of the issues that your might observe in the coming months that may require maintenance include:

• Reduced or elimination of energy output: If generation levels are lower than expected, there may be underlying damage affecting system efficiency.
• Unusual battery behaviour: Rapid depletion, slow charging, or erratic performance could indicate water ingress or internal damage.
• Discolouration or corrosion on electrical components: Even small amounts of corrosion can lead to future failures.
• Delayed faults: Some electrical issues may take weeks or months to become apparent, particularly in rooftop isolators or inverters.

To prevent disruption or inefficiencies from resulting in a significant cost, Industrias strongly encourages businesses to schedule post-storm inspections, even if no immediate damage is apparent. A proactive approach to maintenance ensures that minor issues are identified before they escalate into costly failures.

The resilience of solar infrastructure during Cyclone Alfred reinforces the importance of quality installations and ongoing maintenance. As Queensland and the broader Australian market continue to expand their reliance on solar energy, robust maintenance strategies will be key to ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

Australia will face an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and now is the time to build an approach to solar monitoring and maintenance that minimises the impact that those events have on power infrastructure. After all, the fastest way to get back on your feet after an extreme weather event is to have confidence in your power supply.