Whether you’re heading to the coast, the bush, or just enjoying time away from home, prepping your solar system before you go is just as important as locking the doors and setting the alarm.
Your solar setup is designed to run automatically, but with a few simple checks and tweaks, you can ensure it performs optimally and avoids any unwanted surprises while you’re away.
Here’s your go-to checklist to keep your system safe, smart, and efficient during your holiday.
- Let your solar system run as usual
Your solar system is built for consistency. That means there’s no need to power it down or make major changes before you leave. In fact, letting it run normally ensures:
- Easier performance tracking via your monitoring app
- Fewer risks of system errors
- Continued savings on your electricity bill
Tip: To stay connected to your system while away, make sure your internet router stays online. Use a small backup battery or mini UPS to keep your fibre or LTE router powered during outages – this ensures your solar app can continue to monitor performance in real time.
Don’t forget to top up your prepaid electricity – your system still needs grid backup, especially during cloudy weather or if the battery runs low.
- Don’t switch it off – add a failsafe instead
Some homeowners wonder whether it’s safer to switch off their solar system while they’re away. The answer is: not if your system is working well.
Modern solar PV systems are designed to operate reliably and safely even when no one is home.
If you want added peace of mind, install an automatic changeover switch. This device will automatically transfer your home back to the grid if your inverter fails or trips. It’s a small upgrade that could prevent big headaches.
- Book a pre-holiday system check
Just like you’d check your car before a road trip, it’s wise to have your solar system professionally inspected before you go away.
At AWPower, we offer System Audits and Maintenance & Support Agreements (SM&SA) that check:
- System performance and settings
- Battery health and SOC configuration
- Cabling and inverter connections
- General wear, tear or corrosion
This ensures everything is running smoothly and ready for your absence.
- Adjust battery settings for emergencies
A smart tip before going away is to increase your minimum on-grid State of Charge (SOC) setting. This means your battery will reserve more energy instead of discharging completely.
That reserve capacity could be invaluable in the event of:
- A prolonged outage
- An unexpected fault
- Delayed solar generation due to bad weather
Think of it as a safety buffer for your system.
- Leave a backup plan with someone you trust
Before you hit the road:
- Make sure a friend, family member or neighbour knows how to reach you and your installer.
- Give them basic instructions or show them how to shut down the system if needed.
- Keep your app notifications switched on to monitor performance remotely.
Your solar system is designed to make life easier – and that includes when you’re away from home. With a few simple steps, you can leave knowing your home is energy-efficient, protected, and ready to power on.
Need help prepping your system for your next trip?
Book a system check or sign up for a Maintenance & Support Agreement today: