Between cyclones, bushfires, and hailstorms, Aussies are no strangers to wild weather and the power outages that come with them. And solar systems aren’t immune. Those roof panels without battery back up won’t do much good if the grid around them has gone down, but what happens when the power comes back on? 
Sometimes, your solar will switch back on by itself, but that’s not always the case. A quick inverter reset should be your first step, and the good news is it’s a simple process. We’ll walk you through the basic steps to reset your solar system after a power outage. You’ll learn why these shutdowns happen, and when to get some professional help from the experts at Local Power.

Why do solar systems shut down during power outages?

Unlike battery backup power systems, grid-connected solar installations in Australia can’t operate during power outages. This might seem odd, especially if your panels are still receiving sunlight, but there are a few good reasons.

Grid safety

Safety features called anti-islanding protection make your solar system shut down during a blackout. The law requires this protection for all grid-connected solar systems as a safety measure to protect utility workers. Electricity flowing back into the grid could endanger workers while they repair damaged power lines. The back-feed of electricity into damaged grid infrastructure could also destroy expensive equipment and create hazardous conditions.

How inverters respond to blackouts

Grid-connected Solar inverters come with advanced monitoring circuits that automatically disconnect and shut down when it detects a grid outage. So even though your panels are working, you’ll face the same blackout as properties without solar. Even when power returns, your inverter will wait at least 60 seconds before turning back on to make sure you have a stable connection.
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Do I need to reset solar after a power outage?

Not every solar system needs a manual reset after a power outage. Here are three key signs that your system might need an extra push.

Check inverter lights

The indicator lights can tell you plenty about the status of your inverter:

• Green light: A solid green light typically means your system is functioning properly.
• Red or flashing lights: These usually show a problem that needs attention.
• No lights at all: Your inverter might need a reset if it shows no signs of life after a power outage.

A working inverter should only make a quiet humming noise during normal operation and typically closer to the middle of the day when it’s generating a higher amount of electricity. If you’re hearing loud buzzing or crackling sounds, your unit might need a professional inspection.

Look for error codes or blank screens

Your inverter’s display screen gives important diagnostic information, including:

• Blank or unresponsive screens: a completely dead display suggests your system needs a reset.
• Error messages: Common codes like “Grid Fault” or “No Grid” show your inverter has lost its connection to the electricity network.

A simple restart following the labeled shutdown procedure can fix many problems, especially error codes related to grid disturbances or internal DC errors.

Use your monitoring app or portal

Modern solar systems come with monitoring features that are a great way to get extra information:

• Check unexpected drops in energy production
• Look for zero production on sunny days
• Verify battery charging status if you have one installed

If your energy bill or monitoring app are showing energy production is at zero even after power is restored, that could be a sign something has gone wrong.
Also be mindful, if your solar monitoring app shows your system as offline, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is off. Many modern systems are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or other methods, and an offline status could simply indicate a Wi-Fi connection issue. To confirm that your solar inverter is operating, always check the physical inverter itself.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Solar System

Before resetting, remember to give your system 5-10 minutes after power comes back on. Sometimes all your solar needs is a little extra time. If nothing happens, you can move on to the next step. 
If a power outage has occurred due to a storm, after the storm has passed, check there is no visible damage to your rooftop array, cabling, or inverter, before attempting to turn the system back on.
This approach for resetting works for most standard solar setups and helps you get your system running safely again.

1. Turn off the solar supply main switch

You’ll need to find your switchboard and look for the solar supply main switch. The switch should be clearly marked and controls electricity flow between your solar system and home circuits. Just flip it to the OFF position to start the reset. If your inverter is more than 2m away or not in sight from your switchboard, a second solar main switch will be adjacent to the solar inverter. ​

2. Switch off the inverter and DC isolators

The inverter is usually on a wall close to your switchboard. You’ll usually find the DC isolator switches as part of the inverter or mounted nearby. Switch them to the OFF position. If your system has multiple switches, remember to turn off each one.

3. Wait 5–10 minutes for full shutdown

Let your system stay powered down for 5-10 minutes. It might feel like a long time, but your inverter needs this time to make sure all residual power is drained away. The inverter screen should be dark without any lights.

4. Turn on DC isolators and inverter

After the wait, start the system by switching the DC isolators back on. This step connects power from your solar panels to the inverter. Turn on the separate power switch too if your inverter has one.

5. Switch on the solar supply main switch

Head back to your switchboard and turn the solar supply main switch to ON. This step connects your solar system back to your home’s electrical circuits.

6. Confirm system status on inverter display

Take a look at your inverter’s display panel. The system should power up in a few minutes and show normal operation signs. Watch for green lights or regular power readings on the screen.
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What to do if reset doesn’t work

While a restart usually solves most issues after a power outage, your system might still be having problems. But don’t panic yet! There are a few more troubleshooting steps you can try before calling in the experts.

Check for grid voltage issues

Your solar system’s restart problems could stem from grid voltage issues. Grid voltage can stay unstable for several hours after major outages, which causes problems when most systems need stable voltage to work properly. The issue often resolves on its own.

Inspect for physical damage or smells

To get a full picture of your system’s condition after the outage:

• Check for any burnt or discoloured components
• Sniff around the inverter for burning smells
• Look for loose connections or water ingress
• Inspect the isolator switches for signs of melting

Any unusual smells or visible damage point to serious problems that need immediate professional attention.
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When to call a solar technician

A qualified solar technician should look at your system if:

• Your system displays persistent error codes
• You notice burning smells or visible damage
• The inverter makes unusual noises
• Multiple reset attempts have failed
• Your monitoring app shows zero production on sunny days while you know you have a stable internet connection.

If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always safer to call the experts. Modern solar systems use sophisticated electronics, and attempting advanced repairs yourself could void warranties and create safety risks.
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Speak with Local Power Today

Power outages and solar system shutdowns can throw everything out of whack. But remember your system shuts down during blackouts for safety. Everything should return to normal when grid power returns, but if it doesn’t, you can follow the steps listed above to fix most issues. 
If it still won’t come back on, or you’ve noticed any other unusual problems, get in touch with the team at Local Power. Our licensed technicians can inspect and repair your system to get you back on the grid in no time.

Bifacial solar panels can produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels by using sunlight from both sides. These innovative double-sided panels tap into the full potential of reflected light from nearby surfaces and boost their power output.  The Australian National University’s 2024 study revealed that bifacial technology can produce 20% more energy than traditional one-sided systems. However, this is not true for every set-up.
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Local Power can advise you on whether or not these panels are suitable for your needs, just call us on 07 305 44334.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

​The name “bifacial” tells us what these advanced solar panels are all about. The Latin word means “two-faced”, a perfect description of solar technology that has photovoltaic cells on both front and back surfaces.

Definition and key features

Bifacial solar panels use a transparent backing instead of the opaque material found in regular panels. This design lets them absorb direct sunlight from the front while capturing reflected light from the ground or nearby surfaces on the back. The way these panels collect solar energy is completely different from traditional methods.
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These panels stand out because they can absorb light from both sides and produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels. They work better in low-light conditions and fit well in many different settings. The “bifaciality factor” helps calculate how well the panel uses reflected light by comparing back efficiency to front efficiency.

Snow, sand, or light-coloured roofs create perfect conditions for these panels. Their design captures energy from multiple light sources in these reflective environments.

How they differ from monofacial panels

Bifacial and monofacial panels are quite different in their structure. Regular monofacial panels have photovoltaic cells only on one side, with an opaque backing that blocks light from behind. They can only capture direct sunlight that hits their front surface.
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Monofacial panels cost less and are easier to install, which makes them popular for home rooftops. But they can only collect sunlight from one direction. Bifacial panels generate more energy per square foot, which is great for small spaces. The original cost is higher though.

Your installation environment should guide your choice between these technologies. Reflective surfaces and elevated installations work great with bifacial panels. Standard rooftops with little rear reflection are better suited for monofacial panels.

Common materials and design types

Manufacturers make bifacial solar panels in several ways. Many use a dual-glass design where solar cells sit between two 2mm glass sheets instead of the usual opaque polymer backsheet. This makes the panels last longer, and manufacturers often back them with 30-year performance warranties.

Some versions use glass-transparent backsheet designs. These panels balance performance and cost by combining front glass with a clear polymer backsheet on the back. You can also find frameless options that reduce edge shading and look more stylish.
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The cell technology in bifacial panels includes various designs like Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC), Passivated Emitter Rear Locally-diffused (PERL), Passivated Emitter Rear Totally-diffused (PERT), and Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HIT). Each type offers different efficiency levels, ranging from 19.5% to 24.7% on the front side.

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

Bifacial solar panels work differently from conventional solar technology. These panels use a smart dual-collection system that changes the way we collect solar energy.

Front-side vs rear-side energy capture

The front side of bifacial panels works similar to traditional monofacial panels and converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The real breakthrough lies in the rear side that has specialised cells. These cells absorb reflected and diffused light from the surroundings. A transparent or translucent material replaces the opaque backing found in conventional panels to make this dual-sided approach possible.
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Bifacial panels can generate electricity even without direct sunlight hitting the front surface. The rear side adds 5% to 30% more power based on how they’re installed. These panels also show better results in low-light conditions than single-sided panels.

Role of reflective surfaces

The panels’ ability to work depends on how reflective nearby surfaces are, a property called albedo. Different surfaces bounce back varying amounts of sunlight. Fresh snow reflects exceptionally well (75-95%), while meadows reflect just 10-30% of incoming light.

The ground materials play a key role in performance gains. White gravel, sand, and snow create the best conditions to maximise rear-side production. Dark surfaces like asphalt or soil absorb light instead of reflecting it, which reduces the benefits of bifacial panels.
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The height and angle of installation matter too. Raised mounts let more reflected light reach the panels, which leads to better energy production.

Understanding the bifaciality factor

The bifaciality factor shows how well the rear side works compared to the front under similar conditions. Today’s bifacial panels have factors ranging from 65% to 90%. To name just one example, see a panel that produces 500 watts from its front side and 350 watts from its rear, giving a bifaciality factor of 70%.
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This measurement helps calculate how well a panel can use reflected light. Panels with higher bifaciality factors can generate more extra energy, especially in areas with reflective surroundings.

Pros and Cons of Bifacial Panels

Solar panel choices require a full picture of bifacial technology to make a smart investment decision.

Advantages: higher yield, durability, aesthetics

Bifacial panels shine brightest in their power generation capabilities. Research shows these panels produce 10-20% more power than standard monofacial modules. The numbers become even more impressive with single-axis trackers, reaching 30-40% higher output.

The durability benefits of bifacial panels stand out clearly. Their dual-glass construction provides excellent protection against weather extremes like wind and hail. This resilient infrastructure extends their lifespan to 30 years, which beats the typical 25-year warranties that come with regular panels.
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The visual appeal of bifacial panels adds another compelling reason to choose them. Their modern, frameless design creates an attractive look. This makes them a perfect fit for projects where looks matter as much as performance.

Disadvantages: cost, installation complexity, site dependency

The benefits of bifacial panels come at a price. The system costs about 5% more than similar monofacial setups. Adding single-axis tracking pushes this difference up to roughly 15%.

Setting up these panels brings its own challenges. The panels need exact positioning to capture maximum rear-side energy. Installers must get the mounting height right (usually 1 metre works best), adjust the tilt angle (2-15 degrees more than regular panels), and space rows properly (6-8 metres apart). This detailed work leads to higher labour costs and takes longer to complete.
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The location’s characteristics play a big role in the panel’s performance. Results vary based on how much light reflects off nearby surfaces (albedo). These panels work great in areas with bright surfaces like snow, sand, or white concrete. However, they offer little advantage in spots with dark ground cover or poor reflected light. A thorough site evaluation becomes vital before investing in this technology.

Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It?

You’ll want to think over your specific situation before investing in bifacial solar panels. These advanced panels won’t benefit everyone equally.

When they make financial sense

Bifacial solar panels become economically viable when their extra energy output makes up for their higher costs. The backside generates bonus energy without any extra work. These panels work great on flat commercial rooftops with white membrane surfaces and can boost energy production by 4-5%. They cost about 10% more than standard monofacial panels but can generate 5-30% more energy.
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The math looks better in places where space is tight but energy needs are high. The panels produce more energy as you move them away from reflective surfaces, which lets more light hit the backside.

Ideal environments and use cases

These panels shine brightest in places with:

• Highly reflective surfaces like snow, sand, or white concrete
• Mounting heights of 1-1.5 metres above ground
• Commercial buildings with white or light-coloured rooftops
• Utility-scale projects that use solar trackers
• Locations away from the equator with more sky-scattered albedo

Regular home rooftop installations don’t work well since the house blocks the rear side. Ground-mounted setups with reflective coverings work best, making them a perfect fit for bigger commercial or utility projects.

Payback period and ROI considerations

Bifacial systems can pay off quickly under the right conditions. Some studies show they can pay for themselves in just 3-4 years. A 6.6kW bifacial system on a white metal roof that produces 15% more power could pay back in about 3.4 years.
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Studies of different ground surfaces found that setups with 0.4 albedo (highly reflective surfaces) paid off in 5.21 years, 3.52% faster than similar monofacial systems. This quicker payback time and longer 30-year lifespan create great long-term value despite the higher original cost.

Make the Smart Solar Choice with Local Power

Bifacial solar panels are changing the game, boosting energy output by up to 30% by capturing sunlight on both sides. They’re tougher, more efficient, and ideal for large-scale projects or reflective surfaces. But they’re not for everyone.

That’s where Local Power comes in.
Our experts cut through the noise to help you choose the right system for your site, your needs and your budget. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, we’ll design a tailored solar solution that delivers real results.

Don’t leave your solar setup to guesswork. Contact Local Power today and make every ray count.