THE SHORT ANSWER
DOE includes planned pre- and post-storm measures among resilience practices. Homeowners should follow system-specific instructions, not a generic social-media shutdown sequence. [1]
Collect authoritative instructions
Save current inverter, battery, transfer equipment and generator guidance plus utility outage contacts. Match every instruction to the installed model.
Identify safe homeowner actions
Ask the installer which controls the owner may operate and in what order. Do not open service equipment, remove seals or touch wet devices.
Protect the records
Keep printed and offline digital copies with equipment inventory, monitoring recovery information and service contacts. Avoid storing the only copy beside exterior equipment.
Practice during normal conditions
Use only the supported test process and note unexpected behavior for service. A rehearsal should clarify limits without intentionally defeating protective functions.
Before your next conversation
- Save model-specific instructions.
- Define safe owner actions.
- Keep offline copies.
- Test only through supported procedures.
Primary sources
- U.S. Department of Energy: Severe Weather Resilience in Solar PV System Design
Primary source reviewed September 11, 2026. Confirm current utility, permit, equipment and property requirements before relying on a project timeline or design.
- U.S. Department of Energy: Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar
Primary source reviewed September 11, 2026. Confirm current utility, permit, equipment and property requirements before relying on a project timeline or design.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
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