Flood Damage and Solar Power: your guide to safety and insurance claims

New Zealand has always been a land of dramatic weather - but in recent years, the frequency and severity of flooding events has reached a level that few of us were prepared for. From Northland to Central Otago, thousands of Kiwi families have found themselves in the same heartbreaking situation. 

If your home is affected, this guide will help you stay safe, protect your property, and support your insurance claim. 

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Switch off power and gas immediately

Only do this if it is safe to reach. Never stand in water to access electrical panels.

• Turn off your home's main electrical switchboard.
• Isolate your gas supply at the meter.

Stay away from submerged electrical equipment

Any wiring, outlet, appliance, or electrical equipment that has been in contact with floodwater must be treated as live and dangerous.

• Keep all household members away from affected areas.
• Do not touch, approach, or attempt to operate any flooded solar battery or inverter.
• Evacuate the area and contact your solar provider immediately.

Confirm it is safe to re-enter

• Check with Civil Defence or your local council that your property has been cleared for re-entry.
• Never enter a flooded property if power is still connected.
• Flooding can compromise structural integrity so do not assume the building is safe.

For Tesla Powerwall Owners:

• Do not approach or touch your Powerwall system if any part is submerged.
• If safe to do so, turn off your Powerwall and the AC breaker.
• Before using the system again, contact Tesla Support at 0800 99 5020.

Document everything (this is critical for your insurance claim)

Before you start cleaning up, gather as much evidence as possible.

• Photograph and video your solar panels, inverter, and battery system.
• Capture the waterline on walls and skirting boards.
• Record all affected areas: flooring, furniture, curtains, and any visible structural damage.
• Write down a timeline of all the actions you have taken. It’s a stressful time and can be hard to remember everything if it isn’t documented. 
• Keep receipts for all costs: professional drying, materials, tradespeople, temporary accommodation.

Have Your Home Professionally Inspected

• Have a licensed electrician assess your home for electrical safety before restoring power.
• Arrange a structural inspection to check for flood damage or instability.
• Check for early signs of mould — it can begin growing within 24 - 48 hours of extreme water exposure.

Do not restart your solar system

Never attempt to restart your solar panels, inverter, or battery system after flood damage without a professional assessment. Even systems that appear unharmed may have compromised wiring or insulation. Contact your solar provider for an inspection before reconnecting anything.

Our solar experts live and work in communities right across New Zealand. When a flood hits your town, it often hits ours too.

We know that navigating an insurance claim on top of the clean-up is exhausting — especially when you're stressed, displaced, and trying to hold your household together. That's why we work directly alongside homeowners after flood events.

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How Harrisons Solar can help 

We can help with:

• Claim documentation — we know what insurers look for.
• Direct communication with your insurer or loss adjuster on your behalf.
• Repair and replacement quotes for your solar system.

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The earlier we're involved, the better placed we are to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of the damage.

We're here, we're local, and we're ready to help.

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