Last-Minute Storm Preparation for Your FortressPower System

August 12, 2024
Zorymar Pagan

As a storm approaches, ensuring your solar energy system is prepared to handle the challenges ahead is crucial. Here’s a quick checklist of last-minute steps you can take to protect your investment and ensure your Fortress Power system is ready to provide reliable power when you need it most.

Maximize Battery Charge

Fully Charge Your Batteries: Before the storm hits, make sure your Fortress Power batteries, whether it is Avalon, eVault MAX or eFlex, are fully charged. This will ensure you have the maximum amount of backup power during potential grid outages.
Monitor Charge Levels: Use the Fortress Power monitoring app or web interface to check your battery’s charge status and ensure everything is functioning properly. http://envy.fortresspower.io/

Check System Status

Run a Quick System Check: Ensuring your solar energy system is ready to handle a storm requires a thorough system check. Begin by visually inspecting your solar panels, inverter, and battery connections for any signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections. It’s important that all components are securely fastened and free of any visible damage.
Test Backup Functionality: One of the most critical steps in your system check is testing the backup functionality. This involves switching off your house’s main breaker or the inverter grid breaker to simulate a grid outage. Doing this will allow you to verify that your system automatically switches to battery backup power, ensuring that your home remains powered even when the grid goes down.
- How to Perform the Test:
  1. Switch Off the Main Breaker: Turn off the main breaker in your home’s electrical panel or the specific breaker that connects your inverter to the grid.
  2. Monitor the Transition: Observe your system’s response. Your ENVY inverter should seamlessly switch to battery power, supplying electricity to your home without interruption.
  3. Check Battery Discharge: Ensure that the battery is discharging power as expected during this test. Use the Fortress Power monitoring app to verify the status of power flow and battery discharge rates. http://envy.fortresspower.io/
  4. Restore the Breaker: After confirming that your system is functioning correctly on battery power, switch the main breaker back on to restore grid power.

Inspect for Storm Readiness: After testing, double-check that all system components are securely in place. Ensure that any debris around your installation site is cleared to prevent it from becoming projectiles during high winds. If you detect any issues during your test, contact your installer or Fortress Power support immediately for assistance.

Secure Your Equipment

- Protect Your Panels: If possible, secure your solar panels to withstand strong winds. Ensure that any loose debris is cleared from around your installation site to prevent damage.
- Weatherproof Exposed Components: Double-check that all external connections and components are properly sealed and weatherproofed to prevent water damage.

Test Your Backup Systems

Run a Generator Test: If your system includes a generator, run a quick test to ensure it’s operational and ready to kick in if needed.
Ensure Seamless Transition: If able, confirm that your ENVY inverter is properly configured to switch seamlessly between solar, battery, and generator power, minimizing disruption during the storm.

Stay Informed

Monitor Weather Updates: Keep an eye on weather reports and follow any local guidance for storm preparedness.
Keep Contact Info Handy: Have your installer’s contact information and Fortress Power’s support details readily available in case you need assistance during or after the storm.

English: 877-497-6937 Option 2

Spanish: 215-710-8960

Email: [email protected]

Prepare for After the Storm

Check for Damage: Once the storm has passed, carefully inspect your solar energy system for any damage. Prioritize safety and avoid any downed wires or damaged equipment until a professional can assess the situation.
Plan for Extended Outages: If you anticipate extended power outages, ration your battery usage to ensure essential devices and appliances remain powered.

By taking these last-minute steps, you can enhance the resilience of your solar energy system and ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the storm may bring. At Fortress Power, we’re committed to helping you maintain power and peace of mind. Stay safe, and if you need any support, please contact our team.