RevoluSun Blog

Prepare your Hawai‘i business for hurricane season. Learn how to protect your commercial solar panels, Tesla Powerwalls, and battery storage systems before, during, and after a storm.

Be Storm-Ready: Protect Your Commercial Solar Investment

Hurricane Kiko is approaching Oʻahu, and with hurricane season in full swing, Hawai‘i businesses need to be prepared. Strong winds, heavy rains, and potential power outages can disrupt operations — but with the right steps, you can protect your commercial solar and battery systems while minimizing downtime.

At RevoluSun, we’ve helped thousands of Hawai‘i businesses secure their energy systems against extreme weather. Here’s what you need to know to prepare before, during, and after a storm.

Before the Storm: Preparing Your Commercial Solar & Battery Systems

1. Your System Is Built to Withstand Severe Weather

Hawai‘i’s commercial solar systems are designed to meet strict building codes and are engineered to handle wind speeds of at least 105 mph, depending on your building’s location and height.

While your panels don’t require special storm prep, it’s still smart to:

• Ensure nearby drains are clear to prevent water buildup
  
• Secure loose equipment or objects near your array
  
• Check your monitoring system to confirm your system is operating normally
  

2. Fully Charge Your Battery Systems

If your facility has a Tesla Powerwall or other commercial battery storage system, set your reserve levels to 100% to maximize backup power.

• Tesla’s Storm Watch mode may automatically adjust your settings, but we recommend double-checking.
  
• You can find instructions here: Tesla Storm Watch Support.
  
• For non-Tesla batteries, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions or reach out to our team for guidance.
  

3. Stay Updated on Hurricane Kiko

Monitoring conditions is key to protecting your business operations.
Visit the National Weather Service Hawai‘i Updates to track Kiko’s latest developments, warnings, and projected impact.

During the Storm: What to Expect from Your System

• Power Surges → Your PV system automatically shuts down to prevent damage.
  
• Grid Outages Without Batteries → If you don’t have a battery backup system, your panels will shut off until power is restored.
  
• Grid Outages With Batteries → Your system should continue powering your business unless there is physical damage.
  

After the Storm: Recovery & Safety Checklist

1. Inspect Your System Safely

After conditions improve:

• Visually inspect your panels and surrounding area for debris or damage.
  
• For multi-story buildings, avoid climbing onto rooftops — contact your installer or property management team for a safe inspection.
  
• If you notice visible damage, do not touch the panels or equipment as they may still be conducting electricity.
  

2. Verify System Performance

• Check your online monitoring platform to confirm your system is producing power.
  
• If you notice irregularities or your inverter shows errors, contact our team immediately.
  

3. Report Outages & Contact Support

Report Power Outages → Call Hawaiian Electric at 1-855-304-1212 or visit the Hawaiian Electric Outage Map.

RevoluSun Commercial Emergency Support

• 24/7 Emergency Hotline: Call 808.748.8888 and press 5
  
• Customer Care Team: Press 1 for non-emergencies
  
• Visit our FAQs for additional troubleshooting resources.
  

Why Commercial Battery Backup Is a Game-Changer

Businesses with battery backup systems can stay operational even during extended outages. By storing excess energy from your solar panels, your business gains a reliable power source when the grid goes down — minimizing downtime and protecting your bottom line.

If you’re interested in adding battery storage to your commercial system, contact our team to discuss your options.

Final Thoughts

Your commercial solar system is built to withstand severe weather, but taking a few simple precautions before, during, and after a storm can make a big difference in keeping your business powered and protected.

At RevoluSun, we’re committed to helping Hawai‘i businesses stay resilient during hurricane season and beyond. If you have questions about preparing your system or need support, we’re here to help.