On August 15, the National Institute for Technology and Evaluation (NITE) released an analysis showing that electrical accidents caused by storms were concentrated in September, with solar power plant damage alone accounting for 80% of the accidents. The warning urged people to prepare for storms in advance, including preventive inspections, flood countermeasures, and containment measures.
Image of scattered solar panels
(Source: NITE)
We analyzed the accident information database related to power facilities based on the Electric Power Business Law. There were 20 typhoon-related electrical accidents in the 3 years from 2020 to 2022, of which 18 occurred in September. By region, there were 13 cases in the Kyushu region (12 of which were in September), 3 cases in the Chugoku/Shikoku region (2 of which were in September), and 4 cases in the Chubu region (all in September).
Image of loose bolts on solar panel brackets
(Source: NITE)
By facility, 80% of the accidents occurred at solar power plants: 16 at solar power plants, 3 at wind power plants, and 1 at hydropower plants. Of these, 3 were cases of solar panels falling outside the premises, causing property damage. In an incident in the Chubu region in September 2022, solar panels scattered outside the premises damaged other property.
Example image of pile not buried to required depth
(Source: NITE)
As a precaution before a storm approaches, NITE recommends checking the latest weather information and deciding how to operate equipment and emergency communications systems in the event of a disaster, and taking precautions to prevent flooding of electrical equipment if damage from heavy rain is expected. Clean side gutters and downspouts to improve drainage; if high winds are likely, check solar panel mounting hardware and mounting bolts, and check that mounting bracket stakes are properly buried.
The report also lists measures to be taken after the typhoon passes, including conducting temporary inspections of electrical equipment, taking timely first aid measures, repairing and renovating damaged equipment, and preventing secondary damage. NITE issued an emergency warning as it predicted that Typhoon No. 7, a powerful typhoon, could approach or make landfall from the Kanto region to the Tohoku region from August 16 to 17.
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