Homeowners who have installed certain solar energy storage batteries are being asked to check them, following a recall due to fire risk.
The ACCC this week urged consumers to check if their LG, SolaX or Opal home energy solar systems are affected by dangerous LG solar energy storage batteries which are under recall, and if so to contact the manufacturer, immediately.
The batteries, which were manufactured between April 2017 and September 2018, can overheat and catch fire, which could lead to serious injuries, death and property damage.
Affected batteries were supplied by residential solar energy storage system retailers, installers and distributors including: AGL Energy, Baywa, CSR, Energy Australia, Krannich Solar, MMEM, One Stop Warehouse, Rheem, Solar Juice, SolaX, Sonepar (as Solar Plus Solutions) and Supply Partners.
LG has recalled the batteries, but about 6400 have not yet been replaced, and the ACCC is concerned that these consumers may not be aware of the recall and the fire risk.
Since October 2019 there have been nine reported incidents involving these types of batteries in Australia resulting in property damage and one injury, and five incidents and one injury reported in the USA.
“We encourage consumers to urgently check if they have an LG, Solax or Opal solar energy storage battery which is included in the recall by LG”, ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“These batteries have already caused injury and fire damage to properties and could lead to serious injuries or death.”
Responsible state and territory electricity regulators which regulate electrical safety of products have been working with the ACCC to raise awareness of the LG solar energy battery recall.
“Consumers who identify they have an LG energy storage battery under recall are urged to immediately contact LG to discuss next steps, including a free replacement when available,” Ms Rickard said.
“The affected batteries have also been supplied in solar energy storage systems with brand names other than LG, so it is extremely important to check if you have a battery affected by the recall by checking the serial number on the LG website.”
LG will replace all affected batteries free of charge when replacements are available.
Electrical regulators recommend switching off the battery. If consumers wish to switch off the battery, they should refer to the instruction manual of their energy storage system or contact the installer or manufacturer for advice.
Further information is on the Product Safety Australia website at LG’s recall and SolaX Power’s recall.