Consumers urged to check solar energy storage batteries due to fire risk

NT Consumer Affairs is urging consumers to urgently 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 can overheat and catch fire, which could lead to serious injuries, death and property damage.

LG has recalled the batteries, but about 6400 of the recalled batteries have not yet been replaced, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (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.

ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said “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. 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.

For more information consumers can contact LG Energy Solution Australia (phone 1300 677 273 or email productau@lgensol.com) or SolaX Power for SolaX or Opal system batteries (email service@solaxpower.com or phone 1300 476 529).