In response to a directive from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has issued a national safety warning, advising consumers to ensure they are not using a recalled LG solar lithium-ion battery that was used in solar energy systems nationwide.
This is of particular concern due to the potential for house fires caused by these LG solar lithium-ion storage batteries, which are currently under a product safety recall.
The inherent risk involves the batteries overheating, posing a significant threat of igniting a house fire, potentially leading to injuries, fatalities and extensive property damage.
Widespread use of recalled batteries
Alarmingly, about 8,000 of these LG batteries, which have been integrated into both LG branded and non-LG branded solar systems, including those sold under the SolaX brand and unbranded setups, remain at risk in Australian homes.
Out of these, about 6,000 batteries are yet to be located, heightening the urgency of the situation.
“Following the Minister’s urgent safety warning, consumers should check whether their solar storage battery is subject to the recall today,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.
“This includes non-LG-branded solar storage systems, which may also contain a recalled LG battery. If a battery is subject to recall, it should be switched off immediately.
“Thousands of people may be unaware they live in homes that have one of these affected batteries installed in their solar energy system.
“The Minister has issued a safety warning notice to draw attention to the safety risks. It is vitally important that everyone with a solar system checks their battery now to make sure they keep their family safe.
“The solar battery recalls have expanded recently to include new models. Even if you have already checked whether your battery is affected by the recalls, check it again via the LG website, and turn off your LG battery straight away if it has been recalled,” Lowe said.
LG has committed to providing a refund, replacement or software update to fix the problem and to paying compensation to consumers who incur higher energy bills while their system is switched off.