ACCC ramps up solar battery warning

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be directly contacting almost 5000 households that are likely to have energy solar systems containing dangerous LG solar batteries in the coming weeks, to continue efforts to raise awareness about safety recalls.

(The consumer body has also urged people to be aware that scammers may use its statement about the recall to elicit personal information or money, and underlines that the ACCC would never ask for personal details or payment.)

The batteries, which may be branded LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana and VARTA, can overheat and catch fire, causing property damage and injuries. The ACCC is reaching out to consumers who are likely to have recalled LG batteries to warn them of the fire risk associated with the faulty batteries.

Consumers are urged to turn affected batteries off, keep them off and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement or a refund. LG will provide financial compensation to consumers who have higher electricity bills as a result of not being able to use their battery as expected.

So far, about 2900 batteries have been replaced or removed from consumers’ properties. A further 1400 batteries have been switched off or have had the maximum charge capacity reduced to 75% to reduce the risk of overheating while waiting for a replacement or refund.

However, LG and SolaX are trying to trace around 3000 additional recalled batteries.

“This recall has been updated twice to include new models, affected systems and dates of manufacture, so even if your battery was not recalled previously, you must check your battery’s serial number again. We remain very concerned about the fire risks these faulty batteries pose, so please act quickly,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“Unfortunately, since October 2019 there have been nine reported incidents involving these types of batteries in Australia resulting in property damage and one injury. We do not want to see any more incidents or injuries.”

LG will replace recalled batteries manufactured between 29 March 2017 and 13 September 2018 free of charge. Alternatively, consumers can opt for a refund and have the recalled battery removed from their property at no cost.

“While we are trying to reach as many affected households as possible in the coming weeks, please don’t wait to be contacted. Check if your battery has been recalled and take action now,” Rickard said.

LG has also advised the ACCC that it has identified about 10,000 additional batteries that are at risk of overheating. To address this risk, LG is proposing to install diagnostic software to identify and shut down dangerous batteries, which will then be replaced for free. Electrical safety regulators are currently assessing LG’s proposed diagnostic software remedy for these additional batteries.

Consumers are advised to:

1. Check if your battery has been recalled.

Consumers can use the serial number checker on the LG website https://www.lgessbattery.com/au/main/main.lg to see if their energy storage system is affected by the recall.

2. If your battery has been recalled, switch it off.

To switch off the battery storage system safely, refer to the instructions for the battery storage system or contact the installer or LG Energy Solution 1300 677 273 or email productau@lgensol.com.

3. Contact the manufacturer.

Contact the manufacturer to let them know you have a recalled battery and arrange a remedy.

For LG, Redback, Red Earth, Evolve or VARTA energy storage systems contact LG Energy Solution on 1300 677 273 or email productau@lgensol.com.

For SolaX or Opal battery systems contact SolaX Power on 1300 476 529 or email service@solaxpower.com.

For more information, including a list of battery types with dimensions, visit the ACCC website.

Image credit: iStock.com/MCCAIG