LG solar energy storage system (ESS) battery recalls
Homeowners should immediately switch off their solar system battery if it is under the LG solar energy battery recall.
These solar ESS batteries can overheat and catch fire without warning, which could lead to serious injuries, property damage or even death.
We want consumers to be aware of the recall and the risks.
Battery fires
Fires from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and can spontaneously reignite. They can also release toxic, flammable gasses.
These fires can be more severe during spring and summer because of higher temperatures.
At least 9 incidents involving these batteries have been reported in Australia since October 2019. A home has been destroyed by a fire linked to an LG battery overheating. In the United States, 5 incidents and 1 injury have been reported.
Recall
Certain LG large lithium-ion batteries are affected by the recall—particularly LG solar ESS batteries manufactured from January 2016 onwards.
Around 6,400 batteries are yet to be diagnosed or replaced.
These batteries are installed in homes mainly to capture and store renewable energy from solar panels.
The recalled batteries were supplied to Australian consumers in solar energy storage systems under brands such as LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA, as well as in unbranded systems.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is working with state and territory regulators of electrical safety products to promote the recall.
The Federal Assistant Treasurer issued a Safety Warning Notice on 22 November. It contains information about the risks involved with the LG batteries affected by this recall. The notice advises consumers to immediately shut down affected LG batteries until remedied.
Check if your battery is recalled
If you have an LG battery in your solar energy storage system, you should immediately check its serial number in the LG online serial number checker to see if it’s affected by the recall.
Follow the instructions on the LG Energy Solution Australia website to find your serial number.
The website also provides:
- a list of suppliers, installers and distributers who provided the recalled batteries
- the solar system brands with these batteries installed.
Read about a related SolaX battery recall.
If your battery is on the recall list
If your battery is affected, immediately switch it off by following the instructions in your user manual (or phone the manufacturer for advice).
After it is switched off, register your details with LG Energy Solution Australia, so that they can contact you about next steps.
Contact LG Energy Solution Australia by:
- phoning 1300 677 273
- emailing productau@lgensol.com.
LG will diagnose whether your solar ESS battery is at risk of catching fire. They can do this either remotely or with an on-site visit from a technician.
Any solar ESS batteries that are diagnosed as faulty will be replaced for free (including technician time). Or you’ll be given a full refund and the battery will be removed from your premises.
LG will also compensate you to offset any increase in your energy bill while your battery is switched off.
More information
Affected LG batteries are those included in these recall notices:
They can be identified by their serial numbers. Details of these recalls can be found on the Product Safety Australia website.
Read the safety warning notice.
Subscribe to Product Safety Australia news for updates about the recall.