Australians are being warned not to sacrifice safety for aesthetics as a growing trend known as ‘batterymaxxing’ sees households disguising, decorating and concealing their solar battery systems in ways experts say could create serious risks.
According to Steven Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Aussie Solar Batteries, some households are becoming so focused on making batteries disappear that they are unintentionally compromising the very systems designed to power their homes safely.
According to Aussie Solar Batteries, solar battery installations have soared across the country thanks to the Federal Government’s rebates.
“We’re seeing people do some extraordinary things,” Yu said.
“Some are building custom cabinetry around batteries. Others are constructing decorative boxes and enclosures to hide them from view. We’ve even seen people integrate them into outdoor entertainment areas and attempt to make them look like part of the home’s furniture.”
He said the trend is accelerating as battery installations surge across Australia.
“People spend thousands creating beautiful homes and then suddenly a battery appears on a wall. The temptation is to hide it.”
“The problem is that batteries are not ornaments. They are sophisticated energy storage systems and treating them like furniture can create very real dangers.”
What is batterymaxxing?
Batterymaxxing is the growing trend of disguising, decorating or concealing home battery systems to make them blend into a home’s interior or exterior design.
Some homeowners are placing decorative screens around batteries. Others are building custom timber boxes, cabinets or storage enclosures around them.
Some have gone even further.
“We have seen batteries hidden behind feature walls, enclosed inside decorative structures and incorporated into outdoor entertaining spaces so they become almost invisible,” Yu said.
“We have even seen people place lamps, pot plants, picture frames, drinks, tools and household items directly on top of them.”
Many online sites are also selling covers to put over home solar batteries to protect them from the weather or make them look more aesthetically pleasing. Yu said many of these are not fit for purpose and are an accident waiting to happen.
Turning a battery into a hidden hazard
One of the most alarming aspects of the trend is that homeowners can create risks without realising it.
“A battery that is hidden behind decorative panels or enclosed within a custom-built structure may no longer be easily accessible for inspection, servicing or emergency response,” Yu said.
“If something goes wrong, technicians need immediate access. Emergency services may also need immediate access.”
He said concealment can delay the identification of problems.
“If there is damage, a fault warning, overheating issue or water ingress problem, homeowners may not notice until the situation has escalated.”
Yu said some homeowners have begun treating battery units as household furniture, especially in outdoor entertainment areas and inside garages and utility areas.
“When batteries were uncommon, nobody thought about how they looked. Now that battery systems are appearing in garages, side passages, utility areas and outdoor spaces across Australia, people are looking for ways to make them disappear,” Yu said.
He said social media is also contributing to the trend.
“People see beautifully styled homes online and want every part of their property to look perfect. Unfortunately, aesthetics should never come at the expense of safety,” Yu said.
Yu said homeowners who are concerned about aesthetics should speak with qualified installers before making any modifications.
“There are safe ways to improve the visual appearance of a battery installation. The solution is professional advice, not DIY concealment,” Yu said.
“Homeowners should keep battery areas clear, accessible and free from unnecessary objects. The safest battery is one that can breathe, can be inspected and can be accessed when needed.”
With government rebates driving a new wave of battery installations across the country, Yu believes awareness is urgently needed.
“We’re entering a period where batteries will become as common as air conditioners. The last thing we want is homeowners creating avoidable risks because they are trying to hide them,” Yu said.
“If your battery is disappearing behind decorative walls, custom cabinets, a pretty cover or piles of household items, it may be time to rethink the setup.
“Your battery should power your home, not become part of the home décor.”
