LG Energy Solution Australia is recalling two models of energy storage system (ESS) batteries for home use to capture and store energy from solar panels.
The recall relates to two models of ESS batteries that were supplied nationally from 15 May, 2017, that could potentially pose a fire risk.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently updated the advice on the LG Energy Solution Australia product recall, including the affected models: RESU and S/A Gen2.
The affected RESU batteries are LG branded, while the S/A Gen2 batteries are installed in non-LG branded systems including SolaX Power Station, SolaX X-Cabinet, Opal Storage, Redback SH5000, Red Earth Sunrise, Red Earth Drop Bear, Eguana Evolve and VARTA Pulse Neo.
Each battery is marked with a unique serial number, which can be used to identify affected batteries.
ESS batteries may overheat and catch on fire, and such incidents have reportedly happened with the aforementioned models.
Since 15 May, 2017, the affected models have been supplied across Australia by AGL Energy, Baywa, CSR, Eguana Technologies, Energy Australia, Krannich Solar, MMEM, One Stop Warehouse, Rheem, Red Earth Energy Storage, Redback Technologies, Solar Juice, SolaX, Sonepar (as Solar Plus Solutions), Supply Partners and VARTA.
Consumers whose batteries are affected should immediately switch off their battery storage system and keep it switched off to minimise fire risk.
LG Energy Solution Australia will replace all affected batteries for free, or provide a full refund and remove the battery from residents’ premises.
The company is also offering a short-term remedial solution of reducing the maximum state of charge of the battery to 75 per cent to reduce the risk of fire until affected batteries are replaced or removed.
This will be done remotely where possible.
LG Energy Solution Australia will provide financial compensation to consumers to offset any increase to electricity bills following switch off or charge reduction of batteries.
Consumers should visit lgessbattery.com/au and follow the instructions to find out if their battery is affected by the recall.
Alternatively, they can call 1300 677 273, or email productau@lgensol.com.
