The consumer watchdog is urging households with a solar battery to check their system as soon as possible following a recall for potentially hazardous batteries.
Households with an affected LG solar battery are being warned to turn off their system immediately by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after it was revealed these batteries may be at serious risk of overheating and catching fire.
LG has instructed customers with LG-branded batteries, which may be included in some LG, SolaX, Opal, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA systems, to switch off their system immediately and keep it switched off until a remedy can be provided to avoid serious injury.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said consumers should check the serial number on their system and compare it with the recall list to ensure they aren’t at risk.
“It is critically important that anyone with a solar energy storage system checks their battery’s serial number, as this recall has been updated to include new models, affected systems and dates of manufacture,” she said.
“Even if you don’t have an LG-branded solar storage system, you may still have an LG-branded battery that has been recalled. For peace of mind – check your system again and turn off your battery straight away if it has been recalled.”
Households with affected batteries should contact LG or SolaX once their system is switched off to discuss the arrangement of a new, free battery, software update or refund on their purchase.
Ms Lowe said LG will financially compensate any customers who are concerned about higher electricity bills as a result of switching off their system.
“Please put your safety first and follow this important advice to switch off. LG will compensate consumers who are out-of-pocket on their electricity bills as a result of switching off and not being able to use their battery.”
LG first issued this product recall on February 24, 2021 but it was later updated in August 2021 and November 2022 with additional affected products.
How do I check if my solar battery is affected?
To see if your solar battery is one of the affected products it is best to visit the LG recall notice on its website. If your battery model is listed there, LG has said you should switch off your system immediately and contact LG to start the remediation process, whether that be a refund or new battery exchange.
If you are unsure of how to switch off your battery system you should refer to instructions listed on the product recall link above, under the brand section of your battery. Alternatively, you can also contact your installer or product manufacturer for more information about how to safely switch off your solar battery.
Those who may need assistance determining if their battery is affected by this recall should contact LG immediately on 1300 677 273 or by email to productau@lgensol.com for help identifying if their system is at risk.
For more information on affected LG-branded batteries in LG, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA energy storage systems it is best to contact LG on 1300 677 273 or by email to productau@lgensol.com.
For more information on affected LG-branded batteries in SolaX and Opal energy storage systems it is best to contact SolaX on 1300 476 529 or email service@solaxpower.com.
Image credit: Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock.com
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