LG solar batteries are now linked to 13 cases of property damage in Australia, including a fire that destroyed a home in Victoria. Today, a mandatory recall of the affected batteries was issued following the recommendation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
A mandatory recall of LG lithium-ion batteries for solar energy storage has been proposed after some of them were found to overheat and ignite spontaneously. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued the recall notice, stating that he believes LG has not taken adequate action to prevent the damage caused by these batteries.
The first safety warnings related to these batteries were already issued in 2021, but thousands of units are still unaccounted for.
“The proposed recall notice is a formal step towards mandatory recall and highlights the serious risk associated with approximately 5,000 LG solar batteries that have not yet been located,” explained ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.
“We recommend that anyone who has a solar energy storage system checks if they have a battery affected by the recall and if so, turn it off and contact LG immediately.”
“Even if you don’t have an LG-branded solar energy storage system, please still follow our recommendations to check your battery and protect your home and family. Some of the batteries covered by the recall are installed in systems sold under other brands or unnamed systems,” added Lowe.
Currently, the recalled LG batteries are already subject to a voluntary recall in Australia, including their software.
In total, they comprise 18,054 LG batteries, with cells manufactured between January 21, 2016, and June 3, 2019. The number of known recalled LG batteries in Australia is still changing as LG and SolaX continue to search for recalled batteries globally and in Australia, with some batteries expected to be found overseas being discovered in Australia and vice versa.
As of January 25, 2024, 4,950 recalled batteries delivered to consumers in Australia have not been located.
Individuals with a recalled battery have the right to receive a refund, exchange, or software update to fix the issue, depending on the serial number.
LG has also agreed to compensate consumers for higher electricity bills when their system is turned off.
The full list of LG batteries covered by the recall and information on what to do if a unit is faulty can be found on the LG website.
FAQ Section:
Which batteries are subject to the recall?
The recall applies to LG lithium-ion batteries used for solar energy storage.
Why are the batteries being recalled?
LG batteries are being recalled because some of them had issues with overheating and ignition.
What are the risks associated with these batteries?
The LG batteries that have not been located yet pose a serious risk of property damage, including fires.
What is the LG solar battery recall?
The LG solar battery recall is the process of mandatory withdrawal of these batteries due to safety issues and the risk of property damage.
What should I do if I have a recalled battery?
If you have a recalled battery, you should turn it off and immediately contact LG for further instructions.
What options are available for owners of recalled batteries?
Owners of recalled batteries have the right to receive a refund, battery exchange, or software update to fix the issue, depending on the serial number.
Do I need to check my battery if it is not an LG brand?
Yes. It is recommended to check every battery, regardless of the brand, to protect your home and family, as some recalled batteries may be installed in systems sold under other brands or unnamed systems.
How to contact LG in case of battery issues or recall?
For the full list of batteries covered by the recall and information on what to do if you have a faulty unit, visit the LG website.
Definitions:
– Recall – the mandatory withdrawal of a product due to safety or quality issues.
– Lithium-ion – a type of battery in which lithium ions move between two electrodes during charging and discharging.
Suggested Related Links:
– LG Website
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com