Solar Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

28 May , 2024

LG Undertakes to Locate and Fix Dangerous Solar Batteries

LG Energy Solution has provided an enforceable undertaking that it will increase its efforts to alert and protect consumers from faulty LG solar storage batteries which can overheat and catch fire without warning. Since 2020, LG has issued voluntary recalls affecting around 18,000 affected batteries. There have been 15 incidents of property damage caused by the solar…

6 February , 2024

Compulsory Recall for Dangerous LG Solar Batteries Proposed

Across Australia, 13 incidents of property damage have been linked to the affected batteries, including a house in Victoria that was destroyed.

Following a recommendation by the ACCC, the proposed recall notice was issued by the Assistant Treasurer because it appears to him that LG has not taken satisfactory action to prevent the affected batteries causing injury to any person.

11 December , 2023

Building a Resilient Future – Day 3 of Consumers International Global Congress

A report from our Consumers International Global Congress representative, Deputy Chair Chandni Gupta Final day of the 2023 Global Congress and the pace remained fast and fascinating with enlightening presentations with a key focus on sustainability to close off the conference. Below are some highlights from Day 3. Sustainable appliances for a green transition An…

1 December , 2023

Energy Cost, the Environment and the Importance of Keeping Consumers Informed

Consumers are often overwhelmed by the amount of energy information available to them. They are unsure who to turn to, or where to start. This means most consumers are on ‘first base’ in their energy journey.

24 November , 2023

Energy Consumers Australia Welcomes Announcement of Capacity Investment Scheme, Calls for More Work for Consumers

Original media release from ECA (23/11/2023). Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) CEO Brendan French, quoted in response to the Capacity Investment Scheme: quote Energy Consumers Australia CEO Brendan French: “Energy Consumers Australia welcomes this morning’s announcement which is both an important step in providing reliable supply to consumers and also a continued firm commitment by Federal…

21 November , 2023

National Safety Notice Issued for Recalled LG Solar Batteries

Original media release by the ACCC (20/11/2023). Following a recommendation by the ACCC, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Stephen Jones, has today issued a national safety warning notice to warn consumers of fire risks associated with recalled LG solar lithium-ion batteries which are installed in solar energy systems across the country. The safety warning notice was issued…

11 October , 2023

LG Solar Batteries Recalled – Consumers Urged to Check and Switch Off Affected Batteries Immediately

All households with a solar storage system need to urgently check if the system has a recalled LG battery installed and should switch off affected batteries immediately, the ACCC has warned.

When these batteries malfunction there is a serious risk of injury or death due to the affected batteries overheating and causing a fire.

5 October , 2023

AER Highlights Better Outcomes but Continue Challenges

The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) latest State of the energy market report highlights that the energy system in 2023 experienced fewer shocks and better outcomes than in the preceding year, however many of the vulnerabilities observed in 2022 remain.

The report reveals some improved outcomes in wholesale energy markets with average wholesale electricity prices significantly lower than the record highs seen in 2022. Wholesale gas prices also declined significantly from 2022 but remain high by historical standards.

2 February , 2023

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is here to raise consumer protection standards

Launched today, the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program seeks to raise consumer protection standards in Australia for purchases of new energy tech, including rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers, home energy management systems and more. Australia is a world leader in small-scale renewable energy generation, with over 3 million rooftop solar systems providing…

15 December , 2022

Free solar advice for Australian households and businesses

Australian households and small businesses now have access to a free online solar PV savings calculator, backed by a $946,399 investment from the Australian Government and tailored to individual property needs. Led by the University of New South Wales and the Australian PV Institute and designed by engineers, the SunSPOT tool has been upgraded to…

5 April , 2019

Sunny Side Up: Strengthening the consumer protection regime for solar panels in Victoria

Reliable, affordable, renewable energy has helped many Australians take back control of their power prices. Yet as the solar industry booms, consumer protection has not kept up. More needs to be done to protect householders, according to a comprehensive report released by Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action). Sunny Side Up: Strengthening the consumer protection…

13 February , 2019

No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households

PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday. ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…