Installing a solar battery is a great way to reduce your energy bills by storing excess solar power for when the sun isn’t shining. They’re also incredibly safe for your home, especially when installed by an accredited solar professional.
Although battery risks are uncommon, as with any electrical system, these issues can occur. Overheating can lead to fire risks, along with potential chemical and toxic hazards. The possibility of these hazards can be reduced by choosing a quality installer, having your system regularly inspected and staying on top of any recalled batteries. Although solar batteries are highly safe, the steps outlined in our guide below will ensure you’re fully protected.
Is Installing a Solar Battery Safe?
Yes, solar batteries are incredibly safe for domestic use. This is due to Australia’s strict safety regulations, which not only apply to the manufacturing of solar batteries but in their installation. Within Tasmania, solar batteries are carefully regulated by a combination of state and federal bodies. For instance, the Clean Energy Council (CEC), with its stringent Battery Safety Guide serving as a blueprint for manufacturers.
Thanks to these safety standards, solar batteries have exploded in popularity, with very few issues reported. Approximately 200,000 solar batteries have been installed across Australia. A recent report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that only 15 battery-related fires were reported between 2017 and 2023.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about safety. Although rare, hazards can still occur.
Solar Battery Safety Risks
Although solar batteries are low risk, it’s still important to be aware of potential hazards. These can include:
Fire Hazards
Potential fire hazards should be one of your biggest safety concerns. This occurs when your battery overheats, typically as a result of overcharging, incorrect installation or short circuiting. When your battery overheats, its casing can rupture, potentially creating a chemical fire that can threaten your property.
Fire can also result from thermal runaway. This is a rare event when your battery experiences extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, short circuits or physical damage. These conditions can cause the internal temperature of your battery to rapidly rise, potentially triggering dangerous chain reactions that may lead to fire. Fortunately, modern energy storage systems are engineered to prevent such failures through multiple layers of safety. Furthermore, any batteries that pose a significant fire risk are recalled by the ACCC. Monitor the ACCC website for safety announcements and for information on recalled batteries.
Chemical and Toxic Hazards
Certain types of solar batteries contain hazardous materials. Particularly, the older lead-acid batteries, which contain an electrolyte that is highly acidic and corrosive that can cause damage to property when spilled. Furthermore, if this electrolyte comes into contact with your body, especially your eyes, it can cause serious injuries. Electrolytes can be released from lead-acid batteries due to a leak from your system or a manufacturing defect. Installing modern, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, which do not carry the same toxic materials as older technologies, can help reduce these chemical risks.
Electrical Hazards
The chance of electrocution from a solar battery is incredibly low; however, with any electrical appliance, this should be considered. These hazards typically occur due to a damaged or faulty battery circuit or due to an impact knock. During any flooding, in particular, it is important to avoid contact with and proximity to solar batteries due to electrical hazards. If you are concerned about these potential risks, please immediately contact your battery installer or a qualified electrician for support.
How to Maximise Solar Battery Safety
To ensure you and your family remain protected with your new solar battery, follow our tips for safety:
Buy a quality battery
Not every battery type or brand is the same. You should always choose a battery that is certified under Australian regulations. They should be approved by the CEC, who have a list of batteries that meet industry best practices. Try to stick with brands that have a long, established history of delivering safe battery systems. These brands are more likely to invest in quality components and adhere strongly to safety standards. Also, try to avoid purchasing any batteries that aren’t from reputable or certified manufacturers, as cheaper options may not be able to withstand the harsh Australian sun.
Use a high-quality installer
Choose battery installers that are licensed by the CEC and accredited under Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). There are unqualified installers out there, so try and do as much research as possible, and double-check they are CEC / SAA qualified. Our accredited team at Tasmanian Safer Solar (TSS) are the experts in delivering a safe solar battery installation. We are also ready to assist with the continued maintenance of your battery, to deal with any minor issues before they become major ones.
Have the battery inspected
Scheduling time for your battery to be properly inspected can ensure its continued safety. Even when everything appears to be running smoothly, a professional inspection can address all aspects of your battery, from its temperature, software and overall health. We recommend having your battery inspected at least every five years, or more frequently if you have any concerns.
Keep your battery clean and the area clear
It’s always a great idea to monitor your battery for any dirt buildup and keep its vents free of any cobwebs. It’s also important to consider the area around your battery. It shouldn’t have any flammable items nearby and be installed in a well-sheltered, ventilated area that’s away from any direct sunlight or heat. You should aim to store your system in a cool, dry area that’s away from obvious risks like a car driving into a garage.
Know what to do if the worst occurs
Although the risk of a fire is rare, we recommend developing an emergency strategy to ensure you are prepared to respond. Aspects of your emergency response should include: keeping clear of the battery and evacuating your property, calling 000 to alert emergency services and staying in a safe location until authorities arrive.
Choosing the Safest Solar Battery
You may be wondering which solar batteries are the safest. When making your decision, we recommend choosing a lithium-ion battery. These are the standard choices for modern solar systems that use lithium-ion to store and release energy. In particular, you should be seeking out systems using a technology called LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate), which are cobalt-free. These batteries are great for safety because they have strong inner thermal stability and are less prone to overheating, meaning thermal runaway or fires are less likely.
The other type of lithium-ion battery that you may come across contains Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). We recommend avoiding this type of battery because of its lower thermal stability when compared to the lithium-phosphate variant. If you’re unsure about the safest battery type, consult with your local installer.
In terms of battery brands, try to focus on manufacturers with a strong track record. Brands with a long history of delivering solar batteries are more likely to invest in robust thermal controls and quality components. Also consider which brands have had their batteries recalled in the past. Since 2020, LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana, and VARTA storage systems have all had batteries compulsorily recalled. At Tasmanian Safer Solar, we prioritise top brands for safety, including Alpha ESS, Sofar Solar and Tesla, which are great choices not just for safety, but for Tasmanian conditions.
What Safety Certificates Do Solar Batteries Need?
Prior to purchase, it’s great to understand the various safety certifications that your solar batteries must adhere to. As previously mentioned, your batteries must be included in the CEC’s list of approved products that meet the industry requirements outlined in their Battery Safety Guide.
In addition to the CEC, within Australia, solar batteries are subject to rigorous testing under the AS IEC 62619:2023. This includes dropping the battery from various heights, damaging it, intentionally overheating and overcharging it and short-circuiting its terminals on purpose. This is to help show whether the battery can withstand these conditions without any issues and without creating potential hazards such as a fire or leak.
If you are unsure about what safety certificates you need, and if your solar battery qualifies, reach out to your local installer or the team at TSS.
What to Do If Your Solar Battery Has Been Recalled
You may find yourself in a situation where your solar battery has been recalled due to safety risks. When this occurs, it’s important to understand what to do:
Check the Recall Information
Manufacturers will typically announce any recalls on their website or through direct communication with customers. If you are unsure, check the ACCC or CEC, which are responsible for providing information about battery recalls when they occur. Check the CEC’s website for an up-to-date list, and double-check your battery’s brand or model.
Stop Using the Battery
When you confirm that your battery has been recalled, immediately switch it off to prevent any safety hazards from occurring. Depending upon the complexity of the system, contact your local solar installers, who can provide support for how to conduct this safely.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
After switching off your solar battery, follow the instructions supplied by your manufacturer. This should provide information on how to receive a refund and how to provide them with proof of purchase.
Consult Your Installer
If you are unsure how to contact your battery’s manufacturer, reach out directly to your solar installer. They’ll be able to guide you through the recall process, including how to organise a refund, and the information required to receive a replacement system.
Continue Monitoring for Future Recalls
Try to stay updated on the latest battery recalls, and regularly check the CEC website for any new releases.
How to Dispose of a Solar Battery Safely?
Although solar batteries can last for over 12 years, they don’t last forever, and it’s important to be aware of how to dispose of these systems safely. This is vital because batteries contain toxic substances such as lead, cadmium and cobalt, which may contaminate soil or water when disposed of incorrectly.
When your battery reaches the end of its lifespan, contact your solar installer or the manufacturer. Fortunately, batteries contain valuable materials that can be recycled. Your installer should be able to safely discharge and prepare the battery for proper recycling.
Solar batteries are a great way to harness a renewable energy source that reduces both your carbon footprint and electricity bills. However, to ensure your investment pays off, safety should always be a top priority. It’s important to stay informed about any potential risks, including fire hazards or chemical and toxic leaks. You should also take extra safety measures to protect you and your family, including selecting a quality battery and choosing a high-quality installer. The expert team at TSS are accredited by SAA, and with a proven track record in delivering successful battery installations, we can ensure your new system is installed safely to transform your home.
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