LG Energy Solution (formerly LG Chem) has announced a replacement program for certain energy storage batteries manufactured between April 2017 and September 2018. LG is conducting this precautionary action after reported incidents of battery overheating. Based on its review, LG determined there were issues in the early production process for electrodes used in these potentially affected lithium-ion batteries used in energy storage systems (not in EVs).
“Customer safety and product quality are the highest priority in our decision-making process. With the announcement today, we will further enhance the safety of our products, as LG Energy Solution strives to make the world’s safest batteries,” said Jong Hyun Kim, President of LG Energy Solution.
LG Energy Solution’s battery replacement program will provide free batteries at no additional charge that incorporate manufacturing process improvements that further enhance the safety of its energy storage batteries. All proposed safety measures, including the replacement of the potentially affected batteries, will take place after consultation with customers.
LG Energy Solution will also implement remote modifications to the potentially affected batteries, where possible, to reduce the potential for overheating while owners of the affected energy storage system units wait for their replacement units. In addition, LG Energy Solution will be updating the battery diagnostic and control software at domestic and overseas sites. Field inspections will also be undertaken to monitor and minimize the potential for further incidents.
Where applicable, owners of potentially affected batteries will be directly contacted if their battery is subject to the replacement program.
Further details regarding how to participate in the free replacement program will be published on the LG website shortly.
LG batteries were used in the April 2019 deflagration incident at a 2.16-MWh lithium energy storage system facility in Surprise, Arizona. UL released recommendations last year to establish new standards and codes at lithium storage sites, including more fire service training.
Read our story: Just how concerned should the solar industry be about battery fires?
Satoru Hosogai says
My LG battery, sold and installed by Sunrun, is among the recall. The battery is swollen so SunRun advised to unplug it. I was promised a replacement battery and have been waiting for 1 year and 7 months now (it stopped working in June 2021). Must have made a dozen calls to SunRun since then but I still have not received replacement battery. However, new customers signing up for solar have been receiving new batch of batteries. I don’t understand how LG and SunRun can go about their business when so many of us are left with dangerous, malfunction batteries. Waiting 19+ months for replacement battery is ridiculous. Does anyone know if there is a Class Action lawsuit against LG or SunRun for this matter?
Susanne Polos says
I have the same issues. Have been waiting for 1.5 years. Have been calling Sunrun almost monthly with no update. To my understanding, the new houses are all getting the tesla battery and there is still a shortage in lG chem batteries. And I have asked Sunrun about switching to tesla – Sunrun stated that the lines are not compatible and that is not possible.
Other news is that LG is moving out of the solar business. I am not sure what to do at this point.
BrokenLGx2 says
I have two LG Reschem batteries that have been offline since September 2021 (bought in 2018). I have been contacting LG since then and they said they have my batteries, but its not in their inventory due to not having enough DDR boxes (for shipping).
I find this all frustrating and confusing. Anyone else on the same boat or got successful reimbursments from LG?
Keith says
I’m nearly at 14 months and still no positive updates from LG. Not aware of anyone receiving reinbursments, although I have tried.
Tempted to try and order a new one and see if that comes in.
Claudia says
They offered me a refund as an alternative. I am taking it.
Brian Smith says
My Battery died in January 2022 and I am still in contact with LG Chem about a replacement under warranty. They have informed me today that they will not be replacing it as they do not have enough for everyone.
How do I go about getting a replacement/refund if this is the case? I am based in the UK.
Keith says
Did you every get a response?
LG UK/EU have been aware of my battery recall for 11 months now. I chase perodically but keep getting told they haven’t received the replacement units yet… I find it a little strange.
carolyn friedman says
Have defective battery, been not working for at least a year maybe more, need to know when this will be replaced or get into a class action lawsuit.
Bob Wright says
Our battery has been off line for months now, going back to July of 2021. SunRun has been issuing a credit of $50 dollars a month, this is not coving our electric bills. Getting any answers is impossible.
Susanne Polos says
I am in the same boat. The $50 does not cover our electric bills. I am speaking with Sunrun every month with no update. Our battery has been off line since 7/2021 as well.
David Salerno says
We are Sullivan Solar customers and until of late have been pretty satisfied w both products n service.
In 2019 we had a LG battery installed. Sullivan Solar informed us of the recall and that they would not be turning on the battery for safety reasons.
As you know, Sullivan Solar is having issues. As solar advocates and customers I’m reaching out to get information on status of company and the LG recall.
Thanks for the information to date.
D
DAVID WEINBERGER says
Hi David,
Were you ever able to find another installer to take over for Sullivan? I too was a Sullivan Solar customer with a LG battery. They got my battery replaced before they closed their doors. It took me months before I was able to get SolarEdge to turn my battery back on.
David
Mike Trapp says
I’ve been trying to contact a rep at nergy solutions llc. I have a recalled battery. Phone # out of service. Called my rep. Phone always busy etc.
What can I do?
Kelly Pickerel says
LG’s website says battery owners will be contacted directly: https://www.lgessbattery.com/us/home-battery/news-view.lg?blcSn=1255&devonTargetRow=1&devonOrderBy=&searchType=all&searchKey=
John Campbell says
I contacted LG Germany as apparently there are no contacts available in the UK.
I was asked to provide contact details and battery serial number etc
I have sent an email 3 times and they just can’t be bothered to contact me.
Seems they are not bothered that I have an item that has a potential fire hazard attached to my house. I really do not know how to go forward with thsis.
Solarman says
“LG batteries were used in the April 2019 deflagration incident at a 2.16-MWh lithium energy storage system facility in Surprise, Arizona. UL released recommendations last year to establish new standards and codes at lithium storage sites, including more fire service training.”
First reports in on the fire and flash over due to trapped VOC off gassing, it was a battery cell fail in a pack that burned and ignited more cells. LG did their own investigation and claimed it was the sub contractor that put the packs together that caused a wire behind the battery pack to short out and “that” caused the thermal runaway and fire. Did LG not assemble their own residential energy storage systems and short out a wire, or was there actually cell problems from the beginning? Finally LG seems to be doing the right thing.