A Melbourne-based solar installer, Greenova Pty Ltd, has been fined $9,000 for unsafe home battery installations, including one that sparked a minor fire. The company pleaded guilty to not adhering to electrical installation standards at five Victorian properties between December 2023 and July 2024.
Energy Safe Victoria, the state's energy regulator, took legal action after receiving reports of a battery fire at a Toolamba property. The investigation revealed that incorrect installation led to an increased and uncontrolled voltage, causing the battery to overcharge and ignite. Fortunately, the fire only damaged the battery system and the house exterior.
Greenova faced three charges under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 for failing to comply with electrical installation requirements and not having the batteries assessed by a licensed electrical inspector before connection. The magistrate emphasized the potential for catastrophic consequences, highlighting the importance of independent testing before installation.
The fine was reduced from $15,000 to $9,000 due to Greenova's early guilty plea and cooperation with Energy Safe Victoria. This incident underscores the critical need for safe battery system installations and the legal requirement for electrical inspections before activation, as emphasized by Leanne Hughson, CEO of Energy Safe Victoria.
