Greenova has been fined $9,000, without conviction, in the Seymour Magistrates’ Court after admitting to unsafe installation of home battery systems at five Victorian properties between December 2023 and July 2024, including one that caused a minor house fire.

On 8 January, Greenova pleaded guilty to three charges under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 for failing to comply with electrical installation requirements and for not having the battery energy storage systems (BESS) assessed by a licensed electrical inspector before connection.

Energy Safe Victoria became aware of the breaches after the Country Fire Authority reported a battery fire at a Toolamba property. Investigations found that incorrect installation exposed the battery to uncontrolled voltage, causing it to overcharge and ignite. The fire destroyed the BESS and damaged the house exterior.

Further enquiries revealed Greenova had installed battery systems at additional properties in Caveat, Doncaster, Marong and Launching Place, also without arranging the legally required inspections.

Magistrate Vaughan says the fire “could have had catastrophic results”, noting it as a clear example of why Victoria’s electrical safety laws require independent inspections before connecting battery systems. Her Honour adds that without Greenova’s early guilty plea and cooperation, the fine would have been $15,000.

Home batteries are designed to safely store and release electricity generated by rooftop solar panels, but incorrect installation poses a serious fire risk. Independent electrical inspections are mandatory to identify defects before connection.

“Installing battery systems safely is not optional and neither is arranging the required electrical inspections before switching them on,” Energy Safe chief executive Leanne Hughson says.

“These laws are in place to prevent fires and protect Victorian households, and failing to follow them can have serious consequences.”