Greenova Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based solar installer, has been ordered to pay $6,000 following a series of hazardous battery energy storage system installations across Victoria. The Seymour Magistrates Court issued the fine after the company admitted to bypassing mandatory safety inspections and failing to meet electrical standards at five different properties. The legal action followed a house fire caused by a faulty installation that led to a battery overcharging and igniting. While the company avoided a formal conviction, the case highlights the critical importance of independent safety checks in the renewable energy sector.
The legal proceedings against Greenova Pty Ltd centered on activities conducted between December 2023 and July 2024. The company pleaded guilty to three charges under the Electricity Safety Act 1998, admitting it failed to comply with established electrical installation requirements. Crucially, the firm neglected to have the battery systems reviewed by a licensed electrical inspector before connecting them to the grid, a mandatory step designed to protect homeowners from potential malfunctions.
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) launched an investigation after the Country Fire Authority was called to a residential fire near Toolomba in the Goulburn Valley. Investigators determined that an improperly installed battery system had been exposed to uncontrolled voltage. This technical error caused the unit to overcharge and eventually ignite, resulting in the total destruction of the battery and significant damage to the exterior of the home.
Subsequent audits revealed that the Toolomba incident was not an isolated case of negligence. Greenova had completed similar installations at properties in Launching Place, Marong, Doncaster, and Caveat without obtaining the legally required independent inspections. During sentencing, the magistrate emphasized that the fire could have led to “catastrophic results,” noting that the incident serves as a stark warning about the necessity of independent oversight in electrical work.
While the magistrate initially considered a $15,000 penalty, the fine was reduced to $6,000 without a recorded conviction due to the company’s early guilty plea and cooperation with regulators. Energy Safe Chief Executive Leanne Hughson reiterated that safety protocols are non-negotiable for solar and battery professionals. She stressed that independent inspections are a vital safeguard intended to identify defects before a system is activated, ensuring the protection of Victorian households and the prevention of avoidable fires.