LG Chem solar batteries reviews

LG Chem (nowadays known as LG Energy Solution) have been in the battery business for a very long time - so they know a thing or two about whacking together, err, carefully crafting battery systems. The company began mass production of Korea's first lithium-ion batteries way back in 1999 and by the end of 2011, it was the world's third-largest manufacturer.

While LG somewhat lacks the glitz and glamour of Tesla, it's been a quiet achiever on the Australian home energy storage front and its solar batteries have been quite popular here.

Its flagship products are the LG Chem RESU range of solar battery systems, with current models ranging in capacity from 6.5kWh to 13kWh - but there's also the Prime RESU available in 16kWh capacity. It's important to note that whatever model you get (aside from the Prime 16H), the capacity noted is nominal. Useable capacity will be lower - for example, the LG RESU 13 has a nominal capacity of 13.1kWh and a useable capacity of 12.4kWh.

The power rating ranges from 4.2kW steady, 4.6kW peak (for 3 seconds) for the RESU 6.5 to 5kW steady, 7kW peak (3 seconds) for the RESU 13, so it has a fair bit of grunt.

For more specifications on various models, check out our battery storage comparison table.

Just a note on LG Chem vs. LG Energy Solution - back in late 2020 LG Energy Solution came into being and the “Chem” word has since been dropped from battery names.

LG RESU Pros And Cons

Among the benefits of the LG RESU batteries is it can be used in both off-grid and hybrid setups. It's also a compact battery thanks to the use of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) technology, but NMC tends to have a shorter cycle life and degrades more rapidly than chemistries such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). 

One of the drawbacks of the battery is it is warranted to 45ºC ambient temperature - but this is only problematic in some parts of Australia (although "some" is growing due to climate change impacts).

While on the topic of weather, these batteries are IP55 rated, so they can be installed outdoors as well as indoors.

LG Battery Recall

LG batteries haven't been without issues. In early 2021, LG Energy Solution Australia launched a recall for various LG Chem RESU models and battery packs with cells from specific production lots. That recall is still active, with thousands of batteries still believed to be operating without the required fixes as at late May 2022 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

IMPORTANT: Affected LG battery packs were also installed in some battery systems from other brands, including:

• Redback SH5000
• Red Earth Sunrise
• Red Earth Drop Bear
• SolaX Power X-cabinet and PowerStation
• Opal Storage
• Eguana Evolve
• VARTA Pulse Neo

If you know of someone with an LG battery or one of the other brands above, please let them know about this recall.

LG Chem RESU Warranty

As with most good quality home energy storage systems these days, the LG Chem Resu has a 10 year warranty. While a manufacturer warranty is only good if the company is around to honour it, Australian Consumer Law comes into play - and the chances of LG going under aren't particularly high. They've been around a long time and there's nothing to indicate that won't continue; however the situation with the recall is unsettling.

The company warrants its batteries will retain at least 60% of storage capacity for either 10 years after the date of the initial installation or for a minimum energy throughput that varies according to model - whichever comes first.

With a solid history in battery manufacturing and still a solid company today, LG Chem may be worth considering if you have your heart set on acquiring a solar battery system; but the recall has taken some gloss off the brand.

If you're one of the many Australian LG RESU owners, others considering a purchase would be curious about your experience - leave a rating and review.