If you’ve seen headlines about battery fires or safety warnings, you might be wondering whether it’s actually safe to install a solar battery at home.
The good news? When installed by accredited professionals and used as intended, solar batteries are extremely safe - and tens of thousands of households across Australia are already using them with zero issues.
At Amber, we don’t make batteries. But we do help people get the most out of them, safely and simply. That means working with trusted installers, automating how batteries are used to avoid unnecessary stress, and giving customers full visibility and control.
Here’s what you need to know about lithium-ion battery safety, the real (and rare) risks involved, and how to set your battery up for long-term, safe performance.
The truth about lithium-ion battery safety
Most home batteries in Australia today use lithium-ion technology. That includes popular models from Tesla, Sungrow, BYD, and others. This is the same type of battery that powers your phone, laptop, and electric vehicle, but in a larger, more durable format designed for home energy storage.
When we talk about lithium-ion battery safety, it’s worth noting that the risks are very low when batteries are:
- Installed correctly by accredited electricians
- Housed in suitable, ventilated locations (often outdoors or in garages)
- Operated within their intended temperature and charging range
All batteries sold in Australia must meet strict safety and performance standards set by the Clean Energy Council and relevant Australian safety regulators. So when you choose a battery from a reputable brand and have it installed by a Clean Energy Council-approved installer, you’re already setting yourself up for a safe system.
What’s the solar battery fire risk?
Headlines about battery fires can sound alarming, but context matters. The solar battery fire risk in residential settings is extremely low.
While lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more frequent, the vast majority involve portable devices like e-bikes and power tools - not home solar batteries. A 2023‑24 analysis showed that only 15 renewable energy storage fires were reported across Australia between 2017-18 and 2022-23.
Where problems have occurred, they’ve generally been due to:
- Poor-quality products (not approved for use in Australia)
- Incorrect or DIY installation
- Inadequate ventilation or unsafe locations (e.g. tight indoor spaces without airflow)
These are avoidable with the right system and support, which is exactly what we focus on at Amber.
How Amber supports safe battery usage
While safety ultimately comes down to the product and installation, Amber helps customers use their batteries in a way that’s smart, stable, and aligned with best practice.
Here’s how:
1. We only work with trusted installers and approved products
Amber connects customers with Clean Energy Council–accredited installers and well-known battery brands that meet Australian safety standards - no dodgy imports, no DIY risks.
2. Our automation avoids overworking your battery
SmartShift automates charging and discharging based on your usage patterns and forecast prices, helping your battery operate efficiently and predictably, which also supports safer performance over time.
3. You stay in control, with full visibility
You can view your battery’s status and performance directly in the Amber app, and set preferences like minimum charge levels. It’s easy to keep tabs on what’s happening and adjust if needed.
So, are solar batteries safe?
Yes - when installed by accredited professionals and managed properly, home batteries are a safe and reliable way to store solar energy.
If you choose a quality product from a trusted brand, follow installation best practices, and keep an eye on how your battery is being used (or let automation do it for you), the risks are extremely low.
At Amber, we’re here to make that even simpler - connecting you with accredited installers, managing your battery for smarter performance, and helping you get the most value out of your solar investment.
Want to know if a battery makes sense for your home? Our team can help you explore your options and connect you with a trusted installer. Get in touch with us here.
