By Ian Lilley - Director, ZECO Energy
The ACCC and Sigenergy have announced a recall affecting three single phase models in the 8, 10 and 12 kW energy controller range. These units use a specific quick connect AC plug that requires ferrules and crimping, and Sigenergy has reported issues in a small proportion of products, around 100 in total. To address the issue, they have thousands of units across Australia. From our understanding, that number is around 12,000.
As an installation business, which also oversees technical services on behalf of other OEMs as our clients, and deals with compliance issues every day within our own Marshall Technology, we want to share a perspective grounded in what we are seeing on the ground at ZECO Energy.
Understanding the scale and the reality
The recall affects only three models. All other single phase units and the full three phase range are not part of this recall. That context matters because it prevents the situation from being overstated.
Like other installers, ZECO Energy has affected units in the field. It is a meaningful number that has significantly influenced our planning, but it is manageable. We have allocated specific teams to complete these replacements, and based on our planning, we can work through the entire batch in around three weeks should nothing go wrong. We have brought in additional teams specifically for this work so that our existing installation schedule remains intact. This is particularly important given the current workload across the industry leading into the 2026 STC changes, where every reputable installer in Victoria is already booked heavily.
The timing is challenging, but with good planning, clear communication and stable processes, we’re confident this can be handled properly.
Recalls happen in every mature industry
In industries where safety comes first, recalls are an established and normal mechanism. Car manufacturers issue recalls for airbags, steering components, and braking systems, and consumers do not abandon the brand simply because a recall exists. They understand that the recall process is designed to protect them.
This situation is similar. Some commentary suggests Sigenergy should have communicated earlier. My view is that they were likely organising logistics, moving stock, preparing replacement pathways, and confirming processes before announcing the recall. That is preparation, not necessarily avoidance, although we don’t have all the facts.
“We give them the benefit of doubt.”
Ian LilleyAt ZECO Energy, we have always believed that installers and technical specialists have a responsibility to communicate the facts to our customers. The energy transition will only succeed if consumers trust the technology, understand the risks, and know that the industry is capable of handling issues responsibly. Perception will play a large role in that, and it is shaped by how we discuss moments like this.
Sigenergy is also compensating installers to complete the work, providing $500 per replacement on top of supplying replacement stock. That is a significant cost to them and demonstrates, at the very least, a level of willingness to take responsibility.
How we are managing the recall at ZECO Energy
Because we install, commission, service, and support energy systems at scale, we see this from all sides.
Replacement stock for new installations has already begun arriving, and we are using that stock to keep customer projects moving. For recall work, Sigenergy is raising service tickets for each affected system, and those tickets initiate the replacement process. As of today, we are waiting on our tickets before beginning our replacements. Once the tickets arrive, we can begin to replace every affected system we have installed.
In our view, the customers who have felt the biggest impact are those whose systems were installed but not yet inspected when the recall was announced. Inspectors cannot legally sign off on a recalled inverter, which means those systems must remain off until a replacement is completed. Given how busy we were to finish this year, these customers have already waited long enoughfor installation and now must wait again. We have asked Sigenergy to prioritise these specific cases so these customers can finally start using their systems. There are only a small number of them, and we can complete the work quickly once approval is issued.
For all other customers, their systems are operating normally and still delivering solar and storage benefits.
What this means for Sigenergy as a brand
There will always be scepticism toward newer brands, especially in an industry as critical as energy, but one issue affecting a specific connector on a limited run of products does not define the overall performance of a company.
Up until this recall, we have seen strong results from Sigenergy systems. Their support has been mostly reliable and generally effective in resolving customer challenges.
Roughly half of the Sigenergy systems that we have installed in the market are not affected at all, and those units continue to operate normally.
Keeping perspective and staying factual
At ZECO Energy, our focus is straightforward: keep customers informed, complete replacements as soon as the formal process allows, and maintain the same standard of professionalism we bring to every project. The small group of customers affected by commissioning delays will be prioritised, and everyone else will be contacted when their replacement is scheduled.
Sigenergy has acknowledged the issue, taken responsibility, funded the fix, and mobilised the appropriate response. Those are the behaviours we expect from a manufacturer.
Final thoughts
The energy industry is moving quickly, and events like this test the professionalism of everyone involved. A single issue affecting a limited range of products does not define a brand or a sector. What matters is how the issue is handled.
There are many points heavily contended within the industry, but we want to lead from the front by sharing clear, accurate information about what is happening and what it means.
