Sigenergy has announced a voluntary product recall affecting its 8, 10, and 12 kW single-phase Energy Controllers (inverters) across the Australian market. The update follows isolated reports of damaged AC plugs on these specific inverter models. It reflects the company’s proactive collaboration with major regulatory bodies, including the ACCC, Smart Energy Council, Clean Energy Council, Clean Energy Regulator, and state electrical authorities, to ensure the safest and most reliable operation of Sigenergy systems in Australian homes.
Contents
Key points
- The issue affecting Sigenergy’s 8 kW, 10 kW, and 12 kW single-phase inverters stems from incorrect installation practices — not a product defect. The original AC plug design required ferrules and crimping, and improper use led to damaged plugs. Sigenergy has redesigned the plug to match its three-phase models, removing the need for ferrules or crimping and eliminating potential installation errors.
- A firmware update has been rolled out to all affected inverters. It enables real-time monitoring and automatically reduces AC output slightly during sustained full-power operation to prevent overheating of the AC plug — a precautionary, temporary measure ensuring continued safe operation.
- Sigenergy is proactively replacing all affected inverters free of charge, offering installers a $500 subsidy or replacement through its national service network. Replacements are prioritised for high-output systems, and each new inverter comes with an additional two-year warranty extension for customer assurance.
Authorities have confirmed that this is a reduced-severity voluntary product recall due to installation-related issues that could be mechanically prevented. A new AC plug design has been introduced to avoid improper installation. This recall aims to address these concerns proactively, allowing the ACCC to supervise the process and ensure that the Sigenergy range continues to meet CEC listing requirements.
Root cause
Sigenergy’s engineering teams conducted on-site investigations at locations where AC plug damage was reported. Their findings identified a consistent root cause: the affected systems were not installed in full compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The issue specifically relates to the AC plug connection method used in the 8 kW, 10 kW, and 12 kW single-phase models. These inverters feature a unique plug design that requires installers to use ferrules and crimping to ensure a secure and low-resistance electrical connection. In several cases, these steps were either omitted or performed incorrectly, leading to increased contact resistance. Under sustained high current, this can cause localised heating and eventual damage to the plug.
Sigenergy’s internal documentation, which has been verified and submitted to regulators, confirms that the equipment meets design and safety standards when installed as instructed. The observed failures only occurred under non-compliant installation conditions.
Image: Appropriate Sigenergy cable termination example with ferrules and flexible cable.
Understanding the AC plug & installation sensitivity
The original design of the single-phase AC plug differs from the configuration used in Sigenergy’s three-phase inverters. Specifically, it features screw-clamp terminals designed to accommodate ferruled conductors. Ferrules, small metal sleeves crimped onto stranded conductors, are crucial for maintaining mechanical stability and electrical integrity under torque loads. If the crimping is not done correctly, the strands of the conductor can deform, resulting in uneven pressure distribution, micro-arcing, and heat buildup.
In installations where ferrules were either not properly crimped or completely omitted, this design sensitivity created a risk of overheating under full load. While this issue was not widespread, Sigenergy concluded that standardising the connector design across its single-phase and three-phase ranges would help reduce the chances of human error in the field.
Engineering response
To eliminate the risk of installation-related connection faults, Sigenergy has redesigned the AC plug for the affected single-phase inverters. The new design mirrors the connector system used in the company’s three-phase Energy Controllers, which feature a pre-moulded, ferrule-free connection interface.
This new plug design does not require ferrules or crimping, significantly reducing the opportunity for incorrect installation while maintaining full compliance with Australian electrical standards. By simplifying the connection method, Sigenergy enhances installer consistency, mechanical reliability, and long-term performance of the AC interface.
Image: Previous terminal (left), updated terminal (right) visual comparison.
Interim measure
While the replacement program is in progress, Sigenergy has rolled out a firmware update for all installed 8 kW–12 kW single-phase Energy Controllers. This update enables real-time monitoring of system performance and introduces dynamic output management as a preventive measure.
When the inverter detects sustained full-power output, conditions that can raise connector temperatures in marginal installations, the firmware temporarily reduces the AC output. This slight power adjustment helps prevent overheating and potential damage to the plug. The adjustment is automatic, temporary, and non-intrusive, allowing for continued solar generation with minimal impact on overall performance.
Sigenergy emphasises that this firmware safeguard is purely precautionary, aimed at addressing rare cases of non-compliant installations while ensuring complete operational safety for all users.
Comprehensive replacement program
Sigenergy is launching a nationwide proactive replacement program for all installed 8 kW, 10 kW, and 12 kW single-phase Energy Controllers. The initiative will ensure every affected inverter is upgraded to the new plug version, regardless of whether an issue has been observed.
Key aspects of the replacement program include:
Free Replacement: Every affected inverter will be replaced at no cost to the homeowner.
Installers can either:
- Perform the replacement themselves, receiving a $500 service subsidy per inverter, or
- Elect for Sigenergy’s national service partner network to carry out the replacement on their behalf.
Priority Allocation: Replacements are being prioritised for customers experiencing sustained full-power operation, as indicated by monitoring data from the firmware update.
Warranty Extension: Upon replacement, each inverter will receive an additional 2-year warranty at no cost, extending total coverage and reinforcing Sigenergy’s commitment to customer confidence and product longevity.
Regulatory oversight
Throughout the investigation and response process, Sigenergy has collaborated closely with Australian electrical regulators and industry authorities. All supporting documentation, engineering analyses, and corrective actions have undergone thorough review and approval by the relevant agencies.
As part of a proactive measure, Sigenergy has initiated a voluntary product recall. Authorities have confirmed that this action is not due to inherent defects in the product, but rather to address installation-related concerns. The recall will introduce a new AC plug design intended to prevent improper installation. This voluntary recall is designed to ensure the continued compliance of the Sigenergy range with CEC listings, with the ACCC overseeing the process.
Communication and support for affected customers
All affected customers and installation partners have been directly notified via email and through the MySigen mobile app. These notifications provide details about the issue, the status of the firmware update, and information on scheduling replacements. Installers are receiving specific guidance documents and direct communication from Sigenergy to help coordinate the logistics of the replacements.
Sigenergy and its partners are managing the replacements systematically, region by region, to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition. Customers with high-output systems are being prioritised first, and the company is monitoring inverter performance remotely to facilitate scheduling.
Image: Identify updated Sigen Energy Controllers that display a green dot on the packaging.
Sigenergy systems in Western Australia
This Sigenergy voluntary product recall is reportedly linked to the Amber VPP operation. Certain VPP operators may aggressively draw down on the battery system during times of peak demand to play the grid. This action, conducted during selected higher-value windows, allows for a maximum current to be maintained for a longer duration. To date, there are no reported occurrences of this effect in Western Australia.Â
Sigenergy’s decision to voluntarily change its product highlights the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction. While the issue with the AC plug arises from installation deviations rather than a defect in the product itself, Sigenergy has opted to implement a comprehensive technical redesign. This includes adding a firmware protection layer and offering a free replacement program, all under the oversight of Australian regulators.
Homeowners can feel confident that their Sigenergy systems will continue to operate safely and efficiently. The new AC plug design, along with proactive monitoring and extended warranty coverage, ensures increased reliability and long-term peace of mind for all Sigenergy users throughout Australia.
PSW Customer FAQ's
Our responsibility is to minimise PSW customer exposure to this minor interruption in Sigenergy supply.
No.
PSW customers with a delayed installation date affected by the Sigenergy voluntary product recall will not in-cure additional expense if affected by the subsidy reduction.
No.
Under the Sigenergy voluntary product recall, the previous version Inverter/Energy Controller models of single-phase (8, 10, 12 kW) must no longer be used in Australia.
We’ll touch base with affected PSW customers for an ideal revised installation date in Q1 2026.
Please note: alternative Australian geographic regions receive stock at different times. Stock prioritisation will most likely be in order of highest demand Australian regions.
Yes.
A product recall would make Sigenergy ineligible to further claiming BSTC’s. However, Sigenergy is conducting a voluntary product recall, which is being overseen by the ACCC’s Product Safety Australia to aid consumer confidence appeasing the CEC product listing requirements.
Yes.
Sigenergy has already remotely output limited supply of your 8, 10 or 12 kW Sigen Energy Controller in high-current scenarios through an over the air update. This method ensures time under safe lower-current operating conditions while all parties address the Sigenergy voluntary product recall.
We’ll touch base with affected PSW customers for an ideal replacement date in Q1 2026.
References
Sigenergy SigenStor EC, AC Output Interface Product Change Notice: Learn ›
Sigenergy customer statement regarding single-phase 8/10/12kW Energy Controllers (inverters) in Australia and New Zealand
Sigenergy Installation Quality and Rectification Requirements Effective Date: 9 October 2025: Official statement ›
Electrical safety recall: SigenStor EC 8.0/10.0/12.0kW SP AU Energy Controllers: Notice ›
