Suntech America Recalls SolarBlend Roof Tiles Due to Fire Hazard

Suntech America Recalls SolarBlend Roof Tiles Due to Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: SolarBlend™ Roof Tiles

Units: About 300 installations

Importer: Suntech America Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Manufacturer: Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd., of Wuxi, China

Hazard: The connectors between the solar roof tiles can become loose, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Suntech has received one report of one fire involving six SolarBlend roof tiles. Only the tiles were damaged and no one was injured.

Description: SolarBlend roof tiles replace conventional roof tiles to provide solar energy to the building. This recall involves all SolarBlend roof tiles with model numbers STP050D-5/ZCB (brown), STP050D-5/ZCF (terra cotta), and STP050D-5/ZCG (gray).

Sold by: Roofing retailers and installers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Nevada from October 2009 through March 2011. Depending on the solar energy system size, installation cost can range from $15,000 to $100,000.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Suntech has been notifying consumers directly. Consumers who have not been contacted by Suntech should turn off their solar energy systems immediately. Consumers should contact Suntech to schedule a free inspection and repair of the solar energy system. Suntech will repair the solar energy system at no cost to the consumer.

Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a free inspection and repair of the solar energy systems, contact Suntech toll-free at (888) 770-7122 between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firms website at http://www.suntech-power.com/product-safety

Single SolarBlend™ Roof Tile

SolarBlend™ Roof Tiles in a residential application

SolarBlend™ Roof Tiles as viewed from the ground