SolarWorld Recalls Solar Systems with Copper Grounding Lugs Due to Electrocution, Electric Shock or Fire Hazard
Recall at a glance
- Recall number
- 14-260 (CPSC)
- Recall date
- August 21, 2014
- Brand
- SolarWorld
- Category
- Other consumer products
- Products
- SolarWorld Solar Systems
- Hazard
- Electrocution, Electric Shock or Fire Hazard
- Hazard type
- Fire and burnElectric shock
- Remedy
- Repair
- Units
- About 1.3 million in the U.S. and 210,000 in Canada
- Made in
- United States
- Last updated by CPSC
- January 9, 2015
What was recalled
This recall includes SolarWorld solar systems installed with bare-copper grounding lugs installed after June 1, 2010. These solar systems use energy from the sun to generate electricity within a system circuit. The installation instructions for SolarWorld solar systems sold after June 1, 2010 called for the use of GBL-4DB lugs for grounding. SolarWorld has revised these installation instructions to explicitly call for tin-coated lugs, specifically Ilsco part number GBL-4DBT. "T" is for tin-coated and indicated by the silver color of the lug.
Is my product affected?
Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.
- SolarWorld Solar Systems · About 1.3 million in the U.S. and 210,000 in Canada units
Photos from the recall notice
Where it was sold
Companies named in the notice: SolarWorld installers and distributors, or other distribution companies from June 2011 to June 2014 for about $1,000 to $10,000 depending on system size.; SolarWorld Americas, of Camarillo, California, a subsidiary of SolarWorld AG, of Bonn, Germany..
Injuries or incidents reported
The firm has received one report of corrosion related to the bare copper lugs. No injuries have been reported.
Consumer contact
Contact SolarWorld toll-free at (877) 360-1787 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.solarworld-usa.com and click on the "Product Safety" tab for more information.
Recall history and context
SolarWorld appears in 2 CPSC recalls on record.
Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 399 recalls in the other consumer products category, 68 recalls of them in the past 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What was recalled?
SolarWorld Solar Systems (About 1.3 million in the U.S. and 210,000 in Canada units). This recall includes SolarWorld solar systems installed with bare-copper grounding lugs installed after June 1, 2010.
Why was it recalled?
CPSC lists the reason as: Electrocution, Electric Shock or Fire Hazard.
What should I do if I own one?
Customers may be able to identify from the ground whether a tin-coated lug (silver) or a bare-copper lug (brown) has been used on their solar panels. Consumers who can identify the improper lugs should contact SolarWorld for replacement. If customers cannot determine which grounding lugs were used, they should contact SolarWorld to have an authorized SolarWorld agent inspect the installation and replace the lugs…
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- SolarWorld Recalls Connectors Sold with Solar Panels
March 28, 2017 · SolarWorld · Other consumer productsThis recall involves Amphenol UTX PV model connectors sold with solar panels. The electrical connectors are used to connect various types of photovoltaic solar panels to…
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on January 9, 2015. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.