Open Energy 34 Watt Solar Tile Class Action Settlement

A class action lawsuit settlement has been reached between the manufacturers of Open Energy 34 Watt Solar Tiles and consumers to resolve allegations that the products are defective, generate less power than expected and create a potential fire hazard.

The settlement in the amount of $10.6 million will be used to pay to replace the allegedly defective tiles or to provide monetary compensation for eligible Class Members. The settlement fund will also pay attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as for administration of the settlement.

For specific information about awards available based on your relationship with the solar tiles as a current or past homeowner, current renter or a contractor, you may consult the information presented in question 10 of the Class Notice.

The manufacturer has denied any allegations of wrongdoing and entered into the settlement to avoid any further costs and risks associated with continued litigation.

In this case, the Court has not decided in favor of one party or the other. Rather, both sides entered into an agreement deemed suitable for all involved.

The Open Energy 34 W Solar Tiles included under the settlement were mostly sold under the brand names SolarSave and SolarBlend and were manufactured between 2007 and 2009.

These particular kinds of solar products are not traditional rack-mounted solar panels, but are roof tiles with integrated solar technology, designed to blend in with the roof and replace traditional roofing tiles.

These tiles may also have been sold under other brand names which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 34W SolarSave Tiles
• 34W SolarBlend Tiles
• Applied Solar 3ft Roofing Tile
• Applied Solar’s SolarSave BIPV
• DC Power SolarSave Tiles
• Eagle Solar Roofs Powered by SolarSave Integrated Solutions
• Eagle Solar Roof
• OE-34
• Open Energy OE34 Solar Tile
• Open Energy Roofing Tiles
• Open Energy’s SolarSave Roofing Tile
• Open Energy SolarSave Roof Tile OE-34
• Open Energy’s SolarSave PV Tile
• SolarSave OE-34
• SolarSave Roofing Tile
• SolarSave Roofing Tile Slate Gray 34
• SolarSave ST-34

The settlement administrator has issued the following safety warning for consumers with Open Energy Solar Tiles: “Class Counsel strongly recommends that you de-activate your system now, before removal or replacement, due to the potential fire hazard. If you need help de-activating your system, please contact the Claims Administrator at 1-844-619-9804.”

Who’s Eligible

You are included in the Settlement Class if you did any of the following with respect to Open Energy 34 Watt tiles manufactured between 2007 and 2009:

• Purchased or installed Solar Tiles
• Purchased a property on which Solar Tiles were installed
• Rented a property on which Solar Tiles were installed
• Paid to remove and replace a Solar Tile system

Potential Award

Varies.

Eligible claimants may receive a cash award or replacement of the solar tiles depending on individual circumstances.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

“If the address for the property does not match certain records in the possession of the Claims Administrator, you may be asked to provide proof that Open Energy 34 Watt Solar Tiles are or were installed on the property. In this instance, the Claims Administrator will provide guidance as to acceptable proof. “

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

03/08/2017

Case Name

William and Cindy Kuffner v. Suntech America Inc., et al., Case No. MSC13-01328, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Contra Costa

Final Hearing

03/03/2016

Settlement Website

www.SolarPanelSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Open Energy Solar Tile Settlement
P.O. Box 1272
Lancaster, CA 93584

1-844-619-9804
info@SolarPanelSettlement.com

Class Counsel

David M. Birka White
BIRKA-WHITE LAW OFFICES

John D. Green
FARELLA BRAUN + MARTEL LLP

Defense Counsel

Mohammad Walizadeh
HANSON BRIDGETT LLP

Seth E. Pierce
MITCHELL SILBERBERG & KNUPP LLP

Ian Stewart
WILSON ELSER MOSKOWITZ EDELMAN & DICKER LLP

Paul S. Rosenlund
DUANE MORRIS LLP

David I. Dalby
HINSHAW & CULBERTSON LLP