Anyone deal with recalled BP panels?

[smw]

We have a 10Kw system that was installed in 2006. BP panels, Xantrex inverters, purchased through Home Depot.

We recently started getting a ground fault on one of our inverters. Called our service tech, he came out, said he'd have to consult with BP. Turns out our panels are affected by BP's panel recall (although this has nothing to do with the ground fault).

You probably know that BP is no longer in the panel business. They offered us either $17,000 (are you kidding me? For a 10KW system?) to get it replaced ourselves, or they would handle getting a replacement system installed. At this point we're waiting to see who they're going to send.

Anyone else deal with this? Any suggestions? We have a 10 year warranty (3 years left) on the system, and 25 years on the panels.

[Naptown]

Funny I passed the BP plant about once a week when it was there ( since dismantled and gone) and never used one of their panels

[solarfire]

BP Solar panel fire risk

We have a 10Kw system that was installed in 2006. BP panels, Xantrex inverters, purchased through Home Depot.

We recently started getting a ground fault on one of our inverters. Called our service tech, he came out, said he'd have to consult with BP. Turns out our panels are affected by BP's panel recall (although this has nothing to do with the ground fault).

You probably know that BP is no longer in the panel business. They offered us either $17,000 (are you kidding me? For a 10KW system?) to get it replaced ourselves, or they would handle getting a replacement system installed. At this point we're waiting to see who they're going to send.

Anyone else deal with this? Any suggestions? We have a 10 year warranty (3 years left) on the system, and 25 years on the panels.

Mod note - A major part of the post was removed - accusations and second hand stories from others get into messy legal territory.

You can state your case in order to make others aware and to make contact - fact only.

You may not make claims as to what BP thinks or cares about.

[smw]

(I saw your post before it was deleted)

If you don't mind my asking, where do you live? And what did you finally end up with?

Thanks.

[solarfire]

(I saw your post before it was deleted)

If you don't mind my asking, where do you live? And what did you finally end up with?

Thanks.

I am in NJ, and so far we have damage to our roof, and stacks of solar panels in the yard - Not what I signed up for.


I'm not sure why the post above was deleted. The facts of my failed BP solar system are as follows: Mod note - see my post on what was removed and why - NOT deleted.

The system cost over $80,000 when new and used the BP 4175 panels.
BP and home depot warrantied the panels for 25 years at the time of my sale.
My system has been recalled by BP for defective panels.
I started the recall process in February 2013
BP works very slowly in handling these claims - Nine months and counting for us.
BP approved a much smaller size system that would have a 12" cantilever on three roof edges.
BP's service provider recommended I not accept that system with large cantilevers.
During this process, I began to notice that the system generation dropped precipitiously.
My panels caught fire due to arcing and set off the fire alarm in my attic. BP calls this a "thermal event"
Panels have been shattered due to an arcing explosion internally.
BP sent their service provider the same morning of the fire to remove the defective panels from my roof.
This is the only time that BP acted quickly during the previous nine months.
The service provider had never seen a "thermal event" before.
Upon removal of the panels, I observed that the home depot's installer did not install flashing to the mounting holes at all.
two months later, I have still stacks and stacks of panels on the ground, and damage on my roof.
The existing racking configured for BP smaller panels does not work with today's larger panels and must be removed.
Home Depot points the finger at BP.
A permit is needed for the installation of the new system per the township and State of NJ.
I have monetary loss in electric production, loss of SRECS, and extensive damage to my roof.
It is nine months following my initial claim with BP for the defective panels.
NJ has strict consumer fraud laws in place to protect consumers from this type of fraud and breach of warranty.

If you have BP panels, you should monitor your system output closely. If one or more panels suffer a "thermal event", that entire string can be wiped out of production due to internal arcing of up to 1000 volts of DC electricity. If your system is mounted on top of a combustible surface (wood, shingles, etc.) you are at risk of a fire. If you have a ground mount in a field somewhere, there may not be a large risk. BP panels have burned over 2000 SF of a warehouse due to this same defect.

[Naptown]

well actually in a residential installation the voltage is limited to 600V not 1000
That said 600V can cause quite an arc and fire.
I would recommend hiring a lawyer and contacting your state Attorney General along with the consumer affairs folks in the state and county.
With regards to the flashings there were none required at the time of installation. And in reality a properly sealed and installed L foot is leak proof for 20+ years. Flashings for solar on asphalt roofs have only come about in the last few years.
Who exactly sold you the system and gave you the warranty. That is who you should be going after.

[inetdog]

Who exactly sold you the system and gave you the warranty. That is who you should be going after.

I believe that Home Despot sometimes works with contractors under their marketing umbrella but possibly without direct responsibility to HD in case of problems. I assume that you (and a lawyer?) have re-read your purchase/installation contract many times by now. What did you find?

[Naptown]

I believe that Home sometimes works with contractors under their marketing umbrella but possibly without direct responsibility to HD in case of problems. I assume that you (and a lawyer?) have re-read your purchase/installation contract many times by now. What did you find?

They do nothing in house. Everything is subcrontracted out to low bidder, a contractor who gives them a cut, or who will accept what they will pay.

[russ]

I'm not sure why the post above was deleted.

Come on! That post was shortened (not deleted) because you were making all sorts of unsupported statements and allegations. What BP thinks etc.

That is not allowed and will be removed if done again.

A statement of the problem is perfectly OK.

[smw]

Come on! That post was shortened (not deleted) because you were making all sorts of unsupported statements and allegations. What BP thinks etc.

You removed everything the poster entered. Effectively, it was deleted.

[russ]

You removed everything the poster entered. Effectively, it was deleted.

Rants will always be removed.