Updated 8/9/2023 at 4:10 p.m. EST to reflect new wait times for remediation appointments.
GAF Energy is voluntarily recalling nailable solar shingles over potential fire hazards due to electrical components within the roofing system.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall involves GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar Shingles, which are installed as part of a residential roof to turn it into a low-profile solar energy system. Issued on July 27, the recall involves TLS-1 jumper modules and TLS-1 energy shingles.
Jumper modules are what transfer energy from the solar shingles, and a subset of them can malfunction. In addition to the jumper modules, GAF Energy found an issue with a subset of diodes incorporated in the energy shingles themselves that can cause thermal events when partially or fully shaded.
“It was found that these electrical components can malfunction, posing a fire hazard,” the company said on its website.
GAF Energy has received one report of a fire and five reports of “thermal incidents” that resulted in property damage, including damage to the roof deck. No injuries have been reported in relation to the incidents.
The TLS-1 energy shingle. Photo: GAF Energy
The TLS-1 jumper module. Photo: GAF Energy
On its website, the manufacturer said it decided to conduct a voluntary recall, repair and testing program for two components in Timberline Solar roofing systems installed between November 2021 and April 2023. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports about 2,100 units are affected by the recall.
As part of the recall, GAF Energy will replace all jumper modules and check the electrical components of each solar shingle for defects, and repair them free of charge. GAF Energy has been remotely shutting off impacted systems until the repairs can take place. Consumers will be compensated for monetary losses due to any lost solar energy generation.
The company is currently scheduling two to three weeks in advance for the remediation work on average. GAF Energy has reached out to impacted homeowners directly by email and phone and has completed the majority of testing, repairs and replacements of the recalled jumper modules and electrical components.
"The safety and satisfaction of our customers are GAF Energy’s top priorities," said GAF Energy in a statement. "We identified an issue and decided to conduct a voluntary recall, repair and testing program for two electrical components – jumper modules and solar shingle diodes – in Timberline Solar roofing systems. We have been proactively working with the CPSC and, as part of that program, have contacted all impacted customers and are in the process of testing and replacing any affected components with new ones made with refined manufacturing processes. As of today we have completed repairs and replacements for more than 80% of affected roofs."
If your customer had a Timberline Solar roofing system installed on their home between November 2021 and April 2023, the product is part of GAF Energy’s voluntary recall, repair and testing program. Customers are encouraged to contact their installer or call GAF Energy directly at 1-888-838-5567.
Introduced in January 2022, Timberline Solar Shingles are manufactured at GAF Energy’s research and development and manufacturing center in San Jose, Calif.
