San Diego Solar Power Property Damage Attorneys
Are you concerned about a defective solar power installation and resulting damages to your San Diego or Southern California home? California is home to many strong companies in the solar power industry. While there are many happy customers, there is a growing number of defective solar power system installation and property damage lawsuits, and the Watkins Firm is well positioned to help the parties in these disputes.
A dispute may arise about a solar power installation for a variety of reasons. For example:
- The system does not produce the promised output
- The system is improperly installed
- Defective components are used
- Roof damage and leaks
- And even fires caused by improper wiring and electrical connections
Solar power installation defects are a substantial risk in San Diego and throughout Southern California. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is managing hundreds or thousands of disputes with almost every local solar company.
California requires solar companies to register with the California Energy Commission’s retailers/installers listing every year. Unless systems are “self-installed,” all of the products and associated hardware installed must be installed by licensed California contractors based upon rules established by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB). “Installation contractors must have an active A, B, C-10, or C-46 license for photovoltaic (PV) systems. All systems must be installed in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications and with all applicable electrical and building code standards.”
What Causes Roof Damage in a Solar Panel Installation?
A home solar system company may not have roofing experience or use licensed roofers during installation, and resulting roof leaks are not uncommon. One local roofing expert suggested as many as 40% of the roofs with solar installations (in San Diego) were leaking due to a defective solar power installation.
In some cases, roof damage in a solar panel installation is due to installers who drag the solar panels and materials across the roof’s surface. Other common causes are dropped tools, heavy and careless foot traffic, and failing to properly plan, make, and seal the roof penetrations that are often necessary to install solar systems. This can result in expensive repairs to the homeowner.
If you are concerned that your solar system is under-performing or that the installation damaged your roof, we suggest the following:
- Have your system inspected by a qualified solar system expert
- Have your roof inspected by an experienced Roofing Contractor with a C-39 License
- Take extensive pictures of the solar system and related damage
- Contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a Free Consultation
Solar Panel Fires
There have been more than 50 solar related fires in San Diego County since 1999. These are fires caused by defective wiring or other issues associated with the design and installation of the solar systems. In fact, some solar panels include a highly combustible plastic as backing.
The maximum allowable spread of fire spread related to solar panel installation is between 20 square feet and 40 square feet depending upon the associated rating (A, B or C). Fire damage in solar related fires has involved areas of between 1,000 square feet and 183,000 square feet of roofing. In the most severe cases, fire has spread to the structure and destroyed the home or commercial building.
Contact San Diego Defective Solar Power Installation Attorneys
Many defective solar power installation and fire disputes with solar companies and contractors are resolved through effective, leveraged negotiation or mediation. Some cases may require arbitration or trial before a San Diego Court. Our experienced trial and business litigation attorneys will represent you each step of the way to ensure you achieve a successful outcome.
If you are concerned about damages associated with property damage or fire due to a defective solar power installation, we invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today. Learn about the Watkins Firm’s extensive and proven track record of success in disputes and litigation across more than four decades here in San Diego and our experience with contractor litigation.