Recall: Suntech America Recalls SolarBlend Roof Tiles Due to Fire Hazard

Description: SolarBlend roof tiles replace conventional roof tiles to provide solar energy to the building. This recall involves all SolarBlend roof tiles with model numbers STP050D-5/ZCB (brown), STP050D-5/ZCF (terra cotta), and STP050D-5/ZCG (gray).

Name of product: SolarBlend™ Roof Tiles

Units: About 300 installations

Manufacturer: Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd., of Wuxi, China

Hazard: The connectors between the solar roof tiles can become loose, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Suntech has been notifying consumers directly. Consumers who have not been contacted by Suntech should turn off their solar energy systems immediately. Consumers should contact Suntech to schedule a free inspection and repair of the solar energy system. Suntech will repair the solar energy system at no cost to the consumer.

Recall date: February 23, 2012

Incidents/Injuries: Suntech has received one report of one fire involving six SolarBlend roof tiles. Only the tiles were damaged and no one was injured.

Sold At: Roofing retailers and installers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Nevada from October 2009 through March 2011. Depending on the solar energy system size, installation cost can range from $15,000 to $100,000.

Importers: Suntech America Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Manufactured in: China

Consumer contact: For additional information and to schedule a free inspection and repair of the solar energy systems, contact Suntech toll-free at (866) 966-6555, ext 3 between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at http://www.suntech-power.com/

Recall number: 12-725