1.5 million SolarWorld modules affected by ‘recall’

August 21, 2014
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of 1.5 million SolarWorld modules in the US and Canada.

The recall, which does not require the removal of installed products, is the result of a problem with an instruction manual that did not specify that a tin coated copper lug be used during mounting. A bare copper lug could lead to electrocution although there are no reported cases of incidents as of now.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

According to a statement by CPSC “bare-copper grounding lugs can corrode which could result in a faulty ground circuit, posing an electric shock, electrocution or fire hazard”.

SolarWorld Americas’ director of strategic affairs told PV Tech that the manual has been “refined” but the company has volunteered to check with installers that they have not used bare copper lugs.

The recall, terminology used by the CPSC that does not necessarily mean products must be returned to the manufacturer, affects 1.3 million modules in the US and 210,000 in Canada, which were packaged with the old manual.

Read Next

December 29, 2025
Mexico has awarded 3.3GW of renewable energy capacity, of which solar PV will account for 2.6GW of capacity.
Premium
December 29, 2025
PV Tech spoke with accountancy firm Baker Tilly about the new safe harbour and 'start of construction' rules for US solar projects.
December 29, 2025
The Glenfarne Group has acquired a portfolio of solar PV and co-located BESS assets in Chile from Metlen Energy & Metals.
December 29, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy has successfully commissioned and operationalised a 2GW EPE film manufacturing facility at its Ambala plant in Haryana.
December 29, 2025
PV Tech spoke to Daniel Parsons about BayWa r.e.'s European dealmaking in 2025 and the role of co-located renewable energy plus BESS.
December 24, 2025
The PV Review, 2025: A look back over a turbulent year in US solar policy changes, from the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' to tariff challenges.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland