$67 Million Settlement in BP Solar Panel Lawsuit Receives Final Approval
A $67 million settlement between BP Solar International, Inc., The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., and a class of solar panel owners who claim BP sold defective solar panels in California and nationwide received final approval from Hon. Susan Illston on December 22, 2016.
Birka-White Law Offices and co-counsel Lieff Cabraser Heimann and Bernstein represented plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed the BP solar panels are prone to junction box failures which could cause the junction box to burn, shatter the surface glass, and creates a potential fire hazard. BP and Home Depot deny these claims. The complaint alleged violations of California consumer protection and unfair business practice laws as well as breaches of express and implied warranties by BP and Home Depot.
The settlement includes anyone in the United States who: (1) purchased certain BP solar panels for installation on a property, or (2) currently owns a property on which these panels are installed and, in either case, who still owns some or all of the BP solar panels. The panels were sold through various distributors and retailers, including Home Depot and Solar Depot.
The Settlement will provide a free visual inspection, replacement of failed panels, potential replacement of all BP solar panels, and/or installation of a new inverter with arc fault detection for eligible class members. For additional details regarding the settlement please visit www.BPSolarSettlement.com.
$11 Million Settlement Approved in Suntech Lawsuit
An $11 million settlement has been reached between plaintiffs and Suntech America, Inc., Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd., Burlingame Industries, Inc. doing business as Eagle Solar, and ASI Liquidating Co., Inc. (formerly known as Applied Solar Inc. and Open Energy Corporation), related to 34 watt solar tiles manufactured between 2007 and 2009. The 34 watt tiles replace conventional roof tiles and provide solar power to the property. They were most commonly sold under the names SolarSave® or SolarBlend™. The lawsuit claims these Solar Tiles are defective and could possibly pose a fire risk.
Birka-White Law Offices and co-counsel represented plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit. The complaint alleged violations of California consumer protection and unfair business practice laws as well as breaches of express and implied warranties. The Settlement received final approval on March 7, 2016.
The Settlement includes anyone who: (1) purchased or installed Solar Tiles, (2) or purchased a property on which Solar Tiles were installed, (3) rented a property on which Solar Tiles were installed, or (4) paid to remove and replace a Solar Tile system.
The Settlement provides cash payments and/or removal or replacement of the Solar Tiles for eligible consumers (including labor and new solar panels for those requesting replacement). To date, over 189 class members have had their entire solar systems replaced with new panels. For additional details regarding the settlement, please visit www.solarpanelsettlement.com. For additional details regarding the settlement, please visit www.solarpanelsettlement.com.
$18 Million Settlement Reached in Flushing System Lawsuit
An $18 million Settlement has been reached in class action lawsuit involving the Series 503 Flushmate III Pressure Assist Flushing System that was manufactured from October 14, 1997 through June 30, 2009. Birka-White Law Offices and co-counsel represented plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit. For additional information about the settlement or to file a claim, please visit www.FlushmateClaims.com or call 1-877-412-5277.
CCCBA’s Bar Fund Receives Generous Cy Pres Award
Mr. Birka-White was recognized by the Contra Costa County Bar Association for his donation of a Cy Pres Award to the Bar Fund. Click here for a copy of the article.