An $84,485 rooftop solar installation sparked a devastating residential fire in Hawkinsville, Georgia, according to a recent lawsuit filed against Sunpro Solar and Enphase Energy.
Isaac L. Shubert Jr. and other plaintiffs contracted with Sunpro Solar in January 2022 to install 34 LG solar panels, Enphase Energy microinverters, and an Enphase Encharge battery storage system. The complaint states that the system failed multiple inspections by the City of Hawkinsville and Georgia Power before receiving approval to operate.
Less than nine months after installation, on November 23, 2022, an electrical fire originated in the solar equipment and spread through the home. A third-party assessment conducted for the homeowners insurance claim attributed the blaze to improper installation, citing loose wiring, inadequate overcurrent protection, improper grounding, and faulty electrical connections.
The lawsuit also names Enphase Energy, alleging its microinverters and battery storage equipment contained design or manufacturing defects and lacked adequate warnings. Aboutlawsuits.com reports that further forensic testing is needed to identify the precise equipment failures.
“Sunpro’s breaches were the direct and proximate cause of the fire, of the resulting damage to the Property and its contents, of the consequential freeze loss, of the destruction of the System, and of every other item of damage alleged herein,” said Isaac L. Shubert Jr. et al. in the complaint filed against ADT Solar LLC and other defendants.
- Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, improper grounding, and inadequate overcurrent protection in solar arrays can create severe electrical fire risks within residential properties.
- Post-Disaster Vulnerabilities: Extended loss of heat and electricity following structural damage can lead to secondary infrastructure failures, such as frozen and burst water pipes.
- Warranty and Financial Strain: Property owners facing disputed workmanship warranties may incur high-interest secondary financing to cover rebuilding costs not met by insurance.
The initial electrical fire caused more than $636,000 in damage to the Hawkinsville home and surrounding structures. Approximately three weeks later, on December 15, the unheated and unpowered residence suffered additional destruction when water pipes froze and burst.
The resulting flooding caused nearly $110,000 in extra damage to interior components, including flooring, cabinetry, and plumbing. Combined property losses exceed $746,000, which excludes the destroyed solar equipment and personal belongings.
Following the disaster, the plaintiffs allege that Sunpro failed to honor its 25-year workmanship warranty. To cover rebuilding expenses, the homeowners borrowed another $60,000 in July 2024 at an interest rate exceeding 17.5%, while continuing to pay off the original loan for the ruined solar system.
| Damage Category | Estimated Cost | Contributing Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and Structural Damage | $636,000+ | Electrical fire originating from solar array |
| Plumbing and Interior Flooding | $110,000 | Frozen pipes bursting without heat or power |
| Secondary Financing | $60,000 | High-interest loan secured in July 2024 for rebuilding |
The complaint outlines numerous legal grievances, including negligence, defective product design and manufacturing, failure to warn, breach of contract and warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and violations of Georgia consumer protection laws. According to aboutlawsuits.com, the lawsuit seeks compensation for property damage, rebuilding expenses, lost electricity production, and additional financing costs.
The plaintiffs also ask the court to cancel the remaining solar loan obligation, terminate the associated security interest, and award punitive damages alongside attorney’s fees.
A lawsuit regarding the Hawkinsville installation involves claims against Sunpro Solar, ADT Solar LLC, and Enphase Energy.
- AboutLawsuits.com. Enphase Energy Solar Panel Lawsuit Alleges Fire Followed Repeated Failed Safety Inspections.
