Important Message Regarding Recall of Timberline Solar™ Components
GAF Energy recently decided to conduct a voluntary recall, repair and testing program for two components in Timberline Solar™ roofing systems installed between November 2021 and April 2023. It was found that these electrical components can malfunction, posing a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported. As the manufacturer, GAF Energy is contacting affected homeowners to schedule remediation work at no cost to them.
Homeowners with questions can reach out to GAF Energy by calling a toll-free number (888-838-5567) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Consumer Product Safety Commission listing.
Timberline Solar™ Component Recall Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is GAF Energy conducting this recall?
A: We recently decided to conduct a voluntary recall, repair and testing program for two electrical components – jumper modules and solar shingle diodes – in Timberline Solar™ roofing systems installed between November 2021 and April 2023. GAF Energy has been working to resolve this matter safely, quickly and effectively. The recall is taking place in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC).
Jumper modules are an electrical component on the Timberline Solar™ system that transfer energy from the shingles. GAF Energy determined that a subset of the jumper modules can malfunction, posing a fire hazard. To address this issue, GAF Energy changed the jumper module specification.
GAF Energy also identified an issue with a subset of diodes that are incorporated into Timberline Solar Energy Shingles (ES). Diodes are a component that help distribute energy within the shingle. If the diode is not properly attached within the shingle (a condition referred to as an “open diode”) and the ES is partially or fully shaded, it can pose, in rare circumstances, a fire hazard. GAF Energy has developed a test to detect open diodes.
Q: How is the recall being conducted?
A: We have been contacting impacted homeowners directly by phone to schedule the testing, repair and replacement of the recalled jumper modules and affected electrical components. If you have not been contacted by GAF Energy, you should contact your installer to determine if your solar energy shingles’ components are recalled for free repair. We have also been remotely shutting off impacted systems until the remediation is complete. Homeowners will be compensated for monetary losses due to the loss of solar energy generation during that time. We are conducting this recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Q: Why should I participate in the recall?
A: GAF Energy has determined that a subset of electrical components of the Timberline Solar roofing system — the jumper modules and the Energy Shingles (ES) — can malfunction, posing a fire hazard. To resolve the matter safely, quickly and effectively, the company is testing, repairing and replacing these impacted components at no cost to homeowners.
Q: How can I tell if my product is affected by the recall?
A: If you had a Timberline Solar™ roofing system installed on your home between November 2021 and April 2023, your product is part of GAF Energy’s voluntary recall, repair and testing program. If you are unsure, please contact your installer or call GAF Energy at 1-888-838-5567.
Q: How do I participate in the recall?
A: We have been contacting all of our customers directly by email and by telephone to explain and schedule the repair and testing work. If customers have not been contacted by GAF Energy, they should contact their installers or call GAF Energy at 1-888-838-5567 to determine if their solar energy shingle components are recalled.
Q: Can I still use my Timberline Solar™ Energy system?
A: No. Until service is completed, GAF Energy is powering down systems. We will compensate you for lost energy production value while your system is not electrically operational – the amount will be based on the time that the system is powered off, the size of your system, and the location of your home.
Q: Do I need a receipt?
A: No receipt is necessary.
Q: How long will it take for me to receive the remediation work?
A: We have technician teams working. We are contacting affected customers by email and phone to schedule the remediation work. We are currently scheduling 6 to 8 weeks in advance on average. Please note this may vary based on a customer’s geography.
Q: Can you perform the inspection sooner?
A: We are committed to making sure the testing and repair work gets done effectively and efficiently. We have technician teams working to complete any necessary remediation work for all impacted homeowners. Once GAF Energy is able to schedule an appointment with you, teams are sent out as soon as possible.
Q: Can I conduct the remediation work myself?
A: No. Please allow an authorized service technician to conduct the work. Customers do not need – and should not attempt – to remove shingles or other components from their roofs. Your personal safety is important to us – please do not go onto your roof.
Q: Who will be coordinating the work?
A: We have been contacting impacted homeowners directly by email and phone to schedule the testing, repair and replacement of the recalled jumper modules and affected electrical components. If you have not been contacted by GAF Energy, you should contact your installer to determine if your solar energy shingles’ components are recalled for free repair.
The recall is taking place in coordination with the U.S. CPSC.
Q: What is a hot spot?
A: A hotspot is an overheated cell, and may look like discoloration, browning or damage on the solar shingle. Hot spots are common with solar energy products.
Q: What is a thermal event?
A: Thermal events refer to a range of heat-related events including overheating, discoloration, charring and, in very rare cases, fire.
Q: What will the remediation work accomplish?
A: We are conducting a repair and testing program for two components of the Timberline Solar™ roofing systems – jumper modules and solar shingle diodes – installed between November 2021 and April 2023. Upon completion of the remediation work, all jumper modules will be replaced with jumper modules that are produced under a new specification, and all solar shingles will be tested for open diodes. All solar shingles tested to contain open diodes will be replaced.
Q: Are the Timberline Solar Energy Shingles safe?
A: It is safe to remain in your house. We have been remotely shutting off impacted systems until the remediation is complete. Once remediation of your system is complete, GAF Energy will power your system back on.
Q: How and when will I be compensated for the lost energy production value while my system was shut down?
A: We will compensate you for lost energy production value while your system is not electrically operational – the amount will be based on the time that the system is powered off, the size of your system, and the location of your home. When we call customers to schedule the remediation work, we are also sharing specific compensation information with them.
Q: What if I’m a PosiGen customer?
A: PosiGen is contacting customers by email and phone directly to schedule the testing, repair and replacement of the recalled jumper modules and affected electrical components. If you have not been contacted by PosiGen, please call PosiGen at 1-504-250-6865 or GAF Energy at 1-888-838-5567 to schedule your free repair. PosiGen customers should expect their Timberline Solar Systems to be shut down pending the completion of remediation work. GAF Energy will compensate you for lost energy production value while your system is not electrically operational.