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