GAF Timberline Solar Energy Shingles Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Given the current climate crisis, many homeowners have been trying to make changes to their houses to protect the earth. From buying electric vehicles to harvesting rainwater, there are countless ways to green up your lifestyle. One of the most popular new ways to help the environment in recent years has been to install solar systems in the house.

While solar energy is generally a phenomenal way to reduce your carbon footprint, many solar system owners are being impacted by a recent recall of jumper modules and energy shingles from GAF Energy. Here’s everything you need to about the solar system recall, including which products are affected, why they are being recalled, and what to do if you own any of the recalled products.

Which Products Are Being Recalled

Family Handyman, Courtesy CPSC

On July 27, GAF recalled the TLS-1 jumper modules and the TLS-1 energy shingles. The shingles were installed as part of residential solar energy systems that range in price from $40,000 to $100,000. The solar energy shingles are approximately 64 x 17 x 1 inch and weigh about 10 pounds. They are roof-mounted and were installed by contractors in some states between November 2021 and April 2023.

Why the Timberline Solar Energy Shingles Are Being Recalled

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “[t]he electrical components in the solar energy shingles can malfunction, posing a fire hazard.” Thus far, the GAF has received “one report of fire and five reports of thermal incidents resulting in property damage, including damage to the roof deck.” Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

What To Do If You Have the Recalled Timberline Solar Energy Shingles

If you own the recalled Timberline solar energy shingles, GAF will need to repair or replace them. Currently, they are reaching out to all known owners of the Timberline energy shingles by phone. However, you can also contact the solar shingle makers by calling 888-838-5567 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or through their website here.

If you’re not sure whether or not your solar shingles are part of the recall, contact your contractor or installer.

Additionally, GAF is remotely shutting off all impacted systems until repairs have been made. Once they’ve contacted you, they will schedule an inspection and repair of the solar equipment. They will replace all jumper modules, check the solar shingles for defects, and repair the shingles free of charge. GAF will also compensate all owners of defective equipment for monetary losses due to the loss of solar power generation during the impacted time.

If you are particularly worried about solar shingles in the wake of this recall, you can also explore other solar options, such as solar panels—permanent or portable. Additionally, if budget is a concern, be sure to check out these inexpensive energy-efficient home upgrades, as well as our guide to the real costs of solar panels. Finally, you can always commit to these 13 easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint.