Tigo Energy Sued Over Solar Fire at New Jersey Warehouse
Sometimes products meant to enhance safety actually cause harm and damages to structures and people. This is what happened to a warehouse in New Jersey. A faulty rooftop shutdown device caused a fire in 2024, resulting in more than $241,000 in damages.
Republic Franklin Insurance Company filed the subrogation action on May 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The lawsuit names Tigo Energy, Inc. and Advanced Solar Products (ASP) as defendants, The plaintiff seeks to recover $241,163.84 following a fire at a commercial warehouse in Towaco, New Jersey, on March 15, 2024.
The insurer paid more than $236,000 to its policyholder, Corporate Mailings, which operates as CCG Marketing Solutions, after the fire damaged the facility. The insured also paid a $5,000 deductible.
The dispute centers on a rooftop solar system that ASP designed and installed under a 2021 engineering, procurement, and construction contract. The system incorporated Tigo’s TS4-A-2F rapid shutdown devices (RSDs), which are designed to quickly reduce the voltage produced by solar panels when power is shut off, improving safety for emergency responders during fires and other incidents.
The complaint alleges that the solar system experienced operational issues soon after installation. Within the first eight months, multiple solar panel strings reportedly produced abnormal readings, and several rapid shutdown devices showed signs of thermal damage. Tigo inspected the system in late 2022 and recommended corrective measures, but the lawsuit claims the company failed to disclose concerns related to “crosstalk,” a form of electromagnetic interference that can occur between rapid shutdown devices and inverters. The complaint also alleges that Tigo’s installation manual did not adequately warn installers about connector requirements that could prevent the issue.
According to the filing, additional warning signs appeared in early 2024. System records allegedly showed several unexpected shutdowns in late February despite the absence of a fire, while some rapid shutdown devices were reportedly overheating or exhibiting additional thermal damage. ASP inspected the system on March 12, 2024.
Three days later, the complaint alleges that one of the rapid shutdown devices experienced an internal thermal failure, resulting in electrical arcing that ignited nearby combustible materials. The fire ultimately spread across the building’s roof, causing significant property damage.
The lawsuit also focuses on warranty obligations contained in the installation contract. Republic Franklin contends that ASP breached a five-year express warranty guaranteeing that the solar system would be free from defects in design, engineering, materials, and workmanship.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Devices and products we buy should be safe. Solar setups are becoming more and more common and should be built with safety in mind to prevent fires and other serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured by a poorly manufactured, poorly designed, or poorly labeled product, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
A Morristown product liability attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you file a product liability claim. We are here to discuss your situation regarding any kind of injury caused by a defective product. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/risk-compliance-legal/insurer-sues-tigo-energy-over-rooftop-solar-fire-at-new-jersey-warehouse-576163.aspx
