Settlement Structure: Claims Made
Active: Open
Case Summary:This settlement resolves a class action against Sanyo Energy (USA) Corporation, Sanyo North America Corporation, and Panasonic Corporation of North America. The complaint alleged that certain Sanyo-brand solar panels in the HIP-xxxBA2, HIP-xxxBA3, and HIP-xxxBA5 model series delaminate over time, which could decrease the amount of power generated from those panels in some situations. It also alleged that the companies did not correctly apply a limited power warranty for delaminated solar panels, which was supposedly intended to provide a repair, refund, or replacement for solar panels where the power output falls below designated levels in certain conditions.
Docket Number:19-CV-16623
Company: Sanyo Energy (USA) Corporation
Filing Deadline: December 31, 2029
Objection Deadline: May 28, 2021
Exclusion Deadline: May 28, 2021
Final Approval Hearing: July 8, 2021
Proof of Purchase:You must show (1) proof of ownership for each Sanyo Solar Module for which you want a settlement remedy and (2) at least one photo of the entire Santo solar array, and (3) at least one photo of each Sanyo Solar Module for which you want a settlement remedy, showing the damage claimed. See the settlement website for details of what is required as proof of ownership, what qualifies as damage for claims, and what must be included in the photos and photo submissions.
Eligibility:You may be eligible if you received a notice of the settlement or if you are a member of either of the subclasses below:
- Original Purchaser Subclass: Persons or entities in the US who bought and installed Sanyo Settlement Panels for residential use.
- Subsequent Title Holder Subclass: Persons or entities who bought a private residence, building, or ground mounted Santo solar system in the US on which Sanyo Settlement Panels were originally installed for residential use.
The Sanyo Settlement Panels are Sanyo-brand solar panels in the HIP-xxxBA2, HIP-xxxBA3, and HIP-xxxBA5 model series that were made and marketed by Sanyo Energy from around 2001 to 2010 and that were originally sold for residential use in the US. Note that you must submit your claim form within 20 years of the original purchase date of your Sanyo Settlement Panels, as well as before December 31, 2029. If you do not know the original purchase date, then it will be assumed to be three months after the date they were manufactured. The manufacturing date is on the label on the back of the panel.
Typical Settlement Amount:Replacement panel or cash payment for each qualifying panel. (1) Replacement Panel: New or refurbished panel that may be different in color, size, shape, model number, manufacturer, or power level, and from other replacement panels provided. Replacement panels will not have a new 20-year warranty. (2) Cash Payment: Payment of an amount equal to the original purchase price of the panel less depreciation, considering the age of the panel, the time that has passed since its purchase, and the amount of time left in its power warranty period.
Choice of remedy is at Panasonic’s discretion. See the settlement website FAQs for more information. Note that the settlement does not cover expenses for collecting evidence of damage or for replacement panel removal, transportation, reinstallation, or the like. For future warranty claims, see the Settlement Agreement at the settlement website.
Total Settlement Amount: Unknown
Class Representative Proposed Incentive Fee:$5,000
Law Firms:
Birka-White Law Offices
Levin Sedran & Berman
Claim Form: Sanyo Delaminating Solar Panels Settlement Claim Form
Case Name: Ziccarello v. Sanyo Energy (U.S.A.) Corp., et al.
Settlement Website: Sanyo Delaminating Solar Panels Settlement Website
Claims Administrator:
Kroll Settlement Administration, LLC
Ziccarello v Sanyo Energy (U.S.A.) Corp. Claims
Class Litigation Administration Support Services
P.O. Box 1272
Lancaster, California 93584
sanyosolarclaims@4class.com
844-702-2787