Generac SnapRS Defect Lawsuits

Attorneys for Generac PWRCell System Investigations

Kershaw Talley Barlow (KTB) is investigating potential claims against Generac Power Systems, Inc. (Generac) involving Generac’s allegedly defective and dangerous shutdown devices – called “SnapRS” components – in its PWRcell home solar energy systems.

Consumers have reported that Generac’s SnapRS units fail at a high rate, including by:

• Overheating
• Melting
• Bulging
• Separating
• Exploding
• Bubbling
• Burning

These alleged defects have resulted in and present an ongoing danger of home fires, risks of serious injury or death, and property damage or destruction. They may also result in loss of energy production and emergency backup power. With KTB on your side, you can demand compensation and relief. We are also available to speak with you if you or a loved one was injured due to the alleged dangerous defect involving SnapRS components. 

Depend on our expertise, experience, and ethical practice. Call (916) 520-6639 to talk to a Generac defect attorney.

What Does a SnapRS Device Do?

Generac’s SnapRS connector devices are installed between home solar panels to rapidly disconnect and shut down power to individual solar panels to protect against events such as lightning strikes and other electrical surges. These shutoff devices are also important for preventing electric shock, electrocution, injury, and death where emergency responders or other professionals have to access residential roofs equipped with solar energy systems. They also help prevent equipment damage and other property damage. When activated, the SnapRS unit breaks the photovoltaic (PV) circuit and reduces PV output voltage to safe levels (under 80 volts) in a matter of seconds.

Defective Generac SnapRS Units

Generac’s SnapRS units are allegedly defective and dangerous to consumers and their homes. Consumers and technicians report that these devices become overactive by malfunctioning and turning on and off repeatedly, causing them to overheat and burn, resulting in charring and home fires. Generac attempted an internet-based “firmware update” in or around August 2021, but it was not provided to all customers (e.g., for customers whose solar energy systems were not connected to the internet) and was allegedly ineffective even for those who received it. Consumers reported that the firmware update resulted in a loss of energy production for their solar energy systems by shutting down entire panels for prolonged periods. Consumers also experienced complete shutdowns of their entire systems. As a result of these alleged shutdowns and losses of energy production, consumers failed to achieve their usual or expected savings on monthly energy bills or have access to backup power in emergency situations.

The SnapRS malfunctions are coded on Generac’s inverters, which convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by the electrical grid, as “PVRSS Lockout” system errors. A PVRSSS Lockout allegedly occurs when the inverter detects a malfunctioning or overheating SnapRS unit in the solar panels. When this happens, all the solar panels go into “lockout mode” and no solar energy is generated until the lockout is cleared by a service technician. Typically, the failed SnapRS must be replaced to clear the PVRSS Lockout error.

In late 2002, Generac started to replace its allegedly defective SnapRS 801 units with a second-generation device, called SnapRS 801A. But consumers and technicians reported the same alleged defects with SnapRS 801A devices, including solar panels going into PVRSS Lockouts where technicians would find burned, charred, exploded, or melted SnapRS 801As. In May 2022, Generac issued a letter allegedly demonstrating that it was aware of SnapRS 801 and 801A problems and that it had developed a new SnapRS 802. However, it has allegedly not been able to supply the market with enough of these new models to replace its allegedly defective and failed units.

Consumer Action Against Generac – Call Now

Consumers have formed Facebook groups, started threads on Reddit, exchanged information through various social media platforms, and complained directly to Generac about the allegedly dangerous SnapRS problem and the resulting breakdowns in their home solar energy systems. Generac allegedly knew about the SnapRS defect and receives reports of these device failures as well as when PVRSS Lockout system errors are reported through its inverters, as part of its PWRcell system. Consumers have allegedly experienced home fires, lost energy production, and/or not had access to backup power in emergency situations due to the alleged defect. Yet, Generac has refused to institute a recall or provide refunds to consumers for its allegedly unsafe and defective SnapRS products. 

With Generac refusing to compensate or provide relief to its consumers to address the allegedly defective SnapRS units, consumers are left with no option but to take legal action. KTB is stepping in to fight with consumers to enforce their rights.

KTB’s Generac defect class action attorneys can handle claims and lawsuits involving:

• Damages to replace or repair allegedly defective Generac PWRcell solar energy systems;
• Damages suffered as a result of a loss of energy production from allegedly defective Generac PWRcell solar energy systems; and
• Losses related to injuries or property damage caused by allegedly defective Generac PWRcell solar energy systems.

If you or someone you know has purchased or leased a Generac PWRcell system and experienced problems with Generac PWRcell components, including SnapRS devices, please give one of KTB’s attorneys a call at (916) 520-6639 or complete our online form. Your story could help consumers take legal action against Generac and serve as the first step in securing fair compensation for you and other Generac customers.