23E027 Solar Panel Mounting Hardware May Loosen – WAY Solar Panels

March 31, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23E027000

Solar Panel Mounting Hardware May Loosen

Loose Hardware can cause the solar panels to detach from the vehicle during transit, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E027

Manufacturer LipperteBay logo

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,399

 

Summary

LipperteBay logo (LipperteBay logo) is recalling certain WAY Solar Panels with insufficient installation hardware, part number 2022302246, 2022302299, 2022449915, & 2022302362. The solar panel mounting hardware may become loose and pull through the slot in the panel.

 

Remedy

LipperteBay logo will work with the RV manufacturers and dealers to install additional hardware to the existing panel and install a secondary holding bracket, free of charge. RV manufacturer notifications are expected to begin April 7, 2023. Owners may contact LipperteBay logo customer service at 1-574-538-4514. LipperteBay logo’s number for this recall is 080-2023-001.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 


WAY SOLAR PANEL FIELD REWORK INSTRUCTIONS

Recall Number: 23E-027
Product: WAY Solar Panel
Date: April 13, 2023
Labor Rate: 0.7 Hours

 

Purpose

This document provides rework instructions for WAY solar panel mounting brackets. The corrective action for Recall 23E-027 includes installing additional brackets and hardware; the solar panel does NOT need to be removed from the unit.

NOTE: Please submit a photo of the serial tag on the top (glass) surface with completed work order/claim.  If the serial tag is not present, please note this on the claim and submit without photo.

NOTE: If the solar panel has framing that is black in color (Fig. 1), there is no action needed. The VIN should be reported back to the manufacturer to remove from recall with it noted no action is required.

 

Identifying Products For Rework Kit (See Kit Information Section)

  • Solar panel with a silver frame Dimensions of solar panels
  • Two types of brackets used to mount the panel 100W – 40.1 x 26.3 x1.3 inches 195W – 58.2 x 26.3 x1.3 inches

 

Safety

This document provides general instructions. Many variables change the circumstances of any procedure, i.e. the degree of difficulty of the service and the ability of the individual performing the operation. This document cannot plot procedures for every possibility, but will provide general instructions for installing, removing or servicing the system. In the event the skill level required is too advanced or the procedure too difficult, a certified technician should be consulted before performing the operation. Failure to correctly install, remove or service the system may result in voiding the warranty, inflicting injury or even death.

 

Kit Information

Solar Panel Mounting Bracket Rework Kit, PN 2023020670, can be used on all solar panel part numbers listed in the table below.

Items in the rework kit 2023020670Quantity
Add-on L-brackets with adhesive tape4
Spacers with adhesive tape4
#12 thread-cutting screws12
3/16″ HSS drill bit1
Applicable products for the rework kit
Product DescriptionWAY SKULipperteBay logo SKU
Solar, Solar Panel, 195W with brackets installed, 106009, ET195PMP4B1060092022302246
Solar, Solar Panel, 100W with feet attached, 106040, ET100MP4B1060402022302299
Port, 100-watt 30ACC roof port w/MC-4, 7MMC-0100-K7MMC-0100-K2022449915
100W w/ branch connector expansion kit, 7MYY-0100-P7MYY-0100-P2022302362

 

Resources Required

  • Appropriate kit as listed in the previous table Metric size #8 or Imperial size 5/16″ socket or nut
  • Cordless or electric drill driver
  • Cordless impact driver

 

Preparation

NOTE: LipperteBay logo does not require any advance contact or prior authorization be obtained by the repairing facility. The solar panel’s SKUs mentioned may be mounted on RV units with two different types of mounting brackets shown below. This rework kit can be used for both bracket types.

  1. Begin the rework process by identifying the type of bracket (A or B) used to mount a solar panel to the roof of an RV unit. Use the corresponding process shown below.

 

Procedures

For Type A Mounting Bracket

  1. Peel the adhesive backing on the small rectangular spacer piece and stick it to the add-on L-bracket centering it on the single mounting hole at the center of the bracket shown below.
  2. Peel the adhesive backing on the L-bracket and attach it to the panel, centering the add-on bracket to the pre-existing mounting bracket as shown below. Make sure the bracket is flush to the top and sides of the panel.
  3. Drill a hole (using the 3/16 size drill bit from the kit) through the L-bracket pilot hole and the solar panel. Drill into the panel as straight as possible. Drilling at an inclined angle could result in hitting the M6 fastener of the pre-existing bracket behind the panel frame.
  4. Use the impact driver tool with the recommended socket and drive one of the #12 thread-cutting screws into the above drilled hole and secure the add-on bracket to the panel.

NOTE: Be careful and drive the screw slowly into the thin panel wall to avoid stripping it out.

  1. Drill out the other two holes on the add-on bracket and through the pre-existing mounting bracket.
  2. Drive the other two #12 screws into the recently-drilled holes and secure the add-on bracket to the pre-existing bracket.

NOTE: Be careful and drive the screws slowly to avoid stripping them out.

  1. Repeat the process for the other brackets of the panel which completes the reworking process of the Type A mounting bracket.

 

For Type B Mounting Bracket

Identify how the Type B bracket is installed on the panel. It could be flush mount or somewhat recessed or protruding out compared to the side of the solar panel.

Case 1: Flush mount

  1. If the bracket front face is flush to the panel, then no spacer is required. Peel the adhesive on the L-bracket and stick it flush to the panel, centering on the pre-existing bracket.
  2. Drill the top hole of the bracket through the panel and install a #12 screw.

NOTE: Be careful and drive the screw slowly into the thin panel wall to avoid stripping it out.

  1. Follow the same process for drilling the other holes and secure the bracket with the other two screws.

 

Case 2: Bracket recessed

  1. If the bracket front face is recessed, the add-on bracket won’t align flush to the panel and creates a gap between the add-on bracket and the pre-existing bracket at the bottom.
  2. To fill the gap, stick the spacer piece using adhesive tape on the pre-existing bracket.

 

Case 3: Bracket protruding out

  1. If the bracket’s front face is protruding out, the add-on bracket won’t align flush to the panel and creates a gap between the add-on bracket and the panel.
  2. To fill the gap, stick the spacer piece on the bracket as shown below. Try to center the spacer on the top hole as much as possible.
  3. After installing the spacer piece in the corresponding location, peel the adhesive backing on the addon bracket and stick it flush to the panel.
  4. Drill the top hole first and thread a screw into the panel.

NOTE: Be careful and drive the screw slowly into the thin panel wall to avoid stripping it out.

  1. Drill the other two holes and secure the bracket with the two more #12 screws. NOTE: Be careful and drive the screws slowly to avoid stripping them out.
  2. Repeat the process for the other brackets which completes the reworking process of the Type B mounting bracket.

As a supplier of a broad array of highly-engineered components in the recreation and transportation product markets, safety, education and customer satisfaction are our primary concerns. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 432-LIPPERTeBay logo (432-547-7378) or by email at [email protected].  Self-help tips, technical documents, product videos and a training class schedule are available at lippert.com or by downloading the LippertNOW app.

Rev: 04.14.2023
CCD-0007291

 

 


Chronology :

03.08.2023 – LipperteBay logo Engineering was advised of an issue with a panel detaching from an RV roof. Initiated a quality review of the WAY solar panels & found multiple mounting methods used by WAY prior to our acquisition.

03.09.2023 – Met with RV Mfr who advised there were two similar occurrences reported.

03.09.23 – 03.13.23 – LipperteBay logo vibration testing comparing multiple mounting methods used by WAY initiated and in process.

03.13.23 – Inspected and determined solar panel provided from Way vendor, Delta Distribution, Inc., failed vibration testing. Other solar panels passed vibration testing.

03.10.2023 – 03.20.2023 – Developed a concept service solution for adding mounting robustness to solar panels. Began vibration testing of potential concept solutions.

03.17.2023 – Claim information was provided to LipperteBay logo from the RV Mfr. No photos and no parts held or recovered.

03.24.2023 – Field Rework kits finalized and vendor procurement initiated.

03.25.2023: LipperteBay logo Safety Committee reviewed incidents, details of concern, testing, field resolution and validation processes.

3.29-30.2023: LipperteBay logo reviewing and correcting local product at OEM production locations.

03.30.2023: LipperteBay logo Files 573 to launch Recall.

 


1 Affected Product

Equipment

BRANDPART NO.PRODUCTION DATES
LIPPERTeBay logoWAY SOLAR PANEL

 


12 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-23E027-3782.PDF 236.736KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 4/10/2023

RCLRPT-23E027-3479.PDF 236.751KB

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-23E027-4956.pdf 740.581KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 3/31/2023

RCLRPT-23E027-4091.PDF 236.738KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 4/10/2023

RCLRPT-23E027-1887.PDF 236.809KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-23E027-2877.pdf 5001.303KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 4/26/2023

RCLRPT-23E027-8636.PDF 236.964KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2023-2

RCLQRT-23E027-7910.PDF 211.125KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 8/4/2023

RCLRPT-23E027-7478.PDF 237.638KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2023-3

RCLQRT-23E027-4305.PDF 211.362KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2023-4

RCLQRT-23E027-3951.PDF 211.454KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2024-1

RCLQRT-23E027-9879.PDF 211.554KB

 


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