The solar energy sector has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades. The global solar installation capacity reached 239 GW of power in 2023; by the end of 2024, it is expected to more than double to around 574 GW. Solar energy is now a US$82 billion industry and is forecast to reach USD$60 billion by 2031.
However, this growth has not come without a price. With the ever-increasing demand for low-cost solar panels, some manufacturers have resorted to using lower-quality components and materials, some of which have given rise to severe safety and durability issues.
One such cheap but inferior material which was introduced into the market in around 2010 was the AAA backsheet, which comprised three layers of polyamide. There have been many scientific articles written on this particular backsheet material, criticising it as a defective material. However, the inherent defect of this particular backsheet has not, as far as our search of the caselaw has shown, been decisively ruled upon in any court, until now.
In DGE v DGF [2024] SGHC 107, the Singapore High Court made some observations regarding the inherent defect of the AAA backsheet material and the legal recourses which may be available to purchasers of solar panels whcih contain such AAA backsheets.
The Respondent was successfully represented by Partner Lai Yew Fai, Partner Tao Tao, and Associate Brendan Tan Zi Jian of Rajah & Tann Singapore.
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