Walmart Inc. and Tesla Inc. are in discussions to address all issues surrounding Tesla solar installations at Walmart stores, two days after the U.S. retail giant sued Tesla Energy Operations Inc. over fires at several Walmart stores, allegedly sparked by solar panels installed by the Tesla unit.
In a joint statement late Aug. 22, the two companies "look forward to addressing all issues and re-energizing Tesla solar installations at Walmart stores, once all parties are certain that all concerns have been addressed."
"Together, we look forward to pursuing our mutual goal of a sustainable energy future. Above all else, both companies want each and every system to operate reliably, efficiently, and safely."
On Aug. 20, Walmart sued Tesla in the U.S. Supreme Court of the State of New York, accusing the Silicon Valley, Calif.-based company of "gross negligence and failure to live up to industry standards."
In its complaint, Walmart said fires allegedly caused by solar arrays installed by SolarCity Corp., a company that Tesla acquired in 2016, tore through the roofs of seven stores in California, Maryland and Ohio from 2012 to 2018 and caused millions of dollars in damages.
The Walmart lawsuit came just days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter that the company will roll out solar panel rentals for residential customers.
