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Posted: 2019-08-21T09:53:59Z | Updated: 2019-08-21T11:45:04Z

Walmart has claimed in a lawsuit that Tesla-supplied solar panels on the roofs at several of its stores caught fire because of the tech companys widespread, systemic negligence and its failure to live up to industry standards.

The retail giant is suing Tesla alleging breach of contract after fires on the roofs of at least seven Walmart stores with solar panels installed by Teslas solar business. These fires, which occurred at stores in several states from 2012 to 2018, cost Walmart hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in a New York court.

To state the obvious, properly designed, installed, inspected, and maintained solar systems do not spontaneously combust, and the occurrence of multiple fires involving Teslas solar systems is but one unmistakable sign of negligence by Tesla, the complaint said, according to CNN Business .

Walmart is seeking damages from Tesla and is demanding the company remove all of its solar panels from its stores. The retailer said that Tesla has installed panels on the roofs of more than 200 of its outlets.

Tesla has not responded to HuffPosts after-hours request for comment.

The lawsuit comes just days after Tesla founder Elon Musk announced the relaunch of its solar rental business . The move, according to TechCrunch, appears to be an attempt by Tesla to revive the flagging fortunes of its renewable energy business, which has steadily been losing market share in recent years.

Tesla Solar just relaunched. Lmk what you think https://t.co/mDoPO17YB9

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Tesla Solar just relaunched. Lmk what you think https://t.co/mDoPO17YB9

Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 18, 2019

As Reuters noted , the Walmart lawsuit isnt the only fire-related problem currently affecting Tesla.

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The company is also being probed by the National Transportation Safety Board following several deadly accidents involving Tesla Model X and Model S cars that burst into flames .

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Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

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