Hello Solar Enthusiasts!
If you’ve been wondering about what’s happening in the solar cell manufacturing world, you’ve come to the right place. Not only have I been keeping a close eye on the developments in the industry, I have crucial insights to share, particularly about the patent disputes that have recently unfolded between some of the major solar companies.
Most notably, a Singapore-based solar module manufacturer, Maxeon, is at the center of a legal tug-of-war in the solar world. This company recently filed two separate patent infringement lawsuits in the United States against South Korea’s Hanwha Qcells and the Norway-based REC Solar Holdings AS. The crux of the matter? Alleged violations related to an unspecified tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology.
Beyond just a technology war, this situation signifies the importance of protecting intellectual property and the innovations that are constantly transforming the industry. Maxeon owns a global patent portfolio of more than 1,650 granted patents and an additional 330 pending patent applications. This extensive patent portfolio spans across areas such as IBC, Shingled Hypercell, and the highly contested TOPCon technologies.
This isn’t Maxeon’s first rodeo either when it comes to legal battles. Just last month, the company filed a similar lawsuit against Canadian Solar. And back in 2020, they had a tussle with the same company over a shingled solar module patent in Japan, which fortunately reach a settlement agreement this April.
The actions by Maxeon underscore the highly competitive nature of the solar industry and the lengths at which solar companies go to safeguard their proprietary technologies. Moreover, keen solar enthusiasts might want to note that the litigation extends beyond just the North American zone. Last year, Maxeon filed lawsuits against Chinese competitor Aiko Solar Energy and wholesaler Memedo GmbH, over claims of patent infringement relating to back contact solar cells.
For homeowners considering solar panels for their homes, you might be curious about what all this means for you. Apart from patent disputes being indicative of technological advances, it is also a sign of the fierce competition amongst solar companies, which generally leads to more efficient and cost-effective solar arrays for homes.
Stay tuned for future updates about the happenings in the solar industry. As the sun continues to rise on this ever-evolving industry, so do the technological advancements that are making solar energy more accessible and efficient for all. Keep shining and stay solar!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/23/maxeon-sues-rec-hanwha-qcells-for-alleged-topcon-patent-infringement/
