As a solar expert with an eye on current trends, I am intrigued by the recent feud that is sparking between two leading Chinese solar companies. It truly is a showcase of the intense competition that exists within the industry. The skirmish, between Runergy and Trina Solar, is centered around the cancellation of two coveted TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) patents.
TOPCon is a remarkable area of technology within the spectrum of solar implementation. In essence, it improves the efficiency of solar panels for your home or commercial use by reducing the recombination of electrons and holes. With this in consideration, the importance of the recent feud becomes clear.
As per the information that has surfaced, Runergy is claiming that the patents, numbered US9,722,104 and US10,230,009, do not rightfully belong to Trina Solar. Instead, Runergy has stated that the patents were purchased by Trina Solar from other parties in 2024. As such, they claim that they are not the result of Trina Solar’s own developmental work.
Interestingly, it was also mentioned that the making of TOPCon solar cells was already described by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy back in 2013. Even going further back, teachings were published as early as the 1980’s. The particular patents in question weren’t filed until a year after the 2013 publication, bringing into question their patentability. Runergy argues that the patents simply attempt to cover this well-established solar cell technology with minor, obvious variations, therefore infringing on prior art.
Now, we see Trina Solar actively defending its interests, having filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in October. The claim is that Runergy, along with India-based Adani Green Energy, have improperly imported and sold projects that infringe on Trina Solar’s TOPCon patents.
It’s evident that the world of solar companies can be tumultuous, as they jostle to secure their space within this incredibly exciting and evolving industry. As a keen observer and participant, I am excited, albeit curious, to see how this controversy pans out.
As this story progresses, I’ll be providing more updates and deep-dives into what it means for the world of solar. Seeing how it could potentially influence the future design and implementation of solar panels for your home or a large-scale solar array for homes, it’s definitely something worth keeping a close eye on. The outcome could very well shape the way solar companies operate in the future, enforcing stricter regulations and encouraging ground-breaking innovation.
Stay tuned for more insights into this fascinating world of solar!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/10/10/runergy-urges-u-s-authorities-to-revoke-two-of-trina-solars-topcon-patents/
