First Solar has launched an investigation into several manufacturers of crystalline-silicon (c-Si) solar cells for potential patent infringement. The company is examining whether these manufacturers are violating patents related to tunnel oxide passivated contact and c-Si photovoltaic (PV) cells, which First Solar acquired through its purchase of TetraSun.
The patents in question are issued in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, with validity extending to 2030. The investigation also covers pending applications in the European Union and Japan.
“First Solar firmly believes in the value and strength of the patents and plans to conduct a thorough investigation of potentially infringing products,” said the company in a statement.
First Solar acquired TetraSun and its intellectual property portfolio in 2013. TetraSun, a California-based startup, had developed proprietary cell architecture and manufacturing processes for large-format crystalline silicon wafers before the acquisition.
“These patents are First Solar's intellectual property, which we continue to leverage as part of ongoing efforts to develop the next generation of PV technologies,” said Jason Dymbort, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of First Solar.
Dymbort added, “While First Solar is a world leader in the development and commercialisation of advanced thin film photovoltaics, our R&D and intellectual property portfolio spans several semiconductor platforms, including crystalline silicon, as we pursue multiple pathways towards our goal of developing the next transformative, disruptive solar technology.”
He further noted, “We are investigating several leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of our patents. If infringement is discovered, we intend to challenge the ability of potential infringers to legally manufacture, assemble, and sell infringing TOPCon technology by pursuing enforcement, licensing, and/or other measures to safeguard our rights.”
