First Solar has announced its ownership of patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. The company secured the U.S. patent and related international counterparts through its acquisition of TetraSun.
The global TOPCon solar cell market size was valued at $7.674 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 23.35 percent during the forecast period, reaching $27.027 billion by 2028.
First Solar has initiated an investigation into several c-Si solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents. The patents, which include issued patents in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, among other jurisdictions, have validities extending to 2030. Additionally, there are pending patent applications in the European Union and Japan.
The global major manufacturers of TOPCon solar cell include LONGi, Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, Fraunhofer-ISE and Jolywood, etc.
First Solar is committed to leveraging these patents as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the next generation of PV technologies. “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.
The company acquired TetraSun and its intellectual property portfolio in 2013. Prior to its acquisition, the California-based startup had pioneered proprietary cell architecture and manufacturing processes for large-format crystalline silicon wafers.
First Solar is a leader in the development and commercialization of advanced thin-film photovoltaics, with its R&D and intellectual property portfolio spanning several semiconductor platforms, including crystalline silicon.
“We are investigating several top 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 licensing, and/or other measures to safeguard our rights,” Jason Dymbort added.
Baburajan Kizhakedath