First Solar Probes Solar Firms for TOPCon Patent Violations

• First Solar Inc. is cracking down on potential patent infringement in the solar industry, protecting its innovative TOPCon technology with legal action and safeguarding its rights.

First Solar Inc is investigating several crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon PV solar cells. The US thin-film photovoltaics maker acquired the patents through its acquisition of TetraSun Inc in 2013, with patents issued in various countries and pending applications in others.

First Solar plans to thoroughly investigate potentially infringing products and is examining leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for infringement. The company intends to challenge any infringement discovered and take measures to safeguard its rights, including enforcement, licensing, and other actions. First Solar's executive vice president emphasized the company's commitment to developing advanced solar technology across various semiconductor platforms.

Is First Solar Inc investigating crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for patent infringement?

• First Solar Inc is investigating several crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon PV solar cells.
  
• The US thin-film photovoltaics maker acquired the patents through its acquisition of TetraSun Inc in 2013, with patents issued in various countries and pending applications in others.
  
• First Solar plans to thoroughly investigate potentially infringing products and is examining leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for infringement.
  
• The company intends to challenge any infringement discovered and take measures to safeguard its rights, including enforcement, licensing, and other actions.
• First Solar's executive vice president emphasized the company's commitment to developing advanced solar technology across various semiconductor platforms.