First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) secures patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, through its acquisition of TetraSun, Inc.
The company has initiated an investigation of several c-Si solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents. It includes issues patents in the US, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and Australia, among other jurisdictions with validities extending to 2030.
It also includes pending patent applications in the EU and Japan.
First Solar acquired the California-based TetraSun in 2013. Before this, the startup pioneered proprietary cell architecture and manufacturing processes for large-format crystalline silicon wafers.
“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. “While First Solar is a world leader in the development and commercialization 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.”
Jason added, “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.”
