First Solar Announces Ownership of Patents for Advanced Solar Cell Technology, Initiates Investigation into Potential Infringements

First Solar, Inc. announced that it owns patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells.

First Solar acquired these U.S. patents and their international counterparts through its purchase of TetraSun, Inc. It has begun investigating several c-Si solar manufacturers for potential patent infringement. The patents, which are valid until 2030, are issued in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, among other countries. There are also pending patent applications in the European Union and Japan. First Solar believes in the value and strength of these patents and is dedicated to thoroughly investigating any potentially infringing products.

In 2013, First Solar acquired TetraSun and its intellectual property portfolio. Before this acquisition, the California-based startup had developed 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 semicoFirst Solar Announces Ownership of Patents for Advanced Solar Cell Technology, Initiates Investigation into Potential Infringementsnductor platforms, including crystalline silicon, as we pursue multiple pathways towards our goal of developing the next transformative, disruptive solar technology.”

Dymbort 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.”