Hanwha Q Cells sued by US rival over alleged patent infringement

Hanwha Solutions Q Cells Division has been embroiled in a legal battle with Maxeon Solar Technologies, which claims that the Korean firm copied its tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology in the U.S., according to industry officials, Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Singapore-headquartered solar panel maker confirmed it filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas against Hanwha Q Cells, following its own investigation into several photovoltaic firms doing business in the U.S.

“In November 2023, Maxeon initiated a TOPCon patent infringement investigation in the U.S., and this lawsuit against Hanwha Q Cells, along with recent similar actions against Canadian Solar and REC Solar, are results of that investigation,” said Marc Robinson, Maxeon’s associate general counsel.

“Maxeon has the responsibility to protect the leadership position it has earned from its substantial R&D investments and will continue to enforce its patent rights against those who are attempting to sell infringing products in the U.S. and its other markets,” he added.

TOPCon facilitates efficient transport of preferred type of charge carriers, as its structure consists of a thin oxide layer between polysilicon and base crystalline silicon.

Hanwha Q Cells named its own TOPCon technology as Q.ANTUM NEO and used the technology for its Q.TRON G2 solar module, which was released in the U.S. market last year and the Korean and European markets this year. The company is the first Korean manufacturer of TOPCon cells and modules.

In response to the recent lawsuit, Hanwha Q Cells said it has not infringed on any of the patents in question related to TOPCon technology.

“We intend to defend vigorously against all allegations of patent infringement in court and ensure that there will be no disruption on the operations of the business as a result of such allegations,” the company spokeswoman said.

Last year, Hanwha Q Cells retained the top spot in the U.S. solar panel market, while Maxeon ranked second. The Korean firm has also sought to expand its presence in the American market by increasing its production capacity there with newly built factories in Georgia.