High-efficiency PV module manufacturer REC Group has downplayed any potential impact its business may have in Europe after the Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany decided to affirm Hanwha Q CELLS' patent infringement case on solar cell passivation techniques that can be used in PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology.
The Regional Court of Düsseldorf, Germany has confirmed Hanwha Q CELLS patent ‘689’ infringement case against two major ‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL’s) members, JinkoSolar and LONGi Solar, as well as PV module manufacturer REC Group.
‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) members JinkoSolar and LONGi Solar have said that Hanwha Q CELLS ‘215’ patent case is expected to fail at the first leg of wider legal action.
‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, Q CELLS is to immediately appeal the forthcoming US ITC judgement on its patent infringement case against JinkoSolar, REC Group, and LONGi Solar.
PV manufacturers JinkoSolar, LONGi Solar and REC Group have recently filed petitions for inter partes review (IPR) of U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215 B2 [215] with the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in response to Hanwha Q CELLS patent infringement cases announced in early March, 2019.
Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, Hanwha Q CELLS has extended its patent infringement complaints in Australia to include REC Group and two of its distributors, Sol Distribution, and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems, the first time the SMSL has expanded its patent cases to include distributors.
Leading PV equipment supplier Meyer Burger has received a CHF 15 million repeat order for its ‘MAiA’ 6.1 PECVD tool for PERC passivation processes from a leading Asian customer, according to the company.
Hanwha Q CELLS Australia together with Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corp has filed patent infringement complaints with the Federal Court of Australia against JinkoSolar and LONGi Solar of Australian patent no. 20083232025.
LONGi Solar and REC Group have separately responded to the patent infringement cases filed by Hanwha Q CELLS in courts in Germany and the US as well as with US International Trade Commission (ITC).
