First Solar files patent suit against JA Solar over TOPCon tech

First Solar, a prominent player in the solar industry, has initiated legal action against JA Solar and its affiliates, alleging patent infringement. The lawsuit centers around First Solar's U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074, which pertains to the manufacturing process of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar cells. This legal battle was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

First Solar's acquisition of the TOPCon patents was part of its 2013 purchase of TetraSun Inc., which added a significant portfolio of issued patents across several countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, and others. The validity of these patents extends until at least 2030.

In response to the lawsuit, Jason Dymbort, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at First Solar, emphasized the company's commitment to defending its intellectual property rights both domestically and globally. The company had previously announced its ownership of the TOPCon patent portfolio in July 2024 and had initiated infringement investigations against several manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar cells.