• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Corporate News
  • Generation
  • Oil & Gas
  • Regulation
  • Renewable
    • Climate
    • Solar
    • Wind
  • Storage
  • Tech
  • T & D
Energy News Desk Logo

Energy News Desk

Energy News and Data

CNIPA Rules in Favor of Maxeon Solar’s Patent Invalidation Action

December 22, 2020 by Solar Industry Mag

Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd., a global solar company, has received a positive patent validity ruling in a patent invalidation action filed in China by the LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., a Chinese solar manufacturer.

The action was filed against one of Maxeon’s patents for the proprietary and fundamental shingled solar cell panel technology used to deploy solar panels that Maxeon designs and sells under the SunPower Performance brand name.

In May, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) accepted a request for invalidation filed by LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd. of Maxeon’s patent regarding high efficiency shingled solar cell panels (China Patent N° 201710523237.1). Following an oral hearing in October, CNIPA reviewed LONGi’s claims of invalidity and dozens of prior art documents, ultimately concluding that Maxeon’s patent is valid. This decision by CNIPA reaffirms Maxeon’s intellectual property rights in China for shingled solar cell panel technology.

“This ruling is an important confirmation of the strength of our patents and the underlying innovation behind our Performance panels,” says Jeff Waters, CEO of Maxeon Solar Technologies. “This technology is protected by an international portfolio of more than 150 patents and patent applications covering shingled solar cell and panel design, as well as key manufacturing tools and processes. We feel very strongly about the importance of upholding and safeguarding our intellectual property rights. Respecting IP is critical for the orderly ongoing development of the solar industry.”

Shingled solar cell panels are made by separating solar cells into smaller solar cell strips and subsequently connecting the resulting solar cell strips in an overlapping layout using a conductive adhesive. The result is a higher power, higher efficiency panel, with enhanced reliability and improved durability compared to conventional panels.

The Performance shingled solar cell panel architecture and manufacturing processes were pioneered by Silicon Valley-based start-up company Cogenra Solar. SunPower Corp. acquired Cogenra in 2015, and Maxeon retained the shingling technology IP rights following its spin-off from SunPower in August. Performance solar panels are manufactured in China by Huansheng Photovoltaic (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Maxeon’s joint venture with Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd. With more than 3 GW deployed across over 60 countries to date, Performance panels are the industry’s most deployed shingled solar cell panel technology.

Photo: Maxeon Solar’s landing page

The post CNIPA Rules in Favor of Maxeon Solar’s Patent Invalidation Action appeared first on Solar Industry.

Filed Under: Renewable, Solar

Primary Sidebar

Join The Daily Charge

This week's top 5 stories in your inbox. No spam ever.

Trending

  • Canadian Solar Launches New Line of PV Modules
  • Anumar Names Delta as String Inverter Supplier for German PV Project
  • SEACOR, CMB Enter Purchase Agreement for Windcat Workboats, CTV
  • Vestas Unveils 15 MW Offshore Wind Turbine
  • Billions Could Live in Extreme Heat Zones Within Decades, Study Finds
  • Offshore Wind Market for Jack-Up Interventions on the Rise
  • Texas Governor Receives TGE’s Wind Leadership Award
  • Utility efficiency programs offer model to merge climate, racial justice solutions
  • EDF Renewables North America Signs PPA for Chuckwalla Solar+Storage Project
  • Detroit affordable housing project will give renters benefits of solar ownership

Footer

Trending

  • Canadian Solar Launches New Line of PV Modules
  • SEACOR, CMB Enter Purchase Agreement for Windcat Workboats, CTV
  • Vestas Unveils 15 MW Offshore Wind Turbine
  • Billions Could Live in Extreme Heat Zones Within Decades, Study Finds
  • Offshore Wind Market for Jack-Up Interventions on the Rise

Recent

  • Quick Tips To A Sustainable Future
  • Stem Provides Smart Energy Storage Solutions to Today’s Power
  • EIA's AEO2021 shows U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rising after the mid-2030s
  • Homeowners associations still a barrier for some would-be solar customers
  • Commentary: With open standards, U.S. can build EV charging infrastructure faster

Search

Contact Us

Write For Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022 · EnergyNewsDesk.com