TOPCon IP battle intensifies with Qcells launching infringement notices
Qcells has launched an intellectual property (IP) dispute over alleged unauthorized use of its patented laser-enhanced contact opening (LECO) tech in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells. The case underscores rising tensions in the PV industry over TOPCon patents.
Lightsource bp drops 300 MW solar project due to public opposition
Lightsource bp has abandoned plans for a 300 MW solar project in the US state of Ohio due to opposition from local residents.
US bans five Chinese PV firms under Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the US authorities have banned five Chinese companies from providing products and services in the United States.
European prosecutor probing fraudulent solar scheme in Slovenia
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating a €340,000 ($349,350) fraudulent scheme allegedly involving two Slovenian companies accused of misrepresenting a solar project to obtain EU funds.
JinkoSolar sues Longi for TOPCon patent infringement
JinkoSolar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Longi over tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology, with the first hearing scheduled for Feb. 13, 2025.
‘Equity requires addressing structural barriers in hiring and promotions’
This week, Women in Solar Europe gives voice to Eyerusalem Mekuria Wondemu, Project Engineer at Switzerland’s Gruner Stucky SA. She says changes in career paths are slow due to entrenched cultural norms and unconscious prejudices, but growing advocacy and representation drive progress. “Mentorship, continuous learning, and networking are critical,” she states.
UK planning reform targets solar development dead zone
UK government to increase solar capacity threshold for nationally significant infrastructure projects, handing local planners consent power for projects up to 100 MW. Projects with capacity greater than 50 MW in England are currently subject to approval from central government.
pv magazine Roundtables Europe: EU guidance for PV confirmed in agrivoltaics session
The European Commission will publish guidance on agrivoltaics as part of a wider document covering innovative technologies, attendees at pv magazine Roundtables Europe 2024 heard. More than 1,300 guests joined pv magazine’s live event on Dec. 5, which covered topics ranging from quality and European manufacturing to energy storage and solar cell technology.
JinkoSolar sues VSUN for alleged patent infringement
China-based panel maker JinkoSolar says that its competitor VSUN and its related entities in the United States have infringed on one of its patents.
US sets antidumping duties for Southeast Asian solar cells
US trade officials have announced preliminary affirmative determinations for antidumping duties on crystalline solar cell imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The tariffs range from 21.31% to 271.28% depending on the company and country.
