Given the relatively mature state of solar technology and the number of companies operating and seeking to operate in the sector, it is not surprising that there has been an increase in litigation in recent years concerning the patents underlying solar technologies. One of the most significant disputes to date has been between SolarEdge and Huawei.
One of the most significant disputes to date has been between SolarEdge and Huawei. In 2018, SolarEdge commenced infringement proceedings in Germany before the Mannheim Regional Court for infringing three of its European patents concerning inverter technology for photovoltaic systems and for use in solar panels.
SolarEdge is also involved in a global patent dispute with competitor SMA Solar Technology, in which SolarEdge is defending infringement proceedings and challenging the validity of SMA Solar's patents that also relate to inverter technology. Another separate, ongoing multi-jurisdictional dispute of note is between Hanwha Q-Cells and Longi Solar.
The creation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property provides fundamental support for renewables businesses’ objectives at each stage of the cycle: managing reputation and brand alongside deployment of technology, from energy generation to storage, distribution and ultimately use by the consumer.
Companies involved in this increased uptake of solar power need to be aware of patents not just where they are ultimately used, but also where they manufacture and assemble panels and their components. This is reflected in patenting trends.
Another separate, ongoing multi-jurisdictional dispute of note is between Hanwha Q-Cells and Longi Solar. In 2019, Hanwha Q-Cells launched infringement proceedings initially in the US and Germany against Longi and additional defendants REC and JinkoSolar. The patents relate to technology for the improvement of the efficiency of solar cells.