The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into patent infringement allegations filed by Trina Solar US against solar manufacturers Runergy and Adani Solar.
The dispute concerns tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology and related manufacturing processes.
Trina Solar US, the American subsidiary of the Chinese solar giant, filed its complaint in October.
According to the ITC’s notice, the company seeks to block the import, sale, and marketing of TOPCon cells and modules allegedly infringing its manufacturing process patents.
The complaint was submitted on behalf of Trina Solar’s Chinese headquarters, its US office in Fremont, California, and its manufacturing site in Wilmer, Texas.
In the wake of the complaint, Trina Solar announced the sale of its Texas module production facility to Norwegian battery manufacturer Freyr Battery.
The transaction coincided with Donald Trump’s election win, raising concerns about potential tariffs and trade restrictions on Chinese companies. Trina Solar retains a stake in Freyr, acquiring 9.9% of its stock, with an option to increase its holdings to 21.4% under specific conditions.
Meanwhile, Runergy challenged the patents with the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), arguing that Trina Solar purchased rather than developed them and that they are, therefore, invalid.
Patent disputes have intensified as TOPCon technology gains prominence amid market competition and oversupply.
Trina Solar is also pursuing a separate case against Canadian Solar for similar technology, while First Solar, a US-based thin-film module producer, recently initiated patent investigations targeting Trina Solar and other Chinese manufacturers.
Trina Solar US President Steven Zhu stated, “Our commitment to protecting our intellectual property remains firm.”
The outcome of these investigations could significantly impact the US solar market, particularly as trade policies under a potential second Trump administration remain uncertain.
