Qcells Warns Global Solar Manufacturers of Patent Infringement of Proprietary,  High Efficiency Cell Technology

Jan. 15, 2025 – Qcells, a premier provider of complete energy solutions and a leader in the global solar market, has issued patent infringement notice letters to several major global manufacturers that have been utilizing Qcells’ solar cell manufacturing technology without its consent.

The recipient companies are currently producing and selling products using LECO (Laser Enhanced Contact Optimization) technology, for which Qcells currently holds the patents. LECO is a technology that enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar cells, including PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) and TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact), by applying laser scanning. Qcells has successfully commercialized the LECO technology in collaboration with the German solar equipment manufacturing company Cell Engineering (CE), since 2018. In October of 2023, Qcells acquired CE, securing the LECO technology patent.

Qcells has requested global solar manufacturers to discontinue the manufacture, use, offer to sell, sale and marketing of, or importation of the products using the LECO technology in violation of Qcells patents. Qcells is willing to share the benefits of LECO technology exclusively with the parties who have entered into patent licensing agreements. The company plans to continue its investigation to identify other manufacturers infringing on the patent and issue additional warning letters.

Danielle Merfeld, Global CTO at Qcells, stated, “Qcells does not tolerate any unlawful usage of the LECO technology, and is fully committed to defending its intellectual property rights to ensure that the solar industry can continue to pursue its research and development activities with confidence.”

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About Qcells

Qcells is one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, recognized for its established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules, portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects. Qcells also provides renewable electricity retail services and packages to end customers across the world. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) with its diverse international manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Malaysia, and South Korea. Qcells offers Completely Clean Energy through the full spectrum of photovoltaic products, storage solutions, renewable electricity contracting and large-scale solar power plants. Through its growing global business network spanning North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East, Qcells provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, governmental and residential markets. For more information, visit:  https://qcells.com/us.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and Qcells’ operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Qcells does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contacts

Debra DeShong, VP, Corporate Communications   
Qcells North America  
us-media@qcells.com