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JinkoSolar Sues Waaree Energies Over TOPCon Patent Infringement

JinkoSolar has taken legal action against Indian solar manufacturer Waaree Energies and its US subsidiary, Waaree Solar Americas, for allegedly infringing on its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patent. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, specifically targeting Waaree’s use of technology covered under JinkoSolar’s US patent 11,824,136B2, which was granted in 2023. This patent pertains to the design, manufacturing methods, and application of TOPCon solar cells and photovoltaic modules. Waaree Energies, founded in 1989, is India’s largest solar PV module manufacturer, operating four production facilities in Gujarat with a total capacity of 12 GW as of mid-2024. Additionally, in December 2024, its US subsidiary launched a 1.6 GW solar module plant in Brookshire, Texas. This expansion into the US market has now placed Waaree in legal conflict with JinkoSolar.

JinkoSolar has been actively defending its intellectual property worldwide. Prior to the lawsuit against Waaree, it took legal action against Japan’s Fuji Solar subsidiary, VSUN Solar, in December 2024. The company also initiated lawsuits against Chinese solar giant Longi across multiple regions, including China, Japan, and Australia, in early 2025. These lawsuits indicate a broader industry trend where leading solar manufacturers are seeking to protect their proprietary technologies from competitors.

The case against Waaree highlights the increasing legal battles within the solar sector as companies push for technological advancements while navigating patent disputes. JinkoSolar’s move reflects its aggressive stance on patent enforcement, which could impact the competitive dynamics of the global solar industry. As of now, Waaree Energies has not responded to the allegations.