First Solar, a prominent US-based solar cell manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit in a Delaware court accusing Mundra Solar PV Ltd (MSPVL)—a unit of the Adani Group—of infringing on its patented solar panel technologies. MSPVL has denied the allegations and filed a counterclaim, asserting that its manufacturing process is distinct and does not violate First Solar’s patents.
Scope of the Dispute
- Patent Focus: First Solar claims MSPVL infringed on two patented technologies integral to solar panel manufacturing involving heat treatment processes.
- Adani’s Defense: MSPVL counters that these patents pertain to a different solar cell technology (HJT), not TOPCon, and their process—excluding key heat treatment steps—differs substantially.
Why This Matters
- Exports at Stake: Adani’s solar panel exports to the US—worth approximately ₹3,000 crore annually—are under threat if the court rules in favor of First Solar.
- India’s Solar Momentum: This lawsuit unfolds just as Indian manufacturers have gained a competitive edge in the US market, following tariffs on Chinese solar goods. A ruling against MSPVL could undermine that advantage.
- Wider Tech Implications: Under US patent law, even if a process isn’t identical, it may still constitute infringement under the doctrine of equivalents, if its function, manner, and result are substantially the same. Legal experts note this could be pivotal in the case.
Legal & Industry Stakes
- Jury Trial Demanded: First Solar has pushed for a jury trial in the case, elevating the legal stakes.
- Broader Industry Trends: This isn’t isolated—there’s a larger patent battle in solar technology, with firms like Trina Solar also pursuing legal action over TOPCon technology patents.
Background: Adani’s Solar Tech Reach
- MSPVL Capabilities: MSPVL, a subsidiary of Adani Green Technology, commands approximately 2 GW per year of TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, while another unit, MSEL, produces 2 GW of mono-PERC technology.
- Growth Trajectory: In FY25, MSPVL doubled its revenue to ₹6,353 crore and saw over fivefold growth in profit to ₹1,085 crore, with more than half its business tied to US exports.mint
Suggested External Sources
- First Solar SEC Filings & Press Releases (for legal filings and details)
- USPTO or Patent Office Records (for technical patent details and comparisons)
- Industry Analyses on patent law implications and the solar trade landscape
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | First Solar (US) |
| Defendant | Mundra Solar PV Ltd (Adani Group) |
| Allegation | Patent infringement involving solar panel manufacturing patents |
| Adani’s Defense | Different technology and process (no heat treatment, not HJT) |
| Exports at Risk | ~₹3,000 crore annually to the US |
| Legal Status | Lawsuit in Delaware; jury trial requested |
| Industry Context | Part of wider global solar patent disputes (TOPCon tech) |
