China Solar PV News Snippets: JinkoSolar Plans To Monetize Patent Portfolio & More

JinkoSolar plans to monetize patent portfolio

Leading PV and ESS supplier JinkoSolar has announced that it was rated at the top of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce’s (ACFIC) latest patent leaderboard, among the solar companies. It claims that it is the highest patent holder for 2023 in the solar category, with 4,100 patents registered and 2,280 granted.

Dany Qian, VP of JinkoSolar, announced plans to monetize the company's patent portfolio, positioning JinkoSolar as a leader in leveraging intellectual property. Ranked No. 1 among solar companies by ACFIC, JinkoSolar claims to have the 37th largest patent portfolio across all tech sectors. Currently using patents defensively to deter infringement suits, JinkoSolar says it will begin licensing its patents, having already granted access to 2 top solar companies for TOPCon production. Patents are becoming increasingly crucial in the solar industry for dominance and revenue generation through licensing.

Recently, TaiyangNews spoke with JinkoSolar’s Global Vice President Dany Qian about the company’s IP portfolio and its approach to navigating the increasingly competitive solar market (see Guarded and Guarding: JinkoSolar’s IP Portfolio Strategy in the TOPCon Era).

JinkoSolar listed in Forbes 2024 China ESG 50

JinkoSolar has been named in the Forbes 2024 China ESG 50 list for its ESG practices, including carbon target validation and producing n-type Neo Green modules at its ‘zero-carbon factories.’ JinkoSolar says that this recognition highlights its commitment to global sustainability. The company has also passed key Science Based Targets initiative reviews, earned a ‘B’ rating from CDP, a ‘Silver’ rating from EcoVadis, and a ‘BBB’ rating from MSCI. JinkoSolar says its Tiger Neo modules, produced in zero-carbon factories certified by TÜV Rheinland, further showcase its leadership in green industry transformation.

JinkoSolar recently announced that it has delivered the first phase of the 340 MWh liquid-cooled energy storage system (ESS) contract with Sunrev (see China Solar PV News Snippets).

Update on Tongwei's acquisition of Runergy

As reported in Chinese local media, Runergy has undergone a series of changes in its equity structure and core personnel. The company's registered capital increased from RMB 360 million ($51.34 million) to RMB 450 million ($64.17 million). The previous chairman Tao Longzhong, who is also the founder of Runergy, has been replaced by Zhang Naiwen, who also serves as the chairman of Yueda Group.

In August this year, Tongwei Co., Ltd. announced that Yueda Group would make a cash capital investment of RMB 1 billion ($142.6 million) into Runergy. Subsequently, Tongwei would infuse its own capital into Runergy to acquire Yueda Group’s equity through the aforementioned RMB 1 billion capital increase. This would cumulatively give Tongwei no less than 51% equity in Runergy, making Runergy a controlling subsidiary of Tongwei.

Runergy recently announced that its independently developed 182 mm n-type solar module, with dimensions of 2278 × 1134mm, has achieved a front-side power output of 624.9 W (see China Solar PV News Snippets).

CATL not considering acquiring DAS Solar

Earlier this month, a Chinese publication Latepost had reported that battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) plans to acquire solar companies and that it was in acquisition talks with module manufacturer DAS Solar (see our coverage here). Latepost had also reported that CATL had attempted to acquire a 51% stake in another solar manufacturer, Runergy, for RMB 4 billion ($570.4 million) prior to approaching DAS Solar. The company’s chairman Zeng Yuqun has clarified in a release that CATL is not considering acquiring solar companies, including DAS Solar, at present.

TCL TZE subsidiary supplies shingled modules to Uzbekistan

Huansheng Solar, a subsidiary of TCL TZE, has begun delivering the first batch of shingled modules for the 500 MW solar project in Popsky, Namangan region, Uzbekistan. The project was launched in March 2024 and is invested and managed by Next Solar Energy Group. It is considered the largest single-unit capacity solar project on the DC side in Uzbekistan. Huansheng Solar is providing all the modules for this project. The first shipment of 300 MW modules consists of Huansheng Solar’s n-type G12-68P high-efficiency shingled modules, measuring 2413 x 1303 mm, with mass production power reaching 715-720 W.