Silfab Solar has acquired EnPV’s technology patent portfolio that includes advanced back-contact designs for solar cells.
EnPV, the solar technology division of EnBW, an energy supply company in Germany, developed TOPCon manufacturing process. Its flagship design, self-aligned back contact (SABC), will immediately be integrated into Silfab’s manufacturing efforts. The method enables precise alignment and improved electrical performance in cell and module fabrication, which will support continued innovation in Silfab’s Elite Series of solar panels that use a conductive backsheet and unique back-contact designs.
Silfab will also hold the trademark of the SABC technology.
“Silfab Solar is leading the way in the integration of innovative solar cells and modules by investing in new technology specifically designed for the U.S market,” said Paolo Maccario, Silfab President and CEO. “Acquiring these cutting-edge technology patents and intellectual property will enable us to develop the next generation of solar panels for the Silfab Elite Series and beyond, ensuring we continue to offer our customers high-quality, powerful solar modules manufactured in the U.S. while preserving and protecting strategically important European and American innovation.”
As part of the agreement with EnPV, Silfab will also acquire a team of solar experts who pioneered the technology and will continue advancing the next-generation PV solutions for Silfab.
Well, Well, Well there seems to be a [new kid in town] for advanced TopCon and SABC solar PV panels aside from Chinese manufacturers. Canada will benefit, the U.S. Solar PV companies MAY or may not get hit with a 25% tariff, yet, Silfab seems poised to avoid the CBP niggles of Maxeon and a direct replacement of Maxeon series 3 panels with Silfab Elite Series panels from now on. The Silfab USA plant might have the capability to use U.S. wafers, manufactured into solar PV cells as a tariff free solar PV panel assembly sooner than later. The Trump Tariff Cudgel (TTC) right now has created a chasm in the solar PV industry, until the tariff situation has new agreements in place OR Trump term limits out by 2028.