PERC Rear Passivation Patent Landscape 2026
PERC rear passivation patenting is heavily concentrated, with the Aiko Solar group alone commanding the majority of activity among the largest filers. The field peaked in 2017 and annual filing volume has declined sharply since, signalling a mature, post-peak technology space where incremental differentiation rather than foundational staking is the primary R&D signal.
Aiko Solar dominates a highly concentrated field
Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd leads all applicants, followed closely by Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd — effectively two affiliates of the same corporate group — together accounting for the large majority of activity among the top ranked filers. The top five applicants hold 62% of the combined total of the hundred largest filers.
The tier gap is pronounced: Aiko Solar’s two entities alone dwarf the next-ranked applicant, Hengdian Group DMEGC Magnetics Co. Ltd, by an order of magnitude. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is the sole prominent non-commercial research institution in the top tier, reflecting European academic origins of PERC technology. No non-Chinese industrial applicant appears above a handful of patent records.
| # | Applicant | Patent records | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 72 | |
| 2 | Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 68 | |
| 3 | Hengdian Group DMEGC Magnetics Co. Ltd | 10 | |
| 4 | Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V. | 6 | |
| 5 | Tongwei Solar (Anhui) Co. Ltd | 4 | |
| 6 | Tongwei Solar Energy (Chengdu) Co. Ltd | 4 | |
| 7 | Nantong T Sun New Energy Co. Ltd | 4 | |
| 8 | EGing Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd | 4 | |
| 9 | CSI Cells Co. Ltd | 4 | |
| 10 | MOSCHNER JENS DIRK | 4 |
| # | Applicant | Patent records | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Hanwha Corporation | 3 | |
| 12 | Chint New Energy Technology Co. Ltd | 3 | |
| 13 | Tongwei Solar Energy (Meishan) Co. Ltd | 3 | |
| 14 | Avalon Solar Technologies Pty Ltd | 3 | |
| 15 | Hanwha Q Cells GmbH | 3 | |
| 16 | TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) | 3 | |
| 17 | Hanwha SolarOne (Qidong) Co. Ltd | 3 | |
| 18 | Jineng Clean Energy Technology Ltd | 2 | |
| 19 | Jiangsu Jingwang New Energy Technology Co. Ltd | 2 | |
| 20 | University of Toledo | 2 |
Aiko Solar’s dominant position means the broadest and most defensible claim families in rear passivation structuring, dielectric layer design, and bifacial PERC configurations are already held. New entrants face a dense prior-art landscape and must target differentiated sub-routes to find freedom to operate.
Filings from approximately 2023 onward are subject to publication lag and will be under-counted; the apparent near-zero activity in 2024–2026 reflects delayed publication rather than a verified absence of new applications.
A 2017-peak field transitioning toward coating and interconnect sub-routes
The filing trend chart and technology composition chart together show a field that burst in 2017 and has since contracted, while the IPC branch mix reveals that the core semiconductor device class dominates overwhelmingly, leaving several adjacent coating and interconnect classes relatively sparse.
Annual filing trend
Filings peaked at 47 in 2017 and have fallen steeply in every subsequent year, reaching single digits by 2022. The 2024–2026 bars should be treated as incomplete given publication lag; they do not represent the full eventual count for those years.
↗ Hover for values · click a bar to ask EurekaTechnology composition
H01L (Semiconductor devices) is the overwhelmingly dominant IPC class. C23C (Coating and surface deposition) is the most active secondary branch, reflecting dielectric and passivation layer deposition methods. H01B (Cables, conductors and insulators), H10P, H10W, and B23K each hold only a handful of records, indicating that interconnect metallisation, next-generation device architectures, and joining processes are under-patented relative to the core cell structure.
↗ Hover for values · click a bar to ask EurekaHighly cited patent families surfaced by the query
Citation-heavy patent families returned by the query. Use this section as citation context, not as a curated list of the most topic-specific patents.
A process for preparing passivated emitter rear co…
A process for preparing a passivated emitter rear contact solar cell, which includes the steps as follows: removing the damaged layer on the surface of the silicon wafer and at the same time polishing both surfaces, texturing, forming PN junction, etching, removing the glass impurity, depositing a passivation film on the back surface, depositing a… (excerpt from the patent abstract)
Open this patent in Eureka →| # | Patent | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一种双面PERC晶体硅太阳能电池的制备方法 | 68 |
| 2 | 一种复合介电钝化层结构太阳电池及其制备工艺 | 61 |
| 3 | 一种双面PERC太阳能电池结构及其制备工艺 | 52 |
| 4 | 一种PERC电池的制备方法 | 27 |
| 5 | PERC晶体硅太阳能电池生产中的碱抛光方法 | 18 |
| 6 | Rear wide band gap passivated PERC solar cells | 17 |
| 7 | 一种可提高光电转换效率的PERC太阳能光伏电池 | 15 |
| 8 | A process for preparing passivated emitter rear co… | 14 |
Ranked by total forward citations. Citation counts favour older and broadly cited patent families, and broad or adjacent patents may appear when they match the search scope. Treat this section as citation context, not as a curated list of the most topic-specific patents. Some patent titles may be shown in their original, non-English language where an accurate translation could not be guaranteed.
What the patent structure means for R&D investment decisions
The combination of declining filings, extreme concentration, and a narrow technology branch mix points to a field where foundational patenting is effectively closed. The strategic value lies in identifying the residual adjacent sub-routes and understanding the ecosystem structure.
Post-peak decline: foundational IP space is largely closed
The lifecycle stage is Decline, with annual filings easing back from the 2017 peak and a recent-window growth rate of –78%. The field is not a growth frontier for new broad-scope filing. R&D investment should be oriented toward differentiated improvements — for example novel dielectric stack compositions or advanced contact firing profiles — rather than attempting to secure foundational rear passivation claims that are already extensively covered.
Lifecycle: DeclineTwo Aiko Solar entities hold the commanding share of ranked activity
The top five filers account for 62% of the hundred largest filers’ combined total, with Zhejiang Aiko Solar and Guangdong Aiko Solar together far outpacing all others. This level of concentration means that any freedom-to-operate analysis for a new entrant must engage directly with Aiko Solar’s portfolio. The only credible structural countermeasures are sub-route differentiation (e.g. coating chemistry, interconnect design) or targeting jurisdictions where Aiko’s coverage is thinner.
High concentrationIntra-group co-filing dominates; Fraunhofer links to named inventors
The most active co-filing relationship is between Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech and Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech, with 64 jointly filed records — a coordinated intra-group IP strategy. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft co-files with named individual inventors Jens Dirk Moschner and Christine Meyer, each pairing showing 4 co-filed records, indicating inventor-led academic-to-industry transfer. Tongwei Solar’s three manufacturing subsidiaries also co-file among themselves. No cross-group industrial collaboration appears in the evidence.
Intra-group dominantChina leads filings; Europe and the US hold meaningful secondary positions
China is the leading jurisdiction by patent records, followed by Europe (EPO) and the United States, with India and WIPO (PCT) also carrying material counts. Germany and Australia hold smaller positions. This distribution reflects both the Chinese manufacturing base for PERC cells and the European/US markets where protection of commercialised technology remains valuable. Taiwan and the Netherlands each hold only a few records, suggesting lighter coverage in those jurisdictions.
China-led, multi-jurisdictionGo beyond the landscape: Eureka’s TRIZ Solution agent breaks down an R&D problem and returns patented concept solutions, each with a technical approach and cited patent & literature evidence.
| Applicant | Collaborator | Co-filings |
|---|---|---|
| Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 64 |
| MOSCHNER JENS DIRK | Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V. | 4 |
| MEYER CHRISTINE | Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V. | 4 |
| Tongwei Solar Energy (Chengdu) Co. Ltd | Tongwei Solar Energy (Meishan) Co. Ltd | 3 |
| Tongwei Solar Energy (Chengdu) Co. Ltd | Tongwei Solar (Anhui) Co. Ltd | 3 |
| Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Tianjin Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 2 |
| Suzhou Canadian Solar Inc. | Canadian Solar Inc. | 2 |
| Suzhou Canadian Solar Inc. | Funing Canadian Solar Power Technology Co. Ltd | 2 |
| Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Zhuhai Fushan Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 1 |
| Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Zhuhai Fushan Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 1 |
Co-filing pairs, ranked by the number of jointly-filed patent families.
Aiko Solar’s two entities lead; Hengdian DMEGC and Fraunhofer are distant followers
The top two applicants are affiliated entities of the Aiko Solar group and share near-identical technology profiles, together representing the bulk of rear passivation patent activity. All other applicants are separated by a large gap in record count.
Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech
The top-ranked applicant with 72 patent records, focused almost entirely on H01L 31 (semiconductor photovoltaic devices) with a secondary concentration in C23C 16 (chemical vapour deposition for passivation layers). Its recent filing momentum shows a sharp decline of –95% vs the prior period — consistent with the field’s overall post-peak trajectory — indicating that foundational staking by this entity is effectively complete rather than ongoing.
72 patent recordsGuangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech
The second-ranked applicant with 68 patent records, sharing an essentially identical technology emphasis — H01L 31 dominant, C23C 16 and H01L 21 as secondary branches — reflecting coordinated portfolio management with Zhejiang Aiko Solar. Its recent filing trend also shows a –94% decline, reinforcing the view that the Aiko group has largely concluded its broad PERC rear passivation filing programme. The two entities co-file extensively, with 64 jointly filed records.
68 patent records| Applicant | Recent (3 yrs) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 1 | ▼ -95% |
| Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | 1 | ▼ -94% |
Interconnect metallisation and next-generation device integration are under-served
Several IPC classes adjacent to the dominant H01L semiconductor device branch hold only a handful of records each, pointing to areas where existing PERC rear passivation work intersects with related technical problems that remain lightly patented.
H01B · Rear-contact metallisation and conductor design
H01B (Cables, conductors and insulators) holds only 8 patent records — roughly 4% of the IPC distribution — despite rear-contact metallisation being a direct performance determinant for PERC cells. The sparse coverage suggests that the specific formulation and geometry of rear conductors in PERC configurations (as distinct from front metallisation) is not yet comprehensively claimed. For a materials or equipment company with conductor paste or laser scribing expertise, this sub-route offers a plausible entry path with lower prior-art density.
Search this in Eureka →B23K · Laser processing for rear passivation layer opening
B23K (Welding, soldering and brazing, which encompasses laser processing) holds only 3 patent records, representing 1% of the IPC distribution, despite laser ablation of the rear dielectric passivation layer being a standard step in PERC cell manufacturing. The near-absence of dedicated B23K filings suggests that laser parameter optimisation and ablation profile engineering for rear passivation contacts is an under-patented process sub-space. Equipment manufacturers and process-tool suppliers could find a relatively clear filing landscape here, provided they can demonstrate technical novelty over the handful of existing records.
Search this in Eureka →How leading applicants differ by technology sub-route
Route coverage across the main technology branches in the current evidence set.
| Player | H01L 31 · Semiconductor devices | C23C 16 · Coating & surface deposition | H01L 21 · Semiconductor devices | H01B 1 · Cables, conductors & insulators | H10P 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Strong · 71 | Moderate · 17 | Emerging · 8 | Absent | Emerging · 8 |
| Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd | Strong · 68 | Moderate · 17 | Emerging · 8 | Absent | Emerging · 8 |
| Hengdian Group DMEGC Magnetics Co. Ltd | Strong · 10 | Absent | Absent | Absent | Absent |
| Nantong T Sun New Energy Co. Ltd | Strong · 4 | Absent | Absent | Strong · 4 | Absent |
| Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V. | Strong · 6 | Absent | Absent | Absent | Absent |
Frequently asked questions
The corpus contains 139 patent families in scope for this topic.
Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd leads with 72 patent records, followed closely by the affiliated Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech Co. Ltd with 68 patent records.
Annual filing volume peaked in 2017 with 47 filings and has declined in every subsequent year. The lifecycle stage is classified as Decline, with a recent-window growth rate of -78%. Filings from 2024 onward are subject to publication lag and should be treated as incomplete.
China is the leading jurisdiction, followed by Europe (EPO), the United States, India, and WIPO (PCT). Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Turkey, Taiwan, and the Netherlands each hold smaller numbers of records.
Yes. H01B (rear-contact conductor design) holds only 8 patent records, B23K (laser ablation of the passivation layer for local contact opening) holds only 3, and C03C (glass and enamel compositions for passivation stacks) also holds only 3. These branches are sparsely covered relative to the dominant H01L semiconductor device class, though they should be validated for technical fit before treating them as investment priorities.
The dominant co-filing relationship is intra-group: Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Tech and Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Tech have 64 jointly filed records. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft co-files with named individual inventors Jens Dirk Moschner and Christine Meyer. Tongwei Solar’s manufacturing subsidiaries in Chengdu, Meishan, and Anhui also co-file among themselves.
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