Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-02-11 04:21Core Viewpoint - The photovoltaic industry is moving towards a "deeper water zone" as companies are ending patent disputes, signaling a shift away from internal competition and towards healthier industry practices [1][5]. Group 1: Patent Agreements - Longi Green Energy and Jinko Solar ended all global patent disputes in September 2022, marking a significant shift in the industry [5]. - Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan recently signed a patent licensing agreement, resolving over two years of patent disputes, with a total licensing fee of 1.65 billion yuan, to be paid in installments from 2026 to 2030 [3][4]. - The licensing agreement allows Aiko Solar access to approximately 1,000 Maxeon patents, with no restrictions on production volumes, thus avoiding lengthy legal processes and focusing on development and innovation [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Implications - The resolution of patent disputes is expected to eliminate uncertainties for overseas clients, leading to price increases for Aiko Solar's products and the introduction of a 0.02 yuan per watt patent fee for downstream customers [4]. - TCL Zhonghuan views the agreement as a means to collaborate with industry partners to build a healthy competitive environment and enhance its market position in the BC battery component sector [4]. - The trend of major companies ending patent disputes is seen as a positive response to the "anti-involution" movement, promoting a more orderly and healthy development of the photovoltaic industry [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology emphasizes that 2026 will be a critical year for addressing internal competition in the photovoltaic industry, focusing on strengthening intellectual property protection and curbing infringement [6]. - The ministry plans to implement measures such as capacity regulation, quality supervision, and price enforcement to achieve a dynamic balance of supply and demand in the industry [6].