Solar Cable Patents Under Fire: ITC Launches Import Ban Probe
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Shoals Technologies Group is asking the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain solar panel cable parts that might be infringing on their patents. If the investigation finds problems, it could lead to bans on importing and selling these parts in the U.S., affecting companies involved in solar tech. This investigation started in February 2025 and could impact the market and money flow in the solar industry soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation could bar import/sale of solar cable parts
Shoals Technologies filed a complaint (filed January 10, 2025; supplemented January 24, 2025) claiming that certain photovoltaic trunk bus cable assemblies infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 12,015,375 and 12,015,376 (specific claims listed in the complaint). On February 11, 2025 the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted an investigation and the complainant requested a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order that could block the importation or sale in the United States of the accused photovoltaic trunk bus cable assemblies (also called lead assemblies or trunk buses, which may include drop lines).
Named respondents must respond or risk default orders
The Commission named Voltage, LLC (U.S.) and Ningbo Voltage Smart Production Co. (China) as respondents. Responses to the complaint must be submitted by the named respondents within 20 days after service of the complaint and notice of investigation; failure to timely respond may be treated as a waiver and can lead to findings as alleged and issuance of an exclusion order or a cease and desist order against the respondent.
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