TCL中环公告称，2026年1月24日，其控股子公司Maxeon的全资子公司SPT拟向 胜宏科技孙公司MFSS 出售马来西亚全资子公司SPMY100%股权，交易总对价不超5100万美元。2月13日，该交易已完成全部 交割工作，SPMY不再纳入公司及Maxeon合并报表范围。 ...

Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - The surge in silver prices is expected to accelerate the adoption of low-cost metal pastes in the photovoltaic (PV) battery module industry, leading to increased cost differentiation among manufacturers and the potential elimination of outdated production capacity [1][6] Group 1: Silver Price Impact - The price of silver has risen significantly, from approximately 8,000 RMB/kg in mid-2025 to around 19,000 RMB/kg currently, with expectations for continued strength [2] - For TOPCon batteries, a 1,000 RMB/kg increase in silver price corresponds to a cost increase of about 0.01 RMB/W, with current silver paste costs nearing 0.20 RMB/W [2] - HJT manufacturers are expected to reduce silver usage to below 4 mg/W, achieving a cost advantage over TOPCon batteries by more than 0.10 RMB/W [2][3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The introduction of low-cost metal pastes is anticipated to accelerate among leading manufacturers, with a critical mass application expected in the second half of 2026 [3] - Second and third-tier manufacturers may face challenges in adopting low-cost metal pastes due to funding and technical limitations, potentially widening the cost gap to over 0.10 RMB/W compared to leading firms [3] Group 3: Intellectual Property Developments - Aiko Solar has signed a patent licensing agreement with Maxeon, paying 1.65 billion RMB over five years for access to BC battery patents, marking a significant step in addressing intellectual property issues in the PV industry [4] - This collaboration is expected to enhance Aiko's competitive position and set a precedent for resolving patent disputes within the industry [4] Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The PV battery module industry is projected to experience accelerated "anti-involution," with recommendations to invest in leading battery module manufacturers, core paste suppliers, and HJT equipment suppliers with sustained competitive advantages [6]

Core Viewpoint - The photovoltaic industry is moving towards a healthier competitive environment as companies are ending patent disputes, signaling a shift away from "internal competition" and towards collaboration for innovation and market stability [3][5][6]. Group 1: Patent Agreements - Longi Green Energy and JinkoSolar 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 worth a total of 1.65 billion yuan, with payments scheduled from 2026 to 2030 [4]. - Aiko Solar will gain access to approximately 1,000 Maxeon patents, allowing for greater focus on development and innovation without the burden of ongoing legal disputes [4][5]. Group 2: Industry Response and Future Outlook - The resolution of patent disputes is seen as a positive response to the "anti-involution" movement within the photovoltaic sector, promoting healthy competition and innovation [5][6]. - Industry leaders have publicly opposed "patent wars," emphasizing the need to focus on technological advancement rather than legal conflicts [6]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has identified 2026 as a critical year for addressing internal competition in the photovoltaic industry, with a focus on strengthening intellectual property protection [7]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The ongoing patent disputes had previously caused uncertainty among overseas clients regarding the procurement of ABC components, which is expected to improve following the licensing agreements [5]. - The agreements are anticipated to allow companies to raise prices on battery and component products, with Aiko Solar planning to charge a royalty fee of 0.02 yuan per watt [5]. - The industry is currently facing challenges related to supply-demand mismatches, and the Ministry plans to implement measures to achieve dynamic balance in the market [7].

行 业 及 产 业 电力设备/ 光伏设备 2026 年 02 月 10 日 爱旭股份与 Maxeon 达成专利许 研究支持 李冲 A0230524070001 lichong@swsresearch.com 联系人 李冲 A0230524070001 lichong@swsresearch.com 行 业 研 究 / 行 业 点 评 相关研究 证 券 研 究 报 告 证券分析师 马天一 A0230525040004 maty@swsresearch.com 李冲 A0230524070001 lichong@swsresearch.com 行业点评 ⚫ 事件：爱旭股份与 Maxeon 达成"5 年期 16.5 亿元"的 BC 专利许可，核 心条款为爱旭与 Maxeon 签署 BC 电池与组件专利许可，期限五年、总额 16.5 亿元，许可区域为全球（美国除外），性质为非独家授权，双方同步 撤回相关未决诉讼。该许可协议将推动光伏"反内卷"路径从价格自律转向 知识产权法治化。 请务必仔细阅读正文之后的各项信息披露与声明 本研究报告仅通过邮件提供给 博时基金 博时基金管理有限公司(researchreport@bos ...

Core Viewpoint - The patent disputes between Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan's subsidiary Maxeon have concluded, signaling a shift in the photovoltaic industry towards ending internal competition and fostering healthy development [1][3]. Group 1: Patent Licensing Agreement - Aiko Solar and Maxeon signed a patent licensing agreement worth a total of 1.65 billion yuan, with 250 million yuan to be paid in 2026 and the remainder to be paid in installments from 2027 to 2030 [2]. - Aiko Solar will receive approximately 1,000 past and future patents related to BC batteries and components, with no sales limits imposed on Aiko's BC components and batteries by Maxeon [2][3]. - The agreement allows both companies to terminate all pending or potential patent disputes, enabling Aiko Solar to focus on business development and technological innovation [2]. Group 2: Industry Implications - The resolution of patent disputes is expected to eliminate uncertainties that previously affected overseas customers' purchasing decisions regarding ABC components [3]. - Following the agreement, Aiko Solar plans to increase prices for its battery and component products and will charge downstream customers a royalty fee of 0.02 yuan per watt [3]. - The collaboration is seen as a way to promote healthy competition in the photovoltaic industry and to shift the market dynamics towards a more regulated and law-abiding environment [2][3]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The trend of major companies ending patent disputes is viewed as a positive response to the industry's "anti-involution" movement, indicating a shift towards healthier and more orderly development [3][4]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has emphasized the importance of strengthening intellectual property protection and curbing infringement behaviors as part of the industry's governance efforts [5]. - The industry is currently undergoing a deep adjustment period, with significant challenges remaining in balancing supply and demand, necessitating coordinated efforts to improve market conditions [5].

Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's photovoltaic junction box products have a higher gross margin primarily due to a relatively high proportion of overseas business, which has a higher gross margin compared to domestic business [2] Group 2: Overseas Business and Clients - Major North American clients include: 1. Client A (a globally recognized thin-film module supplier, partnership established in 2019) 2. Client B (a well-known U.S. electric vehicle and clean energy company, partnership established in 2017) 3. Client C (a well-known crystalline silicon photovoltaic supplier, partnership established in 2022) The company serves as a major supplier in the supply chains of these clients [2] Group 3: Production Capacity and Strategy - The company has established a production base in Thailand, which will begin mass production in June 2024, focusing on crystalline junction boxes, thin-film junction boxes, and micro-inverter interconnection harnesses. This base aims to leverage local advantages to reduce production costs and expand market share in the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia [2] Group 4: Competitive Advantages - The company maintains competitive advantages in overseas service operations and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) capabilities, which allow for personalized product development and continuous upgrades based on client needs. This has led to strong relationships with major clients [2] Group 5: Future Developments - The company is monitoring trends in space photovoltaic applications and is considering future research and technical reserves related to satellite solar wings, focusing on challenges such as lightweight design and high reliability [3] - In the electric vehicle sector, the company is developing components for auxiliary power battery boxes and plans to continue innovating in the field of electrical connections and protection [3]

Company and Industry Summary Company: Aiko Solar Co., Ltd. (爱旭股份) Key Points - **Patent Licensing Agreement**: Aiko Solar has signed a licensing agreement with Maxeon, acquiring all BC battery and module patents outside the United States for the next five years, which does not involve reverse licensing. Both parties have agreed to withdraw or terminate all ongoing or pending legal proceedings related to the licensed patents and products [1] - **Total Licensing Fee**: The total patent licensing fee amounts to RMB 1.65 billion, to be paid in installments over five years, with the first-year fee set at RMB 250 million [1] - **Cost-Effective Patent Acquisition**: The company has obtained patent authorization at a relatively low cost and is initiating a new patent charging model to pass on costs. Assuming a total shipment of approximately 150 GW for ABC components from 2026 to 2030, the corresponding patent fee is estimated to be around RMB 0.01 per watt [2] - **Product Pricing Strategy**: Following the patent collaboration, Aiko Solar plans to increase the prices of all its products by RMB 0.02 per watt as part of the patent fee strategy, aiming to foster a healthy industry order that respects intellectual property and technological innovation [2] Additional Important Information - **Legal Proceedings**: The agreement includes a clause that prevents either party from taking actions that would conflict with the granted licenses during the five-year term [1] - **Market Expansion**: The breakthrough in patent compliance is expected to open up overseas market opportunities for Aiko Solar, potentially increasing its market share and revenue [1] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of Aiko Solar's recent developments regarding patent licensing and its implications for the company's market strategy and financial outlook.

Core Viewpoint - The A-share photovoltaic sector experienced a surge in stock prices, with multiple companies reaching their daily limit, driven by a significant patent licensing agreement between Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan's subsidiary Maxeon, involving a total licensing fee of 1.65 billion yuan [1][3]. Group 1: Patent Licensing Agreement - Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan signed a patent licensing agreement allowing Aiko to access all BC battery and component patents owned by Maxeon, excluding reverse licensing [1][3]. - The total licensing fee is 1.65 billion yuan, with the first-year payment set at 250 million yuan, marking the largest publicly disclosed patent licensing fee in China's photovoltaic industry to date [1][3]. - The agreement resolves ongoing patent disputes between Aiko and Maxeon, including previous lawsuits in Germany and the Netherlands regarding BC technology [3]. Group 2: Market Impact and Company Performance - Following the announcement, Aiko Solar's stock price reached 14.92 yuan per share, with a market capitalization of 31.6 billion yuan, while TCL Zhonghuan's stock was at 11.68 yuan per share, with a market cap of 47.2 billion yuan [4]. - Aiko Solar anticipates that the licensing fees will be covered by projected sales exceeding 165 GW over the next five years, with an average cost of less than 0.01 yuan per watt for licensing [4]. - The licensing model based on BC technology is expected to become a new profit growth point for Aiko Solar [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - Patent disputes are common in the photovoltaic industry, with many leading manufacturers involved in ongoing legal battles over technology rights [3][4]. - The emphasis on intellectual property protection is increasingly recognized within the photovoltaic sector, as highlighted by recent discussions on industry governance and the need for coordinated efforts to balance supply and demand [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in stock prices of A-share photovoltaic companies following a significant patent licensing agreement between Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the photovoltaic industry [1][3]. Group 1: Patent Licensing Agreement - Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan signed a patent licensing agreement with a total fee of 1.65 billion yuan, marking the largest publicly disclosed patent licensing fee in China's photovoltaic industry to date [1][3]. - The agreement allows Aiko Solar to access all BC battery and component patents owned by Maxeon for the next five years, excluding reverse licensing [1][3]. - Both companies agreed to withdraw or terminate all ongoing legal proceedings related to the licensed patents, indicating a resolution to previous patent disputes [3]. Group 2: Market Impact and Financial Projections - Following the announcement, multiple A-share photovoltaic companies, including Aiko Solar and TCL Zhonghuan, experienced stock price surges, with Aiko Solar's stock reaching 14.92 yuan per share and a market capitalization of 31.6 billion yuan [1][6]. - Aiko Solar anticipates sales exceeding 165 GW over the next five years, projecting an average licensing cost of less than 0.01 yuan per watt, while charging customers a royalty fee of 0.02 yuan per watt [6]. - The licensing fee is expected to become a new profit growth point for Aiko Solar, emphasizing the shift towards a business model focused on patent collaboration and licensing [6]. Group 3: Industry Context and Trends - The article notes that patent disputes are common in the photovoltaic industry, with many leading manufacturers involved in ongoing legal battles [5][6]. - The focus on intellectual property has become a consensus in the photovoltaic sector, with industry leaders recognizing its importance for future growth and innovation [9]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has highlighted the need for enhanced intellectual property protection and risk management in the face of global energy transitions and trade protectionism [9].