[SMM PV News] UK Solar Capacity Hits 22 GW Amid Utility-Scale Surge

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated a Section 337 investigation into imports of certain TOPCon solar cells and modules following a patent infringement complaint by First Solar. Filed on February 24, 2026, the complaint targets 47 respondents across the US, China, India, Vietnam, and other nations, including major manufacturers like Canadian Solar, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, and Trinasolar. First Solar alleges these companies infringe on its TOPCon patents and is seeking exclusion and cease-and-desist orders to restrict their sale in the US. Respondents have 20 days to reply. An Administrative Law Judge will issue an initial determination, with the potential to bar offending products from the US market and further disrupt the solar supply chain

[SMM Silicon-Based PV Morning Meeting Summary: Polysilicon Prices Remained Slightly Weak, While Module Prices Were Stable on the Surface but Fell in Practice] Over the weekend, N-type recharging polysilicon was quoted at 36-43.5 yuan/kg. Polysilicon prices still appeared slightly weak over the weekend, and the market reported that some crystal pulling facilities had extremely low target prices, which upstream suppliers had not yet accepted.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office ('EPPO') is investigating attempted fraud involving EU funds for small solar plants in Slovenia. An unnamed company allegedly broke tender rules by ordering equipment before applying for a €215,265 grant, which was consequently blocked. Investigators found the firm previously secured over €955,275 for four supermarket rooftop projects by falsely claiming a third party supplied the solar panels, instead of providing them itself. Following this, Slovenian police raided properties in Celje to seize evidence. This echoes a similar January 2025 'EPPO' probe into two other Slovenian solar firms. Despite these issues, Slovenia's cumulative solar capacity reached 1.57 GW last year after adding 146.5 MW.