Race for Cheaper Solar-Energy Systems Turns on ITC Patent Case

A patent case at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) between Westinghouse Solar Inc. and Zep Solar Inc. is currently playing out as both parties fight for a share of the $6 billion U.S. solar energy market. The case is the first patent case involving solar panels to be heard by the ITC and may determine which design becomes most prevalent in a market that is poised to grow rapidly. The technology at issue would make the installation of solar energy in homes and businesses much easier and affordable. According to the article, “while panel prices have dropped by more than half in the past two years, the cost of installation has remained the same.” Finnegan partner Mark D. Sweet points out that interest in solar power typically tracks with oil prices and that “At some point, it’s economics versus altruism…You want to do good, but there’s a cost involved. That’s what people are constantly striving to do–reduce the cost of the production techniques and the installation techniques."