Panasonic Solar Panels Review
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Panasonic is a leading brand worldwide and has been a pioneer in solar technology for over 45 years. The company offers panels that are rigorously tested to guarantee optimal performance. Known for their robustness and superior efficiency, Panasonic’s solar panels are highly regarded. In 1997, the firm introduced its HIT series, which includes cutting-edge and highly efficient solar panels.
Panasonic solar panels are among the best in the industry. Their HIT solar panels have a module efficiency ranging from 19.1% and 20.4%, which is slightly below the market leader, SunPower Solar.
These panels beat most big brands in terms of their temperature coefficient and efficiency percentage. They are highly durable and are built to maximize their efficiency while remaining effective throughout their lifetime.
Panasonic solar panels come with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty. The comprehensive Triple Guard warranty guarantees that the solar panels will still have a high efficiency of 90.76% after 25 years. Panasonic’s product warranty matches LG’s and exceeds the industry standard of a 10-year product warranty.
Panasonic has been in the market for over 45 years, making it one of the best companies in the world. It acquired its patent from SANYO, which is also a big name in the industry. This company has an incredible reputation, and its experience in the industry assures you that it will be around long enough to fulfill its warranty.
Cell technology
Panasonic solar panels use a unique and efficient HIT cell structure that incorporates crystalline and amorphous technology. This technology ensures the panels retain more power that is usually lost through the conventional crystalline cell technology cells.
The HIT cell technology makes Panasonic solar panels have a high-temperature coefficient of 0.258%, close to SunPower’s temperature coefficient of 0.29%. This specification ensures that Panasonic solar panels lose the least energy during hot summers. These panels also have a low degradation rate.
The first cells of the modules were developed by SANYO Electric, now Panasonic, in 1980. This technology utilized the first amorphous silicon cells in the world. The cells, however, had a low conversion rate which prompted the company to include thin-film poly-silicon and laminated amorphous silicon in their structure.
To eliminate impurities, researchers layered the panels’ cells on an n-type silicon substrate and a non-doped I-type amorphous silicon. This significantly improved the overall efficiency and junction characteristics of the panels.
Panasonic picked up the technology in 1990 and developed its first heterojunction solar cell, the photovoltaic module HIT. The unique heterojunction technology utilizes ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers that reduce energy loss. The HIT range has earned several awards due to its efficiency and high performance and continues to be the industry’s best module.
| EVPV430HK2/EVPV420HK2 | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type |
| Power Output | 430/420 W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 22.2%/21.7% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.25% |
| Dimensions | 1865 x 1040 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 21.6kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40ºC to 85ºC |
| EVPV405PK2/EVPV400PK2 | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type |
| Power Output | 405/400 W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 20.8%/20.5% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.55% |
| Dimensions | 1722 x 1133 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 21 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°c ~ +85°C |
| EVPV410H/EVPV400H | EVPV390H | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type | N-type |
| Power Output | 410/400W | 390W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 22.2%/21.6% | 21.1% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Dimensions | 1821 x 1016 x 30 mm | 1821 x 1016 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 20.5kg | 20.5kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40ºC to 85ºC | -40ºC to 85ºC |
| EVPV410HK/EVPV400HK | EVPV390HK | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type | N-type |
| Power Output | 410W/400W | 390W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 22.2%/21.6% | 21.10% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Dimensions | 1821 x 1016 x 30 mm | 1821 x 1016 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 20.5kg | 20.5kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40ºC to 85ºC | -40ºC to 85ºC |
| EVPV400PK-2/EVPV390PK-2 | EVPV370PK/EVPV360PK | EVPV350PK | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type | N-type | N-type |
| Power Output | 400W/390W | 370/360W | 350W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 20.5%/20.0% | 20.3%/19.7% | 19.2% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.55% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Dimensions | 1722 x 1133 x 35 mm | 1755 x 1040 x 30 mm | 1755 x 1040 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 21kg | 19.5 kg | 19.5 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40ºC to 85ºC | -40ºC to 85ºC | -40ºC to 85ºC |
| EVPV380/EVPV370 | EVPV370/EVPV360 | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type | N-type |
| Power Output | 380/370 W | 370W/360W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 21.7%/21.2% | 21.2%/20.6% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Dimensions | 1721 x 1016 x 30 mm | 1721 x 1016 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 19.5 kg | 19.5 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°c ~ +85°C | -40°c ~ +85°C |
| EVPV370K/EVPV360K | EVPV360K/EVPV350K | |
| Cells Number | Half-cut cells | Half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | N-type | N-type |
| Power Output | 370W/360W | 360W/350W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 21.2% 20.6% | 20.6%/20.0% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Dimensions | 1721 x 1016 x 30 mm | 1721 x 1016 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 19.5 kg | 19.5 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°c ~ +85°C | -40°c ~ +85°C |
Range of Panasonic panels
| Model | Features |
|---|---|
| Black | - Photovoltaic HIT N-type cells - Uses heterojunction cell technology - Low annual degradation rate of 0.3% - Extremely low light-induced degradation - Zero potential induced degradation - 40mm enhanced frame design - 19.4% to 20.0% module efficiency - 0.258% temperature coefficient - 5400Pa (positive/negative) snow load/static wind - 25-year product warranty with 86.2% power output - 25-year performance warranty |
| Slim | - Photovoltaic HIT N-type cells - Uses heterojunction cell technology - 19.8% module efficiency - Low annual degradation rate of 0.3% - 0.258% temperature coefficient - Extremely low light induced degradation - Zero Potential induced degradation - 25-year product warranty with 86.2% power output - 25-year performance warranty - Sleek space-efficient design - 2400Pa static wind/snow load |
| Compact | - Photovoltaic HIT N-type cells - Uses heterojunction cell technology - 0.258% temperature co-efficient - 19.5% module efficiency - 2400Pa static wind/snow load - Extremely low light-induced degradation - Zero potential induced degradation - 25-year product warranty with 86.2% power output - 25-year performance warranty - Compact and sleek design - 0.3% annual degradation rate |
| Powerful | - Photovoltaic HIT N-type cells - Uses heterojunction cell technology - 0.258% temperature co-efficient - 25-year product warranty with 86.2% power output - 25-year performance warranty - Compact and sleek design - 0.3% annual degradation rate - Extremely low light-induced degradation - Zero potential induced degradation - 19.4 to 20.4% module efficiency - 5400Pa (positive/negative) snow load/static wind - 40mm enhanced design frame - Compact, sleek and space-efficient design |
Black Series
The HIT Black series is one of the best Panasonic solar panels. They boast a high module efficiency and power output that exceeds the industry standards. This series has a low annual degradation rate that means they retain their efficiency after 25 years. This system is designed for optimal efficiency and fits most rooftop designs.
Size: 1590mm x 1053mm x 40mm
Cell type: HIT N-Type
Cell number: 96 cells
Output: 325W – 335W
Weight: 19kg
Cell technology
The HIT cell structure developed by Panasonic is highly unique and efficient. It integrates amorphous and crystalline cell technology that retains the power lost when using conventional crystalline cell technology. This unique heterojunction technology reduces energy loss and increases the output of the panels.
Efficiency
The Panasonic Black Series solar panels are highly efficient. They maintain a high power output of 86.3% after 25 years, making it one of the best in the market. These panels have a slow annual degradation that can provide high power output for a longer time. Besides, it can increase your returns on investment, making it a worthy investment.
Warranty/ Guarantee
Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty that covers the system’s performance, parts, and labor. This warranty guarantees that the solar panels will remain highly efficient and produce about 90.76% of their initial power output. This warranty surpasses most brands in the industry which offer 10 to 12-year warranties for their products.
Peak Performance
Under ideal conditions, the maximum power output of these panels is 335W and gives a module efficiency of 20.0%. This power output is slightly below leading brands such as LG and SunPower, thus placing Panasonic solar panels among the top brands in the industry. For optimal sunlight absorption, installers ensure that they place the panels facing north.
Panels needed for 6.6kW solar system
A 6.6kW Panasonic Black Series solar system requires about 23 panels. These panels have a high output, which means 18 to 20 panels can be enough for a 6,600W solar system. These panels are ideal for all roof types, and their sleek design makes them perfect for homes with little roof space.
Datasheet: Black Series
Slim Series
The Panasonic Slim Series solar panels are designed to fit small and complicated roofs. It seamlessly fits most roofs where bigger panels cannot fit, making it an excellent choice for smaller homes. This series is one of the best in the market, and its sleek design makes it highly sought after by many Australian homeowners.
Size: 1580mm x 798mm x 35mm
Cell type: HIT N-Type
Cell number: 96 cells
Output: 250W
Weight: 15kg
Cell technology
The Panasonic HIT Slim Series has a unique heterojunction technology that uses thin-amorphous silicon layers. The thin dual layers reduce energy loss that enhances the energy output of the panels. The low-temperature coefficient of these panels and their high-efficiency result in increased power production.
These panels perform excellently at high temperatures while maintaining their power output. This makes this system perfect for all year round, particularly during summer.
Efficiency
These panels have a high module efficiency of 19.8%, which provides a high energy yield throughout their lifetime. They come with a high efficiency of 97%, which drops to 95% during the first 10 years. After 25 years, these panels guarantee you an output of 86.2%, which is still high compared to most solar panels.
With an efficiency of over 80% after 25 years, you can still use your panels for more years before you replace them. These panels, therefore, give you a good ROI, making them a thoughtful investment.
Warranty/ Guarantee
Panasonic provides a 25-year performance and 25-year product warranty, which covers labor and parts for the entire period. Panasonic backs its products, and its experience and reputation give you peace of mind. Since the industry standard for solar panels’ lifetime is 25 to 30 years, the warranty covers the panels for their entirety.
Peak Performance
The maximum power output for the Slim Series is 250W from a 96-cell module under optimal conditions. The compact and sleek design of these panels enables high power output and energy yields. These panels provide maximum power production for limited roof space.
Datasheet: Slim Series
Compact Series
Panasonic Compact Series is an excellent choice for people looking for high-performance panels. This module combines high power with a compact size. Their compact design allows more solar panel rows on the roof, increasing the roof’s output power.
Size: 1463 mm x 1053 mm x 35mm
Cell type: HIT N-Type
Cell number: 96 cells
Output: 300W
Weight: 18kg
Cell technology
These panels utilize heterojunction technology like all the Panasonic HIT modules. They use ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers to maximize energy consumption and reduce power loss. This results in higher power output than traditional crystalline cells. This technology has made Panasonic cells to be market leaders when comparing their temperature efficiency with other brands.
Efficiency
Compact Series solar panels come with an original high efficiency of 97%. During the first ten years, the panels’ efficiency drops to 96% and maintains at that point for a long time. By the end of 25 years, these panels exhibit a power output of 86.2%.
These panels have a slow degradation of 0.3% per year and a high module efficiency of 19.5%. Unlike other traditional panels, Panasonic assures durability and a reduced payback time of the panels due to their slow annual degradation rate.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These solar panels have a 25-year product and performance warranty backed by a reputable century-old company. They maintain a power output of 86.2% after 25 years. This means they remain functional for many more years even after reaching their lifetime. These panels are, therefore, an excellent choice for long-term investment.
Peak Performance
The peak performance of the Panasonic Compact Series solar panels is 300W under the right conditions. They have a high module efficiency of 19.5% that ensures a high power output throughout the year. Their low-temperature coefficient of 0.258% makes these panels perform incredibly well, especially during summer.
Datasheet: Compact Series
Powerful Series
The Panasonic HIT Powerful Series are the most powerful of all the Panasonic panels. The HIT N340 boasts a high module efficiency of 20.4%. It has the highest output of all of Panasonic’s solar panels.
These panels have approximately 25% more output power than standard panels of the same size. Their high performance makes them one of the best solar panels in the market. These panels also have a high snow and wind load of 5400Pa that ensures their longevity.
Their excellent water drainage design improves self-cleaning. This increases their performance because of reduced dirt and pollution accumulation on the surface.
Size: 1590mm x 1053mm x 40mm
Cell type: HIT N-Type
Cell number: 96 cells
Output: 335W – 340W
Weight: 19kg
Cell technology
The Panasonic Powerful Series solar panels’ unique HIT cell structure uses both amorphous technology and crystalline technology to reduce power loss through conventional crystalline cell technology panels. This heterojunction technology allows these panels to have a high-temperature coefficient in the market, unlike most similar brands.
Efficiency
These panels are among the top-rated solar panels because of their high efficiency. With an initial output power of 97% and low annual degradation of 0.3%, these panels offer longevity. After the first ten years, their efficiency stands at 95% and drops to 86.2% after 25 years, when the warranty expires.
The panels’ high efficiency reduces payback time while you continue to enjoy enough electricity for over 25 years. With such a low annual degradation rate, these panels can last up to 40 years.
Warranty/ Guarantee
Panasonic solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty and a 25-year product warranty with a guaranteed output of 86.2%. The warranty covers parts and labor as well. Since Panasonic has been in the market for many years, you are guaranteed that it will still be around to honor the warranty.
Peak Performance
The Panasonic Powerful Series solar panels have a module efficiency ranging from 19.4% to 20.4%. Under optimal conditions, these panels can produce up to 325W to 340W for a 96-module cell. To ensure the panels receive maximum sunlight, you should ensure they have an optimal angle orientation on your roof.
Datasheet: Powerful Series
Australian office?
Panasonic Solar has an office in Macquarie Park, NSW, in Australia. This is their main office which is also the main warehouse.
Why an Australian office is important
Having an Australian office is paramount to improving customer service to all Panasonic solar panels homeowners. It is easier to contact an office in Australia than to contact offices in Malaysia.
With Australian offices, customers can resolve issues with their warranties or the efficiency of the panels. More so, customers will get direct help from the manufacturers instead of relying on local suppliers that have proven unreliable over the years.
If a particular local installer goes out of business before the warranty period elapses, customers can contact Panasonic Solar directly for help. With an Australian office, customers can get their issues resolved faster and better.
Panasonic solar panel specification/ datasheet
| Black | Slim | Compact | Powerful | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Number | 96 cells | 96 cells | 96 cells | 96 cells |
| Cell Type | HIT N-Type | HIT N-Type | HIT N-Type | HIT N-Type |
| Power Output | 325W – 335W | 250W | 300W | 335W – 340W |
| Nominal Power Voltage | 59.2V – 59.9V | 44.3V | 53.1V | 57.6V – 59.7V |
| Power Density | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 |
| Panel Efficiency | 19.4% - 20.0% | 19.8% | 19.5% | 19.4% - 20.4% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% |
| Dimensions | 1590mm x 1053mm x 40mm | 1580mm x 798mm x 35mm | 1463 mm x 1053 mm x 35mm | 1590mm x 1053mm x 40mm |
| Weight | 19kg | 15kg | 18kg | 19kg |
| Product Warranty | 25-year | 25-year | 25-year | 25-year |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25-year | 25-year |
| Operational Temperature Range | 44 ± 3°C | 44 ± 3°C | 44 ± 3°C | 44 ± 3°C |
| Made in | Malaysia | Malaysia | Malaysia | Malaysia |
FAQs
Are Panasonic solar panels Tier 1?
Yes, Panasonic solar panels are tier 1. Panasonic is a big brand and has a good reputation in the industry. It has been an industry leader in solar technology for over 45 years. This assures you that the company will still be in business long after your panels have been installed.
Who makes Panasonic solar panels?
Panasonic solar panels are manufactured by Panasonic, which has been the market leader in heterojunction technology. Panasonic acquired its original patents from SANYO, and it produces HIT modules that are unique in the industry.
Where are Panasonic solar panels manufactured?
Panasonic solar panels are manufactured in Kedah, Malaysia, and the United States. They also have facilities in Shiga and Osaka in Japan. Their factory in the United States is in Buffalo, New York where Panasonic manufactures solar panels for their own brand and their partner Tesla. Most of the panels are, however, manufactured abroad.
How long do Panasonic solar panels last?
Panasonic solar panels last for approximately 25 years and still retain an efficiency of 90.7%. These panels’ efficiency is slightly less than SunPower X panels which retain an efficiency of 92% after 25 years. Therefore, these panels are reliable and can still generate enough power for several years even after their warranty expires.
