Panasonic Solar Panels

Written-by

Richard Burdett

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett

Updated on

Sep 04, 2024

Panasonic Solar Panels

The following information may be outdated. Please visit the Panasonic website for up to the minute information. 

Panasonic produce Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer (HIT) solar cells. These modules are made from monocrystalline silicon wafers that are surrounded by incredibly thin amorphous silicon layers. This form of hybrid panel is made from the purest form of silicon, and thus delivers an incredibly high level of efficiency. HIT solar cells are a unique product on the market and only available from Panasonic. You can read more about each type of panel in the chart below.

Alternatively, you can click here to learn more about the different types of solar cell available.

Features and Efficiency

The best performing module that Panasonic produces is the Double HIT. This solar panel is able to absorb heat on both sides, which increases the amount of electricity it produces using exactly the same surface. While Panasonic does not specify a number for the efficiency rating, it does state that the Double HIT is expected to deliver 26% more than a standard panel. A standard solar panel from most manufacturers will deliver an efficiency rating of 16-19%. These numbers represent the ratio at which the heat captured by the panel is turned into electricity.

Without any shadow of a doubt, this efficiency rating is one of the highest on the market for solar panels, which places Panasonic Solar right at the forefront of the industry. In April of 2014, the company announced that its HIT solar cell system reached an amazing, and record breaking, 25.6% conversion rate, which is astounding efficiency. The Panasonic panels come with a frame that was designed for water drainage. This clever installation works fantastically when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of the panel as the rain water will be drained from the panel at a constant rate.

In rainy places, such as the UK, this feature adds a lot to the overall value for customers. The Double HIT solar cells have a bifacial structure, meaning that they are able to generate electricity on both sides of the panel. Through smart engineering, Panasonic panels are able to make the most out of the heat they capture while using a much smaller amount of space. In addition to this, the solar modules have a screw-free coated frame in order to prevent damage. All of these features come in a compact package, and the panels have an impressive size of only 35mm in depth.

Models Available in The UK

If you are looking to purchase a solar panel model from Panasonic, then you are able to choose either Standard HIT or Double HIT. The latter of these is an innovative and very unique panel that absorbs light and heat from both sides. On the roof, a high reflection material is installed, and this material will mirror the light, after which it is absorbed by the back side of the pane. As a result of this, the solar module is installed at a 20-degree angle and tilted towards the south.

Warranty

Panasonic Solar guarantees at least 90% of the minimum power output for each module for the first ten years. It should be noted that the minimum power output is 95% of the maximum power output. In order to show you an example of this calculation, we can take advantage of the table above. The HIP215 panel has a maximum power of 215W. The minimum power = 215W * 95% = 204W. Therefore, if the module you have purchased has a 204W minimum power output, you can expect it to deliver at least 183.6W from the moment it starts running, up until its tenth year of operation. 10-year warranty = 204 * 90% = 183.6 From year 11 to year 25, the warranty promises to deliver a minimum of 80% of the power output.

This is equal to 163W. The materials and workmanship guarantee for the product that is offered by Panasonic also lasts ten years. On top of the warranty, it is important that you know the claim rate for solar modules currently stands at a mere 0.0036%. This is a very low return rate for the industry and further emphasises the high quality that HIT solar panels have to offer. Find our more about Solar Panel warranty and maintenance.

Conclusion

HIT solar cells are a unique product on the market, and they are only available from Panasonic. The company’s determination to improve and refine their technology and products are many of the reasons why the HIT panels are such a shining example of industry success. The Double HIT panel delivers an impressive output, all while using the same surface as traditional panels.

The Standard HIT deliver a high efficiency when compared to other panels, and by choosing monocrystalline silicon for panel production, they are not compromising on the overall quality. As expected, the price tag is higher for these panels, but it definitely pays off once it has been installed. You are able to choose from over ten models, all of which are lighter in weight than other products on the market.

To find out which one is right for you and your home, you can fill in the no obligation form on this page. It only takes a minute, and our team of expert installers will be in touch with you to discuss the best offers and prices available to you. It’s a free and easy service.