Does Panasonic Make Good Solar Panels?
Solar panels, sometimes referred to as photovoltaic modules or PV modules, use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The demand for solar energy has grown considerably in the past decade as both businesses and homeowners look for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Solar panels offer a clean and efficient way to generate power.
Panasonic is a leading electronics company founded in 1918 and based in Japan. In recent years, Panasonic has become one of the major manufacturers of high-efficiency solar panels and related components. The company offers a wide range of solar products including solar modules, microinverters, and solar roofing.
Panasonic produces high-performance monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar panels in a variety of aesthetics and sizes. Their HIT solar panels combine monocrystalline silicon with amorphous silicon layers to achieve some of the highest efficiency ratings on the market. Panasonic also manufactures complete solar roofing systems designed for residential and commercial buildings.
Panasonic’s Solar Panel Technology
Panasonic manufactures premium monocrystalline solar panels for both residential and commercial use. Their HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) solar cells have the highest efficiency among mass-produced panels, currently rated at 22.5% efficiency compared to around 16-18% for standard panels (1). This means Panasonic panels can produce more electricity using less space.
In addition to high efficiency, Panasonic panels are known for their reliability and durability. They carry one of the longest warranties in the industry at 25 years for product workmanship and 25 years at 80% nominal power output (2). Panasonic tests its panels to withstand extreme weather, backed by demanding criteria such as the IEC salt mist corrosion test and thorough quality control.
Overall, Panasonic solar panels represent premium products targeting maximum performance and lifespan. Their advanced monocrystalline cell technology and robust construction make them strong performers in residential and commercial solar projects.
(1) https://blogs.socsd.org/jkeelty/alternative-fuels/off-the-grid/
(2) https://blogs.socsd.org/jkeelty/alternative-fuels/off-the-grid/
Reviews of Panasonic Solar Panels
Panasonic solar panels receive positive reviews from industry experts and homeowners. According to Solar Reviews, an independent solar panel review site, Panasonic’s HIT panels are “among the most efficient panels on the market” and have an impressive temperature coefficient resulting in strong performance in warm weather. Solar Reviews gave Panasonic solar panels an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
On the Solar Nerd blog, founder Matt Conway says Panasonic makes “highly efficient and high performing solar panels” and that the “exceptional temperature performance” allows the panels to operate better than competitors in high heat. The Solar Nerd review concludes that Panasonic HIT panels are a great choice, despite the premium price. Read the full Solar Nerd Panasonic solar panel review here.
Reviews from homeowners posted on forums like Reddit are also positive overall. Owners like the high power density of Panasonic panels and find the all-black aesthetic pleasing. Some homeowners did note the premium cost of Panasonic was higher than alternative brands. But most reviewers said the superior efficiency, performance and reliability of the HIT panels justified the price.
Cost of Panasonic Solar Panels
Panasonic solar panels are competitively priced compared to other premium solar panel brands. According to Solar Reviews, as of 2024, Panasonic panels cost around $3.10 per watt to install [1]. This is slightly higher than the industry average of $2.65 per watt, but lower than premium brands like SunPower at $3.26 per watt.
For a typical 6 kW solar system, the total installed cost with Panasonic 330W panels would be around $18,600 before incentives. Here is an example full system price breakdown for a home installation in California [2]:
- 18 x Panasonic VBHN330SA16 solar panels – $5,400
- SolarEdge 7600H Inverter – $2,200
- Racking and mounts – $2,000
- Permitting and inspection fees – $600
- Labor and installation – $5,000
- Total: $18,200
While Panasonic panels carry a slight premium, homeowners are often willing to pay more for their high efficiency and reliability backed by a strong 25 year warranty.
Aesthetics of Panasonic Solar Panels
Panasonic offers solar panels in a sleek, all-black design that blends nicely into rooftops. The panels come in standard sizes like 60-cell and 72-cell, with power outputs ranging from 330W to 400W. For homeowners looking for a seamless, streamlined look, Panasonic’s monochromatic solar panels are an excellent choice.
The all-black aesthetic allows Panasonic solar installations to integrate cleanly into the rooftop, whether on contemporary homes or more traditional styles. For those concerned about bulky blue panels clashing visually, Panasonic’s palette helps the system fade into the background. The panels can align flush with standard shingles or tiles and appear nearly invisible from street level.
Panasonic also offers several mounting options for situating the panels attractively on the roof. Tilted mounting can angle the solar array for optimal sun exposure while keeping a sleek profile. Low-profile mounting clamps the panels snugly to the roof surface for a smooth fit. Overall, Panasonic solar systems bring robust power production without disrupting the rooftop’s natural beauty.
Panasonic Solar Panel Warranties
Panasonic offers competitive product and performance warranties on its solar panels. Their standard product warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 12 years. Panasonic also provides a 25 year performance warranty that guarantees 92% of the rated power output during the first year, with a maximum annual degradation of 0.4% for subsequent years, ending at the minimum of 84% by the end of year 25 (Source).
If customers experience an issue and need to make a warranty claim, the process can be initiated by contacting Panasonic or an authorized dealer. Panasonic aims to make the claim process as smooth and convenient as possible. They provide helpful guidance on required documentation and responding to claim requests promptly is a priority for their customer service team (Source).
In 2020, Panasonic also introduced their “AllGuard” warranty which expands coverage to include labor costs for repair/replacement of not just Panasonic solar panels, but other system components too. This demonstrates Panasonic’s commitment to standing behind their products and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Panasonic Solar Panel Reliability
Panasonic solar panels are known for their high reliability and long lifespans. According to third-party testing, Panasonic panels have an extremely low annual degradation rate of just 0.26%1. This means after 25 years, a Panasonic solar panel will still produce over 80% of its original rated power output. Comparatively, the industry standard degradation rate is around 0.5-0.7% per year.
The high reliability is due to Panasonic’s patented heterojunction cell technology with crystalline silicon wafers and amorphous silicon thin-film layers. This advanced cell structure provides excellent protection against cracking, corrosion, and other environmental stresses. Panasonic rigorously tests its panels to ensure they can withstand high winds up to 3600 Pa, heavy snow loads up to 5400 Pa, extreme temperatures from -40°C to 85°C, humidity up to 85%, salt mist, ammonia, and other challenges2.
In independent testing by PV Evolution Labs, Panasonic panels showed excellent light and elevated temperature induced degradation resistance. After exposure equivalent to 30 years in the field, Panasonic panels maintained over 94% of their original power output3. This confirms Panasonic’s excellent reliability and heat tolerance claims are backed by hard evidence.
Panasonic Solar Panel Installers
Finding a good installer is key to maximizing the performance and lifespan of your Panasonic solar panels. Panasonic maintains a network of certified installers who are specially trained on Panasonic products. This gives customers the peace of mind that their solar panels will be installed properly.
Panasonic makes it easy to locate certified installers on their website. Simply enter your address and they provide a list of authorized installers in your area. The company thoroughly vets and trains these installers to ensure they meet Panasonic’s high standards.
Reviews of Panasonic certified installers are overwhelmingly positive. Customers praise the installers’ professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. Many reviewers say their Panasonic panels were installed faster than expected with minimal disruption. This positive installer experience backs up Panasonic’s reputation for making the solar process smooth and satisfactory.
By going with a certified Panasonic installer, customers can feel confident their panels will be set up for optimal sunlight exposure. This helps maximize energy production. The installers also take care to weatherproof the connections and attachments properly. Overall, Panasonic installers deliver on the company’s commitment to high-quality solar products and installation.
Other Panasonic Solar Products
In addition to solar panels, Panasonic offers other solar energy products like inverters, mounting systems, and batteries to provide complete solar solutions. Panasonic produces highly efficient solar inverters that convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels into usable AC power for homes and businesses. According to Panasonic, their inverters boast 96.7% CEC efficiency ratings and proprietary technologies for maximum energy harvest.
For mounting solar panels, Panasonic provides durable aluminum mounting brackets engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. The mounting systems are designed for quick and easy installation. Panasonic also offers high-performance lithium-ion solar batteries that can store excess solar energy for use when needed. The batteries provide backup power and maximize solar energy utilization.
Panasonic brings all these elements together in whole home solar solutions that integrate solar panels, inverters, batteries, and mounting equipment. According to a Better Builder Magazine article, Panasonic offers an integrated 6.7 kW solar array and battery storage system that generates and stores solar electricity for homes.
Conclusion
In summary, Panasonic solar panels have several pros and cons to consider. On the pro side, they utilize high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells and have an elegant all-black aesthetic. Panasonic offers strong 25-year product and performance warranties to back up their products. Their panels are known to be durable and reliable, often outlasting their warranties. In independent testing, Panasonic panels consistently rank near the top for energy output.
On the downside, Panasonic solar panels tend to cost more than comparable models from other brands. They rely heavily on authorized installers, which limits flexibility but ensures quality installation. Some reviewers have complained about average customer service. Panasonic’s solar panel range is also not as extensive as other major manufacturers.
Overall, Panasonic makes high-performing, durable solar panels that are backed up by strong warranties. While they come at a premium price, many customers find the quality and reliability worth the extra investment. For homeowners who prioritize panel output and longevity over upfront cost, Panasonic remains one of the top-tier solar panel brands on the market today.
