Panasonic is no longer manufacturing Solar Panels

Electronics giant Panasonic Corp. has announced that they are exiting the solar photovoltaic manufacturing industry within 18 months. On 01/31/2021, the Japanese brand issued a press release outlining their plans to scrap their unprofitable solar cell manufacturing operations amid ever-increasing price competition from Chinese manufacturing.

This decision will impact their factories in Malaysia and Japan. This includes the manufacturing of solar wafers, cells, and solar panel modules. The Panasonic factory in Japan will continue to manufacture inverters, battery backup systems, and other products.

Timeline of Panasonic’s Solar Panel Manufacturing

• 2011 – Panasonic entered solar cell manufacturing by making Sanyo Electric Co, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• 2019 – Panasonic announced a potential partnership with GS-Solar to transfer their Malaysian solar panel operation.
• 2020 – Panasonic unwound its joint production deal with U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc.
• 2020 – Panasonic walked away from a partnership with Chinese module maker, GS-Solar, stating GS-Solar missed two deadlines to honor their partnership. 
• 2022 — Solar photovoltaic production at the company’s Malaysia and Japan facilities will be terminated by the end of March 2022. 

Future of Panasonic’s Solar Panel Manufacturing

Panasonic will continue to sell solar panel modules, with their manufacturing subcontracted out to another solar manufacturing company. Rumor has pointed towards REC Solar as their new manufacturing subcontractor in Malaysia. 

Panasonic’s decision to exit solar panel manufacturing also prompts a halt in solar panel Research & Development (R&D) operations. 

Panasonic’s Solar Panel Impact in USA

This move will impact Panasonic’s solar and energy storage operations in the United States as well. Despite their decision to end their solar photovoltaic cell production, Panasonic will continue to sell solar power systems to both homes and businesses. Hopefully, this strategic decision will provide greater flexibility for Panasonic Corporation to be nimbler and move faster with the quickly evolving energy market. 

By leaving the development and manufacturing of their solar panels to another company, it will bring some positive effects to Panasonic. 

• A new product lineup from OEM solar panels that are sold under the EverVolt® brand. 
• Their outsourced solar panel modules will also be covered under their 25-year product and performance warranty from Panasonic.
• Panasonic will shift their focus towards the residential energy storage and management market.  

For existing Panasonic Solar Customers

As one of America’s most trusted solar panel brands, Panasonic has decided that they will stand behind their existing warranties to cover the 25-year product and performance warranties. 

Best Panasonic Solar Installer – Forme Solar Electric

Panasonic Corp has recognized Forme Solar to be best-in-class regarding their solar installation services when it comes to solar panels for homes. Forme Solar has been officially recognized as an Authorized EverVolt® Installer by Panasonic Corp by exceeding Panasonic’s high standards of excellence. Our history of execution and delivering a great quality solar installation experience has allowed us to be a strong partner with Panasonic. Reach out to Forme Solar to get solar panel quote today!

Additional Panasonic Solar Panel Resources: 

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/01/31/business/corporate-business/japan-panasonic-solar-cells-production/