During my time at Solar Power International in Orlando last week I got a chance to stop by and chat with Panasonic. Though well known as your household television manufacturer, the company has eagerly stepped into solar after acquiring the remaining shares of Sanyo in 2010. 
The company is excited to introduce its first Panasonic-branded solar modules into the U.S.: Panasonic Eco Solutions North America’s HIT Power 240S and HIT Power 235S. The 240S solar module offers integrators and installers a cell conversion efficiency of 21.6% and solar module efficiency of 19.0%, and the 235S with a cell conversion efficiency of 21.1% and solar module efficiency of 18.6%.
Panasonic says its HIT Power solar module power generation output is higher than traditional solar modules because of combining two key technologies – high efficiency monocrystalline silicon and ultra-thin layers of amorphous silicon. The monocrystalline silicon is sandwiched between the amorphous-Si for superior conversion efficiency as well as excellent temperature characteristics. The name “HIT” comes from “Heterojunction with intrinsic Thin-layer.”
“Panasonic HIT Power solar modules offer our customers 100% of the nameplate rated power and backed with both a limited workmanship and power output warranty,” said Koshi Terakawa of Panasonic Eco Solutions Energy Management North America.
Technology adapted through advanced research and development
HIT Power solar modules are known for their real-world performance ability to generate more energy than traditional solar modules, especially useful in a limited amount of space. In order to keep this distinction, Panasonic continues to do further research and development to constantly improve its panels, focusing on ways to improve cell efficiency by reducing carrier recombination, optical absorption, and resistance losses.
The new solar modules also incorporate a new tab design, using three tabs, up from the two traditionally used in the company’s solar modules. The application of the three tabs allows for reduced electrical loss between the cell fingers and tabs. Also, by making the tab width thinner, the light receiving surface of the solar panel is expanded to generate more energy per installed square foot.
To improve the solar module’s light capturing capability, the solar modules have upgraded the glass used to an anti-reflection glass technology. The new glass reduces the reflection and scattering of incoming light and helps to improve generated electricity levels in morning and evening light conditions.
Panasonic Eco Solutions North America is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC). The company provides a full range of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions including the planning, implementation, financing, and maintenance to corporate and private sector organizations in both the U.S. and Canada. For enterprise customers, the company develops customized and integrated solutions technology-based solutions.
Panasonic Eco Solutions North America
www.panasonic.net/eco
