Panasonic adds High-Performance PV Modules and Strategic Collaborations
Panasonic Eco Solutions of North America, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, today unveiled new high-efficiency HIT® series solar modules that enhance Panasonic's photovoltaic high-performance HIT® portfolio, offering increased module efficiency at high temperatures, enhanced module design and durable long-term performance.
The expanded Panasonic Photovoltaic HIT® portfolio of 96-cell, 40mm modules include the N340/N335 HIT®+ Series with 20.3/20 percent module efficiency, and the N335K/N330K HIT®+ BLACK Series with 20/19.7 percent module efficiency, expected to be available in the U.S. in 2019.
New HIT® series module features also include higher module efficiency that enables higher power output and greater energy yields.
A new 40mm frame designed to increase durability and strength, with the ability to handle loads of up to 5400Pa. Additionally, the module's enhanced design features a water drainage system that provides rain water and snow melt with a place to go, reducing water stains and soiling that enables sunlight to get through to generate more power.
Low degradation with HIT® "N-type" cells, which result in Low Light Induced Degradation (LID) and zero Potential Induced Degradation (PID) to support reliability and longevity. This technology reduces annual degradation to 0.26 percent as compared to 0.70 percent in conventional solar modules.
An industry-leading 25-year comprehensive warranty that covers module performance and workmanship.
Demonstrated for the first time worldwide in Panasonic booth #1520 at Solar Power International (SPI) 2018, the new modules are designed to generate more solar power in all conditions due to Panasonic's industry-low temperature co-efficient of -0.258%/°C.
Strategic collaborations with solar industry leaders
Following the announcement of Panasonic's strategic partnership with Enphase Energy – the world's leading supplier of solar microinverters – to develop high efficiency AC Modules (ACMs), the companies are today unveiling the N330E HIT® AC Series with Enphase IQ 7X, an all-in-one smart module that features built-in-intelligence with an integrated Enphase IQ 7X microinverter, enabling accelerated installation, lower costs and more solar power.
Additionally, the integrated Enphase microinverter is field-replaceable, removing the need to replace the entire solar module and yielding operation and maintenance costs savings that maximize return on investment (ROI) for homeowners. The N330E HIT® AC Series is expected to be available in the U.S. in early 2019.
Panasonic and SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. – a global leader in smart energy – also recently introduced the HIT® S Series Smart Module Optimized by SolarEdge, which represents the integration of industry-leading solar technology designed to simplify and accelerate installation, and deliver more power to homeowners. The HIT® S Series Module is expected to be available in the U.S. in early 2019.
Panasonic is also demonstrating the Harbor Plus™ Smart Battery, one of solar industry's most powerful and efficient smart batteries with 17.1kWh of capacity and real power output of up to 10kW.
"The opportunity for U.S. homeowners to make the transition to solar energy is only growing, especially in the face of rising temperatures and ever-increasing natural disasters," said Mukesh Sethi, General Manager, Solar and Energy Storage Division, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America.
"Today, Panasonic is not only unveiling our latest HIT® series innovations, but we are also demonstrating the importance of strategic collaboration and technology integration with leading industry partners. Our main mission with these advancements? To deliver solar solutions that homeowners need to increase freedom from the grid and assert energy independence over the long term,” Sethi concluded.
