Panasonic
As one of the pioneers in the home solar industry, Panasonic continues to be a leader in the solar space. Its high-efficiency solar panels boast some of the industry’s highest efficiency ratings, lowest degradation rates and long warranties that back their durable products.
Our rating: 5.0 out of 5
Best for: Overall solar panels
Average cost: $2.44 to $3.10 per watt
Panasonic at a glance
Panasonic is our best solar panel, known for offering well-made solar panels that provide excellent power output.
Fast facts
- The company is one of the earliest entrants in the solar industry, having launched its first solar panel products in 1975.
- In 2021, Panasonic started contracting out production of its solar panels so it could work on expanding its solar products to include battery storage and inverters.
- With its use of half-cut solar technology in panels, Panasonic operates more efficiently and performs better in hot conditions.
- Panasonic has one of the better power output warranties in the business, guaranteeing that its panels maintain between 86% and 92% of their original output in year 25.
What we like
Panasonic’s excellent build quality, top-quality performance and exceptional warranties impressed us, which is why this solar panel company earned our only 5-star rating. Panasonic’s solar panels operate between 19.2% and 22.2% efficiency, with one of the lowest degradation rates in the market. The company guarantees at least 92% power output in the final year of its warranty for most of its solar panels. Panasonic’s solar panels also perform well in hot conditions, thanks to a low 0.26% degrees Celsius temperature coefficient.
Along with quality, Panasonic has eight panel sizes, ranging from 350 watts to 430 watts. This range makes customizing Panasonic’s solar panels for your home easier. And because Panasonic has an inverter, solar battery and energy management device, it’s a one-stop shop for a homeowner’s solar needs.
What we don’t like
Panasonic no longer manufactures its solar panels in-house. Instead, it relies on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for its panels. And while Panasonic’s 25-year efficiency warranty is good, you’ll pay more; some of its higher-output solar panels cost more than $600 each.
Panasonic pros and cons
Panasonic’s solar panels’ efficiency rating is among the highest in the business, and the company stands behind its solar panels with warranties that cover power output, parts and workmanship for 25 years. With solar panels ranging in power output from 350 to 430 watts, the provider has enough variety to customize a solar array that meets the needs of various homeowners.
We also like that Panasonic recently added a solar battery and an inverter to its product menu. You won’t need to look elsewhere for such accessories; you can get your entire system from one provider.
Pros
- Among the best in efficiency
- High 25-year output guarantee
- Various solar panel sizes to choose from
Cons
- Uses an OEM for production
- Its solar panels are pricey — double the cost of other providers in some cases
What solar panels does Panasonic offer?
Panasonic sells solar panels in eight sizes, ranging from 350 to 430 watts. This diversity makes it easier to customize a solar array for your home. Panasonic’s solar panels use half-cut heterojunction solar cells (HJT), which combine monocrystalline cells with thinner materials that capture sunlight better. This makes its panels more efficient than most, with efficiency ratings of 19.2% up to 22.2%.
These panels perform well in hot weather because of their low 0.26% temperature coefficient. The temperature coefficient is the amount of electricity production the panel will lose for each degree above 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
All of Panasonic’s solar panels are covered by AllGuard and TripleGuard warranties, which guarantee at least 92% power output at year 25. The exceptions are its 370/360-watt and 350-watt Evervolt PK Black Series panels, guaranteed to produce at least 86% of their power at year 25.
Panasonic panel offerings
|
Output
|
Efficiency
|
Warranty
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| EVERVOLT HK2 Black Series Solar Module, 430/420W | 420/ 430 watts |
21.7%/22.2% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT H Series Solar Module, 410/400W | 410/400 watts |
21.6%/22.2% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT HK Black Series Solar Module, 410/400W | 410/400 watts |
22.2%/21.6% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT HK Black Series Solar Module, 390W | 390 watts |
21.1% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT PK Black Series Solar Module, 370/360W | 370/360 watts |
20.3%/19.7% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT PK Black Series Solar Module, 350W | 350 watts |
19.2% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT K Black Series Solar Module, 370W | 370 watts |
21.2% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
| EVERVOLT K Black Series Solar Module, 360/350W | 360/350 watts |
20.6%/20% |
25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard |
Panasonic add-ons and optional products
Along with solar panels, Panasonic manufactures and sells a solar battery and an inverter. The company’s inverter, made under the Evervolt name, converts the electricity each panel generates from DC power into AC power. It also works with Panasonic Evervolt panels and other solar panel brands.
Panasonic recently added battery storage to its product list with an Evervolt Home battery that’s available in three sizes: 9kWh, 13.5 kWh and 18 kWh. The company also produces the Evervolt SmartBox, which serves as a management device for the system’s solar battery, panels and grid power. SmartBox seamlessly switches to battery mode to power core appliances in your home when the power goes out.
How much do Panasonic solar panels cost?
While the cost of Panasonic solar panels depends on the solar installer you purchase them from and where you live, you can expect to pay between $2.44 and $3.10 per watt for installed Panasonic solar panels, or an average of $2.77 per watt, just below the national average of $2.82 per watt. That price does not count the savings from the federal tax credit or other state and local rebates. That price puts the overall cost for a 6kW system at about $16,600.
However, the company’s 400-watt plus premium solar panels are pricey, costing $600 to $700 apiece. In comparison, Q Cells 400-watt solar panel lists for around $360, while REC’s 410-watt solar panel sells for around $325.
What is Panasonic’s solar panel warranty?
Panasonic offers some of the most comprehensive warranties in the solar industry. Its TripleGuard warranty includes 25-year coverage for parts, labor and shipping. Two of its lower-powered panels have production warranties for 86% efficiency at year 25.
Under its Triple Guard warranty, Panasonic covers product, performance and workmanship on any panels installed by one of its authorized installers for 25 years. This places Panasonic among the top solar panel companies for such coverage, including SunPower, REC and Q CELLS.
Panasonic also offers an AllGuard warranty that includes labor on Panasonic modules, inverters, racking,and monitoring. The EVERVOLT AllGuard warranty further extends that to include 12 years of coverage for its battery storage system.
How does Panasonic compare with competitors?
Panasonic compares favorably to its competitors. Its excellent warranty and industry-low degradation rate make it ideal for those who want a solar system that will last. With its broad range of solar panel sizes, Panasonic solar panels can easily be customized to meet various needs.
The solar provider also offers inverters and batteries, so you don’t have to worry about finding compatible accessories from other providers. However, this high performance and warranty come at a cost. Panasonic’s premium solar panels are among the most expensive out there, but its less-efficient models are more in line with industry averages. Still, you can find similar high-performance solar panels at a lower cost from solar companies such as Q Cells and REC Solar.
Panasonic vs. competitors
|
Our score
|
Degradation rate
|
Warranty
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Evervolt HK2 Black Series | 4.8 |
0.25% |
25 years power output, materials, workmanship |
| Jinko Solar Eagle 54 G6R | 4.3 |
0.40% |
30-year power, 25-year materials/workmanship |
| Canadian Solar TopBiHKu7 | 3.6 |
0.40% |
30 years power output, 12 years materials/workmanship |
| ZNShine Solar 210 Double Glass Module ZXM8-TPLD132 | 3.6 |
0.45% |
30 years power output, 12 years materials/workmanship |
| LONGi Solar Hi-MO 7_LR7-72HGD 585-620M V2 | 3.4 |
0.40% |
30 years power output, 12 years materials/workmanship |
| REC Alpha PURE-RX REC470AA | 3.4 |
0.25% |
25 years/25 years materials/workmanship |
Methodology
We base our rankings on rigorous in-house research. We used 30 unique data points and considered 14 features to rank the 15 solar companies on our list. Our research team assessed 170 solar panels and compared various specs, including wattage, efficiency, price, durability and warranty, to identify the top models. We used the data we collected to score and rank them based on the following weighted categories:
- Price Range: 20%
- Efficiency Ranger: 20%
- Durability and adaptability: 20%
- Warranty: 12%
- Editorial judgment: 3%
