Panasonic, one of the biggest names in electronics, has been in the solar industry since 2012. In 2021, the company announced it would no longer manufacture its own solar panels in-house, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the solar game. Panasonic still sells solar panels – they’re just manufactured by a third party.
Panasonic North America’s EverVolt solar panels and batteries are great products that are worth considering in your switch to solar. Let’s take a closer look at Panasonic’s solar panels and its EverVolt storage system.
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The three newest EverVolt solar panel series are:
- EverVolt H Series
- EverVolt HK Black Series
- EverVolt PK Black Series
| Model | EverVolt H Series | EverVolt HK Black Series | EverVolt PK Black Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 400 - 410 W | 390 - 410 W | 390 - 400 W |
| Efficiency | 21.6% - 22.2% | 21.1% - 22.2% | 20% - 20.5% |
|
Temperature Coefficient (Pmax) |
-0.26 %/°C | -0.26 %/°C | -0.35 %/°C |
| Cell type | Half-cut heterojunction cell technology | Half-cut heterojunction cell technology | Half-cut monocrystalline PERC cells |
| Warranty | 25-year performance, product, parts, and labor. 92% power output guarantee at year 25 | 25-year performance, product, parts, and labor. 92% power output guarantee at year 25 | 25-year performance, product, parts, and labor. 84.8% power output guarantee at year 25 |
These are some of the most powerful and efficient panels offered by Panasonic. The EverVolt H and EverVolt HK Series use heterojunction cell technology (HJT). HJT uses crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon to absorb more light and generate more electricity. Panasonic created and popularized HJT solar cells. Panels that use HJT cells can also operate better at higher temperatures, giving the EverVolt H and HK Series some of the lowest temperature coefficients in the market.
The biggest difference between the H Series and HK Series is the color - the H Series has some white on the face and is slightly more efficient, while the HK has a sleeker, all-black look.
The EverVolt PK Series is a preliminary line that doesn’t use Panasonic’s signature HJT solar cells. Instead, the PK Series panels use half-cut PERC solar cells, which have a special layer on the back of the cell that reflects back unabsorbed light so the panel can generate a little more energy. EverVolt PK panels are not as efficient and degrade faster than the H or HK Series, but they may come at a cheaper price point.
Older Panasonic models are still available. These include previous iterations of the PK Series and H Series, plus older lines like the K Series and EverVolt Series. These panels range from 350 W to 370 W, meaning they’re less powerful and less efficient than the new series described above. But they could still be carried by installers near you and are still great panels to get on your roof.
EverVolt solar panel warranties
Panasonic panels come with two warranties:
- A 15-year product workmanship warranty
- A 25-year power output warranty
The product and workmanship warranty guarantees the panels will be free from manufacturing defects for 15 years. If the panels are registered with Panasonic within 60 days from the warranty start date, the warranty period will increase to 25 years. Panasonic’s product warranty is slightly longer than the industry average of 10 years, and the ability to extend it to 25 years is a great bonus.
A production warranty outlines how a solar panel will operate as it ages. For the H and HK Series, the production warranty guarantees the panels will operate at least at 98% of their rated output after the first year and will degrade by no more than 0.25% for the following years. At the end of year 25, the power output will be at least 92% of the rated output. This is an excellent warranty, one of the best on the market, and suggests your Panasonic panels will be high-quality and long-lasting.
The PK Series doesn’t have an official warranty document yet, probably because it is still a “preliminary panel”. However, the PK Series datasheet says the panels will operate at least at 84.8% of their original power output, putting this warranty in line with the industry standard.
Panasonic Summer Solar Rebate. From June 5 to September 5, 2023, you can earn a $500 rebate from Panasonic when you install EverVolt HK or PK panels. The system must be at least 4 kW in size, a contract must be signed before September 5, and the installation must be completed before March 31, 2024.
What battery models does Panasonic sell?
Panasonic currently sells two EverVolt Home Battery System models: the Standard and the Plus. Both come as AC or DC-coupled batteries, so you can go with EverVolt whether you’re installing a new solar system or want to add a battery to your existing solar panels.
| Model | EverVolt Standard | EverVolt Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | 11.4 kWh | 17.1 kWh |
| Continuous power rating | 4.6 kW | 5.5 kW |
|
Round trip efficiency |
86%/90%* | 86%/90%* |
| Avg. backup duration | 6 hours | 9 hours |
*AC/DC
The EverVolt battery is modular, so you can customize the size up to 34 kWh. You can also install multiple EverVolt systems for over 100 kWh of storage. The flexibility in design means you can get the system that’s just right for you, and you don’t have to overpay for storage you don’t need. Modular batteries are becoming more common, but Panasonic is a brand we trust to do it right. In fact, the EverVolt took the number 6 spot in our ranking of the best solar batteries of 2023.
One differentiating feature of the Panasonic EverVolt battery is that it can be integrated with a gas-powered generator for even more backup resilience. Although we don’t love using fossil fuels, a gas-powered generator is still an added layer of protection for homes with critical loads like medical equipment.
Installing an EverVolt system will likely cost between $15,000 and $20,000, depending on the size of the system. That’s a lot, but the good news is that solar batteries qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, even if they aren’t paired together.
Learn more: Complete review of Panasonic’s EverVolt battery
New Panasonic battery coming in Fall 2023. Panasonic recently announced the newest version of its EverVolt home battery will be for sale in Fall 2023. The new model has a sleeker design and is more powerful, providing up to 7.6 kW of continuous backup power. The new system comes with the EverVolt Smart Box, an energy management device that connects the battery, home electrical loads, and solar panels for better control.
Should you go solar with Panasonic panels and batteries?
Panasonic is a trustworthy and reliable brand in the solar and storage industry. Both products come with solid performance specs and great warranty terms, so you can’t go wrong when using Panasonic products.
Keep in mind that Panasonic panels are high-performance, so they might come with a slightly higher price tag than some other quotes. But, when it comes to solar, spending a little extra for a high-quality installation is usually worthwhile.
To get the best price on your solar panels, contact at least three solar installers for quotes. Not only will this get you the best deal, but it’ll also often get you the best service. We recommend using local solar companies that have been in business for at least five years and have positive customer reviews. You can find reliable companies for your Panasonic installation here at SolarReviews, using our state-of-the-art solar panel calculator.
Ana Almerini
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ana is the Marketing & Communications Manager at SolarReviews, working within the solar industry since 2020. With a Master's in Climate and Society and professional experience within marketing, she helps communicate the value of solar to homeowners and build out awareness of the SolarReviews brand.