Leading Japanese solar brand to be replaced

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

One of the most recognised solar brands, Sanyo ‘HIT’ technology will be dropped next year and come under the Panasonic brand. The move by Panasonic, which acquired Sanyo was said to be part of a bigger strategic move to consolidate branding across multiple areas under the Panasonic name. Sanyo remains responsible for key areas in the energy sector of the Panasonic Group, according to the company.

As of the beginning of Panasonic’s new financial year on April 1, 2012, solar modules from Sanyo will be branded ‘Panasonic HIT.’

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“The brand change is part of the global strategy aimed at expanding the solar business of the Panasonic Group,” commented Charles Hanasaki, president of the Solar & Smart Energy Division. “The same manufacturing and sales structure will continue as well as its advanced HIT solar modules, just under the Panasonic brand. Additionally, the Panasonic Group will continue to invest in the solar business, allowing us to offer a higher level of service to our business partners and provide our customers with higher quality, more efficient modules.”

Sanyo’s heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer (HIT) technology was introduced in 1997 and rapidly became a highly recognised brand, having high-efficiencies, second only to those of technology leader, SunPower. 

Read Next

July 8, 2025
The Chinese government has moved to curb excessive competition in the PV sector and stabilise pricing as companies report growing losses.
July 8, 2025
Germany could install 500GW of new solar agrivoltaics (agriPV) capacity on its most 'suitable' land, according to Fraunhofer ISE.
July 8, 2025
Bulgarian-headquartered solar engineering company Sunotec has acquired 100% of the project company, SIA DSE Lazas Solar, from Danish Sun Energy. 
July 8, 2025
Donald Trump has issued an executive order to tighten restrictions on renewable energy tax credits just days after signing his “One, Big Beautiful Bill” act into law, which significantly cut federal support for renewables.
July 8, 2025
German solar glass manufacturer Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg (GMB) has filed for insolvency after posting monthly losses of €900,000 this year.
July 8, 2025
Energy consultancy JMK Research has forecast 28.3GW of utility-scale and residential solar PV to be installed in India during fiscal year 2026.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK