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

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

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

June 5, 2026
French utility Engie will invest close to €100 million (US$114 million) in a 155MW solar PV project at its Castelnou power station. 
June 5, 2026
Lightsource has started construction on Queensland's 380MWdc Lower Wonga solar and 281MW/843MWh battery project.
June 5, 2026
Shareholders of Canadian IPP Boralex have approved the acquisition by global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management.
June 5, 2026
Tech giant Google and US renewable energy developer Intersect have partnered to develop a new data centre and energy complex in Texas.
June 5, 2026
The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) has called for a reform of the country’s current inheritance tax treatment of agricultural land leased to ground-mounted solar PV.
Premium
June 5, 2026
PV Talk: Jenya Meydbray speaks with PV Tech about Nextpower's roadmap for its steel module frames and the advantages over aluminium frames.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026