Panasonic Solar Panels Review: Still Available in the UK?
Panasonic was one of the most respected names in solar, famous for its HIT heterojunction panels and a reputation for efficiency, low-light performance and long-term reliability. The honest position now is simple though: Panasonic has left the solar panel business. The company wound down its solar operation, with the exit completed around April 2025, so no new Panasonic panels are being manufactured.
If you are researching Panasonic for a new install, the most useful fact is the manufacturing link to REC Group, which built Panasonic’s later panels and still makes the same heterojunction cells today. This guide explains the exit, that REC connection, what the panels were, what existing owners should do, and the best alternatives to buy in 2026.
Quick Answer
No, Panasonic solar panels are no longer available to buy new. Panasonic wound down its solar panel business, with the exit completed around April 2025, and stopped making panels in-house back in 2021. From 2021 its EverVolt panels were built by REC Group, which used the same heterojunction (HJT) cells in the same factory, so the REC Alpha range is effectively the direct successor and the natural replacement. Panasonic was famous for its HIT heterojunction panels (originally a Sanyo technology), prized for around 22% efficiency, excellent temperature performance and reliability over roughly two decades. Existing owners keep their cover: Panasonic's 25-year AllGuard warranty remains valid and Panasonic is a very large company still honouring claims, though sourcing replacement panels will get harder over time. For new buyers wanting the same HJT quality, REC is the closest match, followed by Maxeon, Aiko and LONGi.
Last updated June 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Did Panasonic stop making solar panels?
Yes. Panasonic announced it would wind down its solar panel business and completed the exit around April 2025. There are no new Panasonic-branded panels being manufactured. This was not a sudden collapse like some solar brands, but a planned withdrawal by a profitable electronics giant choosing to focus elsewhere, after years of facing intense price competition from larger-scale rivals.
The detail that surprises most people is that Panasonic actually stopped making panels in-house back in 2021. From that point its panels were built by an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partner using Panasonic’s cell technology. So the 2025 exit ended the Panasonic brand in solar, but the underlying panels had already moved to a partner factory years earlier.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Sanyo launches HIT heterojunction panels (later acquired by Panasonic) |
| 2009–2010 | Panasonic takes over Sanyo and the HIT panel line |
| ~2012–2020 | Panasonic HIT panels prized for efficiency, heat tolerance and reliability |
| 2021 | Panasonic stops in-house panel production; REC Group becomes OEM maker |
| 2023–2024 | EverVolt heterojunction panels sold, built by REC on the same HJT cells |
| ~April 2025 | Panasonic completes its exit from the solar panel business |
What the exit means for you
If you want new panels, Panasonic is no longer an option, so this page points you to the best alternatives below. If you already own Panasonic panels, the news is reassuring: Panasonic is a very large company (well over $60bn in revenue) that continues to honour its 25-year warranty. The main practical risk for owners is that sourcing exact replacement panels will get harder over time, which we cover in the existing-owners section.
Panasonic and REC: the heterojunction connection
The single most useful fact for anyone who wanted Panasonic panels is this: when Panasonic stopped its own production in 2021, its EverVolt panels were manufactured by REC Group as the OEM partner, using the same heterojunction (HJT) cells in the same factory. In other words, REC was already building the panels you saw under the Panasonic badge. That makes the REC Alpha range the most direct successor to a Panasonic HJT panel you can buy today.
Why REC is the natural choice
- Same heterojunction (HJT) cell technology Panasonic championed
- REC built Panasonic’s later EverVolt panels as the OEM maker
- REC Alpha keeps the HJT efficiency and temperature advantage
- Still actively sold and supported across UK installers
What changed and what didn’t
What ended was the Panasonic brand and warranty backing in solar. What continues is the HJT technology itself, now sold under the REC name (and by other HJT makers). If you liked Panasonic for the heterojunction performance, you have not lost that option, you have simply moved to the company that was already making the cells.
The bottom line for a UK buyer
You cannot buy new Panasonic panels, but you can buy the same heterojunction technology from REC, the company that was already manufacturing them. For the full current range, specs and warranty detail, see our dedicated REC solar panels review. The alternatives section below also covers other premium options if you want to compare.
What were Panasonic HIT and EverVolt panels?
Panasonic’s reputation was built on HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) cells, a pioneering heterojunction design that originated with Sanyo and carried over when Panasonic took over the business. HIT layers thin amorphous silicon over a crystalline silicon wafer, which lifts efficiency and, importantly for the UK, holds output better in heat and low light than older panel types. For a primer on how cell designs compare, see our guide to solar panel types.
Heterojunction (HJT)
HIT was Panasonic’s heterojunction technology, the same HJT approach REC and a handful of other makers use today. It delivers high efficiency with very low degradation over the panel’s life.
Class-leading heat tolerance
Panasonic panels had an excellent temperature coefficient, so they lost less output on warm days than typical panels. That heat performance was a core part of the brand’s appeal.
EverVolt range
The later EverVolt panels were N-type heterojunction modules at around 420–430W and roughly 22.2% efficiency, with an all-black EverVolt HK Black option for the cleanest look.
| Spec (EverVolt heterojunction) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cell technology | N-type heterojunction (HJT) |
| Power output | 420–430W |
| Module efficiency | ~22.2% |
| Temperature coefficient | Excellent (class-leading) |
| Appearance | All-black option (EverVolt HK Black) |
| Warranted output at year 25 | ~90.76% of rated power |
These specifications describe panels Panasonic no longer manufactures. They are included for existing owners and for context when comparing the successor REC Alpha and other HJT panels. New buyers should confirm current specs with the alternative brand and their installer.
What to buy instead of Panasonic solar panels
With Panasonic out of the market, here are the best alternatives for UK buyers who wanted that premium, high-efficiency panel. REC comes first because it is literally the same heterojunction cells that were behind the later Panasonic panels. For a wider view, see our best solar panels UK guide and the full solar panel brands directory.
| Brand | Cell technology | Max efficiency | Why it suits Panasonic buyers | UK price per panel (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC Alpha | N-type HJT | ~22.5% | Same HJT cells that made Panasonic’s later panels | £200–£350 |
| Maxeon (SunPower) | N-type IBC | ~24.1% | 40-year warranty and proven durability | £280–£420 |
| Aiko Neostar | N-type ABC | 24.2%+ | Highest wattage for tight roof space | £200–£350 |
| LONGi Hi-MO X10 | N-type HPBC 2.0 | 24.0%+ | Premium efficiency with wide UK availability | £160–£300 |
REC: the direct successor (start here)
REC Alpha panels use the same heterojunction technology REC was already building for Panasonic. You get the HJT efficiency and heat tolerance that made Panasonic attractive, from a manufacturer with an established UK presence and warranty. For most former Panasonic buyers, REC is the obvious first choice.
Maxeon for the longest warranty
Maxeon (the maker behind premium SunPower panels) uses IBC back-contact cells at around 24% efficiency with a 40-year warranty, the longest in the market. If your priority was Panasonic’s reliability and long-term peace of mind, Maxeon is the natural premium pick.
Aiko for maximum power
Aiko Neostar ABC back-contact panels reach the highest residential wattage and efficiency, ideal where roof space is tight and you want as many watts as possible per panel.
LONGi for value and availability
LONGi Hi-MO X10 delivers premium back-contact efficiency at a lower price than most rivals, from the world’s largest panel maker, and is stocked by almost every UK distributor. It is the easiest premium panel to source.
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Compare REC, Maxeon, Aiko and LONGi prices from MCS-certified installers. Free, no obligation.
Get a Quote ↓I already have Panasonic panels: what should I know?
If you already own a Panasonic system, the market exit does not cancel your cover. Panasonic’s 25-year AllGuard warranty remains valid, and Panasonic is a very large company that continues to honour claims. Here is how to protect your position.
Your warranty is still valid
The Panasonic 25-year AllGuard warranty covers the panels, performance and (where it applied) the installation labour. Panasonic is a multinational with revenue well over $60bn, so the warranty backer is financially sound. Find your original installation paperwork, confirm the warranty was registered, and keep the documentation safe.
Making a claim
For any issue, contact your original MCS-certified installer first, then Panasonic’s warranty support if the installer has closed. Keep your serial numbers, install date and performance records. Workmanship guarantees (the install itself) are usually backed by a scheme such as RECC or an insurance-backed guarantee, so check those documents too.
Sourcing replacement panels
The practical risk is not the warranty, it is finding matching panels if you ever need to replace or extend your array. Stock of Panasonic modules will dwindle over time. Because REC made Panasonic’s later HJT panels, a REC Alpha panel is usually the closest electrical and physical match for a top-up, but always confirm compatibility (voltage, current, dimensions) with an MCS-certified installer before mixing modules on a single string.
How much did Panasonic solar panels cost in the UK?
Panasonic always sat at the premium end of the UK market. When they were sold, individual panels typically ran from around £250–£400 each, reflecting the heterojunction technology and the brand’s reliability reputation. With production ended, those figures are historical context only. New purchases are not available, so any current listing is likely old stock or second-hand. For live UK pricing on the panels you can actually buy, see our solar panels cost guide.
New Panasonic panels are unavailable
Because Panasonic exited the business around April 2025, there is no new-panel supply chain or fresh warranty registration for new installs. We recommend directing your budget toward the alternatives above. A premium HJT system using REC panels gives you the closest equivalent, with current pricing, stock and warranty.
0% VAT on residential solar installations
The alternatives we recommend qualify for 0% VAT when supplied and installed on residential properties in the UK. This applies to panels, inverters, batteries and mounting equipment installed under the same contract. The 0% VAT rate is in effect until at least March 2027.
Historical prices are indicative of UK market rates when Panasonic panels were sold and are provided for context only. They are not quotes for current installations. Always obtain multiple quotes for the panels you can actually buy today.
Panasonic solar panels: pros and cons
Panasonic panels were genuinely excellent, which is why owners rated them so highly. The list below covers their historical strengths alongside the one decisive drawback for new buyers: availability.
Pros (historically)
- Pioneering HJT technology – HIT heterojunction cells, refined over roughly two decades
- Excellent heat performance – class-leading temperature coefficient, ideal for warm days
- High efficiency – EverVolt around 22.2%, strong on limited roof space
- Strong reliability record – a long-standing reputation for low fault rates
- Long warranty – 25-year AllGuard cover backed by a large, stable company
Cons
- No longer available – Panasonic exited solar around April 2025, so new panels cannot be bought
- Replacement sourcing – matching panels for repairs or extensions will get harder over time
- Premium price – when sold, among the most expensive panels on the UK market
- Made by an OEM since 2021 – later panels were built by REC, not Panasonic itself
- Rivals caught up – REC, Maxeon, Aiko and LONGi now match or beat the efficiency
Can you still buy Panasonic solar panels in the UK?
No new Panasonic panels are available in the UK. The brand has left the solar business, so MCS-certified installers no longer offer them on new quotes. You may occasionally see old stock or second-hand panels, but these come without a fresh manufacturer-backed warranty for a new install, so we do not recommend building a new system around them.
If you wanted Panasonic, do this
- Ask installers for REC Alpha HJT panels as the direct successor
- Use an MCS-certified installer to qualify for 0% VAT and SEG payments
- Compare at least 3 quotes across REC, Maxeon, Aiko and LONGi
- Confirm the warranty and claim process for whichever brand you pick
- Avoid building a new array around old or second-hand Panasonic stock
Compatible inverters and batteries
The premium panels we recommend work with all standard inverters and optimisers, including Enphase microinverters and SolarEdge with power optimisers, plus battery options like the Tesla Powerwall. Your installer will recommend the best match for your roof and system size.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Whichever alternative you choose, panels installed by an MCS-certified installer qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. SEG rates vary by energy supplier but typically range from 3–30p per kWh in 2026.
Panasonic solar panels FAQ
Are Panasonic solar panels still made?
No. Panasonic wound down its solar panel business and completed the exit around April 2025, so no new Panasonic panels are being manufactured. Panasonic had already stopped making panels in-house in 2021, when REC Group took over production as its OEM partner. For a new install, REC Alpha is the closest successor to a Panasonic heterojunction panel.
Did Panasonic stop making solar panels?
Yes. Panasonic completed its exit from the solar panel business around April 2025. It was a planned withdrawal by a profitable electronics company, not a collapse. In-house production had actually ended back in 2021, after which Panasonic's panels were built by REC Group using the same heterojunction cells.
Who made Panasonic solar panels?
Panasonic made its own HIT heterojunction panels for around two decades, a technology that originated with Sanyo before Panasonic took over the business. From 2021, Panasonic stopped in-house production and its later EverVolt panels were manufactured by REC Group as the OEM partner, using the same HJT cells in the same factory.
Is my Panasonic solar panel warranty still valid?
Yes. Panasonic's 25-year AllGuard warranty remains valid even though the brand has left the solar market. Panasonic is a very large multinational with revenue well over $60bn and continues to honour claims. Keep your installation paperwork and serial numbers, confirm the warranty was registered, and contact your original MCS-certified installer first for any claim.
What were Panasonic HIT solar panels?
HIT stands for Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer. It was Panasonic's pioneering heterojunction (HJT) cell technology, originally developed by Sanyo, that layers thin amorphous silicon over a crystalline wafer. HIT panels were prized for high efficiency, an excellent temperature coefficient and low degradation, and were among the most respected panels for roughly two decades.
What is the best alternative to Panasonic solar panels?
REC is the best alternative because REC Group actually built Panasonic's later panels, so REC Alpha uses the same heterojunction (HJT) cells. After REC, the strongest premium options are Maxeon (IBC, 40-year warranty), Aiko (ABC, highest wattage) and LONGi Hi-MO X10 (premium efficiency, wide availability and good value).
What were Panasonic EverVolt solar panels?
EverVolt was Panasonic's later solar panel range, built on N-type heterojunction (HJT) cells at around 420–430W and roughly 22.2% efficiency, with an excellent temperature coefficient and an all-black EverVolt HK Black option. The panels were warranted to about 90.76% of rated output at year 25. They were manufactured by REC Group from 2021 onward.
Can I still buy Panasonic solar panels in the UK?
No new Panasonic panels are available in the UK since the brand left the solar business around April 2025. You may see occasional old stock or second-hand panels, but these come without a fresh manufacturer-backed warranty for a new install. We recommend REC Alpha as the direct HJT successor, or Maxeon, Aiko or LONGi as premium alternatives.
Why did Panasonic exit the solar business?
Panasonic withdrew from solar panel manufacturing after years of intense price competition from much larger-scale rivals, choosing to focus its resources elsewhere. It was a planned, profitable-company exit rather than a bankruptcy. Production had already shifted to OEM partner REC in 2021, and the brand exit was completed around April 2025.
How efficient were Panasonic solar panels?
Panasonic's later EverVolt heterojunction panels reached around 22.2% module efficiency, which was strong for their generation, with a class-leading temperature coefficient that helped them hold output in heat and low light. Today's premium back-contact panels from Maxeon, Aiko and LONGi reach around 24%, while REC HJT sits close to Panasonic's level.
Should I worry if my installer fitted Panasonic panels?
No. If your Panasonic panels are installed and working, they will keep generating as normal, and the 25-year AllGuard warranty still stands behind them. The only practical consideration is that matching replacement panels may be harder to source in future, so keep your documentation and note that a REC Alpha panel is usually the closest match for any top-up.
Are REC and Panasonic solar panels the same?
Not identical, but closely related. REC Group manufactured Panasonic's later EverVolt panels as the OEM partner, using the same heterojunction (HJT) cell technology in the same factory. That is why the REC Alpha range is considered the direct successor and the closest match for anyone who wanted a Panasonic HJT panel.
Related Guides
REC Solar Panels
REC Alpha Pure HJT panels: 92% output at 25 years, specs, UK pricing, the ProTrust warranty, and how REC compares to Aiko and Maxeon.
Maxeon Solar Panels
Maxeon 7 IBC panels with a 40-year warranty: specs, UK pricing, the SunPower link, and how they compare to Aiko and LONGi.
Aiko Solar Panels
Aiko N-type ABC solar panels: highest-efficiency residential panels, Neostar series, UK pricing, and warranty.
LONGi Solar Panels
LONGi Hi-MO X10 HPBC 2.0 panels from the world's largest panel maker: specs, UK pricing, warranty, and comparison.
Sources
- Panasonic: Official Website
- MCS: Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- Solar Energy UK: Industry Trade Association
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- HMRC: 0% VAT on Energy-Saving Materials
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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