Japan's solar power market has been growing since the introduction of feed-in tariffs

OSAKA, Japan--Panasonic Corporation announced today that it will boost production capacity of solar cells and modules for its solar panels HIT at its two domestic plants. The company will invest 9.5 billion yen to expand production lines at the Shimane Factory (Shimane SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), which produces solar cells, and at the Shiga Factory, a module production site. The expansion will add a combined production capacity of 150 megawatts a year, lifting Panasonics total solar module production capacity of HIT to more than 1 gigawatt by March 2016, including that of manufacturing facilities in Kedah, Malaysia, and Nishikinohama, Osaka, in addition to the two domestic factories.

Japan's solar power market has been growing since the introduction of feed-in tariffs. In the residential and non-residential rooftop solar markets, strong demand is expected to continue, helped by government-led efforts to promote the adoption of zero-net energy houses and buildings, along with local governments measures to support solar power. In other Asian countries, as well as Europe and the United States, the residential rooftop markets are also expected to remain solid.

Adding production capacity of its solar modules HIT will help Panasonic meet growing demand in the global solar market. In its home market, the company aims to expand the penetration of its Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SMARTHEMS). The system integrates Panasonics solar generation system with its EcoCute heat-pump hot water supply systems, power storage batteries, energy-saving appliances and other products to offer a rich and comfortable lifestyle by bringing together strengths of Panasonic group companies.

Note:
* SMARTHEMS and HIT are trademarks of Panasonic.

Summary of Investment

Capital investment: 9.5 billion yen
Investment sites: Shimane Factory (Shimane SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) and Shiga Factory
Additional production capacity: 150 MW/year
Production start date: March 2016
Global production capacity of solar modules HIT: Over 1 GW (FY2017 ending in March 2017)

Related links:
Panasonics Solar Global: http://panasonic.net/ecosolutions/solar/
Panasonic HITTM : http://panasonic.net/ecosolutions/solar/hit/
Panasonic Eco Solutions Company :http://panasonic.net/ecosolutions/
Panasonic Corporation: http://www.panasonic.com/global