Japan-based multinational electronics manufacturer Panasonic has announced discontinuing its solar and battery storage business.

“We have made the decision to discontinue our solar and battery storage business line. This change allows us to focus on areas where we can have the greatest strategic impact,” Panasonic said on its website.

Despite this closure, the company has emphasized its commitment to a smooth transition, assuring continued customer support for existing and future installations.

Panasonic stated that all warranties will be honored for both installed products and those not yet installed. In cases where third-party warranties apply, the company will provide clear guidance and points of contact to assist customers.​

Panasonic’s solar and battery storage portfolio has been centered around the EVERVOLT product line, which includes the EVERVOLT Black Series solar modules, EVERVOLT Home Battery, EVERVOLT SmartBox energy storage systems, and the EVERVOLT hybrid inverter.

The company’s entry into the solar space began in the 1970s, focusing on research and development. A significant milestone occurred in 2009 when Panasonic acquired Sanyo Electric. Sanyo had developed solar cell technology known as Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer (HIT), which became the foundation of Panasonic’s solar modules.

Leveraging HIT technology, Panasonic established itself as a player in the residential and commercial solar markets, particularly in Japan, North America, and Europe.​

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Panasonic continued to invest in the solar energy sector, launching solar solutions that included battery storage, energy management systems, and smart home integrations. The company also partnered with Tesla to produce solar cells at the Gigafactory in Buffalo, New York.

In 2021, Panasonic announced plans to wind down its solar manufacturing operations in Malaysia and Japan, with production ceasing by March 2022. The decision was driven by mounting price competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers, combined with declining profitability and rapid technological shifts in the global solar market.

After shutting down its own factories, Panasonic transitioned to an original equipment manufacturer model, outsourcing production while continuing to market solar products under the Panasonic EVERVOLT brand.

However, increasing market competition and falling panel prices led Panasonic to exit in-house solar manufacturing in 2022, transitioning to an OEM model while maintaining the EVERVOLT product line through partnerships.