Panasonic has a long history working in solar technology, starting in the 1970s when the technology was able to produce enough electricity to power something like a small calculator. Much progress has been made over the last 37 years and further development has seen the introduction of more efficient solar cells in the form of the Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer (HIT) cell.
Panasonic has been acknowledged for this work on solar technology with the IEEE Corporate Innovation Award which recognises outstanding contributions to the major advancement of the arts and sciences of electrotechnology. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, and the award is considered one of the most prestigious within its field.
Panasonic was awarded for “developing and commercialising high-performance heterojunction solar technology (HIT)”.
Today, HIT cells can convert nearly 22% of sunlight into electricity at mass production level. Panasonic produces about 600 megawatts of HIT solar cells every year, and is proud of the milestones achieved working with solar technology over the years.
For more on Panasonic’s solar technology, go here.