The Announcement
Panasonic Eco Systems North America has officially announced the discontinuation of its solar and battery storage business line. In a letter dated April 28, 2025, Naoki Kamo, President of Panasonic Eco Systems North America, informed partners that after "thoughtful evaluation," the company has made the strategic decision to exit this market segment.
The letter emphasizes that this decision is not a reflection on the technology's performance or the company's belief in renewable energy's potential, but rather that "it is no longer the right business fit for us at this time."
Key Points from Panasonic's Statement:
- Third-party warranties will continue to be supported
- Customer support will remain available for pending installations and commissioning
- The dedicated support team will still be accessible through their website and via email at Panasonicsolar@us.panasonic.com
- Panasonic's team will be reaching out to partners to address questions and provide support during the transition
Implications for Customers and Partners
This announcement raises several important considerations for current and prospective Panasonic solar customers:
- Warranty Fulfillment: While Panasonic has committed to honoring all warranties, customers may have concerns about long-term support once the business line is fully discontinued.
- Installation Delays: Those with pending installations may face uncertainty about whether their systems will be installed as planned, especially if installers have limited inventory.
- Replacement Parts: Future availability of compatible replacement components could become challenging as the product line ages.
- Market Consolidation: Panasonic's exit represents another major player leaving the residential solar market, following previous departures like LG.
Public Reaction
The announcement has generated significant discussion in the solar community. On Reddit's /r/solar community, users expressed a range of reactions.
Many customers expressed concern about pending installations:
"I have an order in permitting for a few dozen Panasonic panels along with Panasonic batteries. WTF."
/u/Rarvyn
"I'm not concerned about that as much as I'm concerned we won't even get it installed. I have no clue if my installer even has the necessary stuff in stock already."
/u/Rarvyn
Others noted Panasonic's reputation and expected continued support:
"That sucks, but I think you can probably expect top notch support and long-term care going forward. Panasonic is a 100 year-old company worth trillions, so they're not going anywhere."
/u/SolarMemes
Some users pointed to industry trends and alternatives:
"LG left the solar market a few years ago. Now Panasonic is gone. Are there any other conglomerates still in the solar panel business? The conglomerates are the most likely to be around for warranty purposes."
/u/arithmetike
Industry observers commented on market challenges:
"I don't know who would want to be in the solar game. It's so low margin, I can't imagine it's a great business. It's vitally important but from a business perspective I would imagine it's tough."
/u/OkShoulder2
"Crazy news. They just couldn't compete at today's prices."
/u/ommammo
What This Means for the Solar Industry
Panasonic's exit follows a pattern of large conglomerates leaving the solar manufacturing space. This trend raises questions about the long-term stability of the residential solar market and which companies will remain to support warranties and provide replacement products in the coming decades.
For consumers considering solar installations, this development underscores the importance of selecting manufacturers with strong financial backing and a demonstrated commitment to the solar industry for the long term.
We'll continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available about Panasonic's transition plan and the broader implications for the solar industry.
What are your thoughts on Panasonic's exit from the solar market? Share your comments by writing to us at hello@solarinstallercalifornia.com.
