Dallas, Texas – Sept. 30, 2008 – SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO), a leader in providing environment- and energy-related products, today introduces the HIT Power® series of solar panels featuring SANYO’s proprietary HIT® technology. The hybrid solar panels with uniquely structured cells are among the world’s most powerful solar panels. New technological improvements including higher conversion efficiency, less vulnerability to high temperatures and enhanced construction make the HIT Power® panels among the most efficient panels in the solar market today. The HIT Power® solar panels are available now in North America from SANYO’s authorized representatives—SunWize, Conergy, and Focused Energy.
Yoshinori Kaido, Vice President of the Solar Division of SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation, commented on the new product line, saying “With the new HIT Power® series, we will be able to provide more solar power generation per square foot, and flexibility in varying environments, including areas with high monthly average temperatures. With a more robust design and other improvements, such as adaptations to allow easier and cleaner installation, the new series will benefit any involved in the installation, especially people in areas with performance based incentives, renewable energy credits and those seeking a quick return on their investment.”
HIT® stands for Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer. HIT® solar cells developed by SANYO are hybrid solar cells composed of single crystalline silicon wafers surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. The unique structure minimizes defects within the p/n junction of the cell, producing highly efficient cells capable of achieving up to 22.3%* light-conversion efficiency. Using HIT® cells enables customers of HIT Power® solar panels to obtain maximum power generation per square foot.
HIT® cells offer superior temperature characteristics compared to conventional crystalline silicon cells. The result is 10% (or more) energy produced at higher temperatures compared to standard silicon solar panels. All HIT Power® solar panels come with a 100% power guarantee at the time of purchase. With more kWh per rated watt, SANYO's HIT Power® solar panels are ideal for areas with performance based incentives, renewable energy credits and quickening return on investment.
The new HIT Power® series, which replaces the successful HIT® series, features improved performance and easier installation. The HIT Power® panels have enhanced materials for higher heat performance, including areas with monthly average high temperatures up to 115ºF. HIT Power's black frame depth has been increased to 1.8" to make it more robust and an inside ledge added to enable installers to tuck and clip away cables for clean wire management. The new inner ledge also has two (2) pre-drilled ground holes and four (4) mounting holes to ease installation. For added safety, HIT Power® panels have been upgraded with USE2 cables with increased insulation and MC4 locking connectors. The series’ limited warranty has also been increased from 2 years to 5 years, and the static load capability has been increased from 50PSF to 60PSF.
Summary of SANYO’s HIT Power® series new features:
- Improved performance in hot temperature areas
- Easier installation
- More robust with new frame structure
- Dual ground hole options
- New wire management features -Additional mounting holes
- 5 year limited product workmanship warranty
- Higher solar panel efficiency
- Increased static load capability of 60PSF
- MC4 locking connectors for added safety
- USE2 cables with more insulation for added safety
- Frame height permitting interchangeable clips
SANYO’s HIT Power® series solar panels operate silently, have no moving parts and are among the lightest in the industry. Unique eco-packaging minimizes cardboard packaging waste. In addition, the packing density of the HIT Power® solar panels helps reduce transportation, fuel and storage costs per installed watt. The silicon wafers inside HIT Power® solar panels are made in California, and then assembled in Mexico at SANYO’s certified factory—ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001.
The new HIT Power® series from SANYO uses 4 inch (104mm) HIT® solar cells. Starting in spring 2009, SANYO will add more models that will use 5 inch (125mm) HIT® solar cells to the HIT Power® series product line. For more information on SANYO’s HIT Power® solar panels, please visit: http://www.sanyo.com/solar.
About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading solutions provider for the environment, energy and lifestyle, based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’. SANYO's businesses cover a broad range of products and services such as rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic systems, HVAC/R equipment, digital imaging devices, telecommunications equipment, home appliances, electronic components and others. For further information, please visit SANYO's web site at http://www.sanyo.com.