Panasonic: The Next Evolution in Solar Power Arrives
Design
May 14, 2015

Panasonic: The Next Evolution in Solar Power Arrives


Panasonic | Towards an Era of Efficient Storage and Smart Usage


An "Evolved Version" of Solar Power Generation is Born!


Great East Japan EarthquakeSince the Great East Japan Earthquake, solar panels have garnered attention as devices for generating electricity for emergencies. On March 21st (Wednesday), Panasonic Eco Solutions announced the start of orders for their new solar power generation system, the "Residential Creation-Storage Linked System," which enables efficient storage and smart use of electricity generated by solar panels.


Text by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)Photographs by Panasonic Corporation Eco Solutions company




Maximizing Solar Power, 24 Hours a Day


The appeal of solar panels lies in their environmentally friendly nature, generating electricity without emitting carbon dioxide. Furthermore, as long as the sun shines, there is no concern about the supply source running out. However, can solar panels alone be a "universal savior" during power outages or disasters? Unfortunately, they cannot fulfill that role by themselves. If relying solely on solar panels, they cannot generate electricity at night after the sun sets, and even during the day, their output can be unstable depending on the weather. They are excellent at producing electricity, but they cannot store it.

Solar panels truly demonstrate their potential when paired with a storage battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, which can store electricity. The same applies to storage batteries; they cannot generate electricity on their own, so once the stored power is depleted during an outage, they cannot be recharged. Panasonic Eco Solutions has now succeeded in developing a compact yet high-capacity 4.65kWh storage battery, the "Lithium-ion Battery Unit." By combining this battery with solar panels, excess electricity generated during the day can be efficiently stored, ensuring a stable power supply even during multi-day outages.


Furthermore, to maximize the use of efficiently generated and stored power, a device is needed to manage the balance of electricity between the solar panels and the storage battery. This is where the power conditioner, or "power con," comes in. Panasonic Eco Solutions has newly developed the "Power Station," which integrates both the power con for solar panels and the power con for the storage battery. This device enables seamless coordination between the solar panels and the storage battery, providing the necessary amount of power when needed, not only during outages and disasters but also during normal times, depending on weather conditions or energy-saving needs.


Panasonic | Creation-Storage Linked System 03



This linkage also adds a convenient feature: users can select from three modes – "Economy Priority," "Environment Priority," or "Storage Priority" – to suit their lifestyle and preferences. This new solar power generation system is not just for emergencies; it can be used daily. Beyond it lies a new way of living where comfort and environmental consideration coexist.


Panasonic | Creation-Storage Linked System 03



Lithium-ion Battery Unit
Storage Capacity | 4.65kWh
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours (full charge)
Installation Location | Indoor
Operating Temperature Range | 0℃~40℃
Dimensions | W450 x H600 x D156mm
Weight | 60kg
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | ¥1,218,000 (incl. tax, excl. installation costs)




Panasonic | Creation-Storage Linked System 04



Power Station
Rated Output Capacity | 5.5kW
Self-Consumption Operation Output Capacity | AC100V 2kVA
Rated Input Voltage | Grid Power AC Single-phase 200V, Solar DC250V
Grid Feed-in & Charging | Possible
Installation Location | Outdoor
Switching Time to Self-Consumption Mode | Approx. 10 seconds after manual switch
Operating Temperature Range | -20℃~40℃
Dimensions | W630 x H1500 x D250mm
Weight | 65kg
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | ¥672,000 (incl. tax, excl. installation costs)



Inquiries
Panasonic Eco Solutions
Customer Consultation Center
0120-878-365 (Toll-free)
Reception Hours | 9:00 - 20:00