Panasonic was presented with the IEEE Corporate Innovation Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) on June 30 for developing and commercializing high-performance heterojunction solar technology (HIT). Panasonic HIT solar cells have achieved a conversion efficiency of 23.9% at R&D level and 21.6% at mass production level. The company now has a total production capacity of 600MW of HIT solar cells per year, meeting demand in the three major markets of Japan, Europe, and the U.S. With its new Malaysian factory – an integrated production site for wafers (slicing), cells, and panels – coming on stream by year-end, Panasonic is ready to handle robust global demand for solar cells.
The IEEE Corporate Innovation Award, established in 1985, recognizes outstanding and exemplary contributions by an industrial entity, government or academic organization, or other corporate body, which have resulted in major advancement of the arts and science of electrotechnology. It is considered one of the most coveted awards in this field. A total of 37 different companies have previously received the award, including world-leading electrical manufacturers and IT companies. Panasonic has become the fifth Japanese company to receive this recognition.

