Panasonic moves perovskite solar panel mass production start to April 2029

Panasonic Holdings has set a new target for the start of full-scale mass production of its glass-based perovskite solar panels, according to a report by pv magazine. The company now indicates that this phase will begin in April 2029. This timeline follows the launch of commercial sales for pre-production products, which commenced in September 2026.

The shift in the mass production schedule reflects the company’s current operational plans for its perovskite technology. While pre-production units have already entered the market, the transition to full-scale manufacturing remains a distinct subsequent step in the product lifecycle.

pv magazine notes that these dates are specific to Panasonic’s internal roadmap. The company has not provided additional details on the factors influencing the April 2029 date beyond the initial announcement.

Production Timeline and Facilities

Panasonic’s updated roadmap places the start of full-scale mass production in April 2029. This date precedes the company’s original fiscal year 2030 schedule, which spanned from April 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031. The shift indicates an acceleration of the manufacturing ramp-up relative to the initial plan.

The physical infrastructure for this transition is split between two locations. Pre-production units are currently manufactured at the Panasonic HD development facility in Moriguchi, Osaka Prefecture. Once the April 2029 target is reached, operations will move to the Nagahama facility. This site shift marks the move from developmental output to large-scale industrial manufacturing, separating the experimental phase from the commercial production line.

Technical Specifications and Manufacturing

The transition from pre-production units to mass-produced panels involves distinct changes in physical dimensions and material configurations. Pre-production modules, currently manufactured in Moriguchi, Osaka, measure a maximum of 1.8 m × 1.0 m. When full-scale operations begin at the Nagahama facility, the module size will expand to accommodate widths up to 1.2 m, resulting in a maximum dimension of 1.8 m × 1.2 m.

Glass thickness options also broaden during this transition. Pre-production units utilize either 3+3 mm or 6+6 mm glass configurations. Mass-produced panels will offer four distinct thickness combinations: 3+3 mm, 4+4 mm, 5+5 mm, and 6+6 mm. The addition of intermediate thicknesses allows for greater flexibility in meeting specific structural and weight requirements for different installation environments, such as rooftop versus ground-mounted applications.

The manufacturing process relies on three core technologies: inkjet coating, laser processing, and glass encapsulation. Inkjet coating applies the perovskite layer with high precision, minimizing material waste compared to traditional spin-coating methods. Laser processing handles patterning and scribing steps necessary for electrical connectivity, while glass encapsulation protects the sensitive perovskite layer from environmental degradation. These techniques are central to achieving the yield rates required for commercial viability.

Specification	Pre-Production	Mass-Production
Module Dimensions	Max 1.8 m × 1.0 m	Up to 1.8 m × 1.2 m
Glass Thickness	3+3 mm, 6+6 mm	3+3 mm, 4+4 mm, 5+5 mm, 6+6 mm
Key Processes	Inkjet coating, laser processing, glass encapsulation	Inkjet coating, laser processing, glass encapsulation

The expansion of module size and the diversification of glass thickness options indicate a focus on optimizing product fit for varied market segments. While the core manufacturing technologies remain consistent across both production phases, the ability to produce larger modules and select from more glass configurations suggests an effort to address specific engineering constraints faced by installers and developers. This technical evolution supports the broader shift from developmental output to a standardized commercial product line.

Performance Metrics and Compliance

Panasonic reports that its perovskite technology has seen measurable progress in energy conversion capability over the past decade. In 2020, the company recorded a module efficiency of 16.09% for an 802 cm² device. By 2023, certified testing confirmed this figure had risen to 18.1% for a device of the same size. This three-point increase reflects improvements in the material stability and electrical performance of the perovskite layer, which is critical for ensuring the panels generate sufficient electricity relative to their physical footprint.

However, detailed performance data for the upcoming mass-produced units remains limited. Specific metrics such as power conversion efficiency under standard test conditions, rated power output, temperature coefficient, expected service life, and pricing are currently unknown. Without these figures, it is difficult to assess the long-term economic viability or degradation rate of the panels in real-world operating environments. The absence of such data means that potential buyers cannot yet compare the thermal behavior or lifespan of these modules against established silicon-based alternatives.

Regarding regulatory adherence, the panels are designed to meet Japanese building standards alongside international safety and testing protocols. Specifically, they comply with IEC 61730, which covers safety qualification of photovoltaic modules, and IEC 62790, which addresses the durability of photovoltaic modules. These standards ensure that the glass-based design can withstand environmental stressors and electrical hazards, providing a baseline for safety certification in both domestic and export markets.

Policy Context

• Panasonic HD was selected by NEDO for the Green Innovation Fund project in September 2025.
• METI has established a 2040 deployment target of 20 GW for perovskite solar capacity.
• METI sets a production cost target of JPY 14 ($0.09)/W by 2030.
• METI sets a lower production cost target of JPY 10/W by 2040.

The selection by NEDO places Panasonic HD within a specific national funding framework designed to accelerate emerging clean energy technologies. This initiative operates under the broader strategic direction set by METI, which outlines long-term deployment and cost reduction goals for the sector. The 20 GW capacity target for 2040 provides a concrete scale benchmark for the industry, signaling the expected volume of perovskite installations required to meet national energy objectives.

Achieving this volume depends heavily on manufacturing economics. The staged cost targets, moving from JPY 14/W in 2030 to JPY 10/W in 2040, reflect the need for significant efficiency gains in production processes over the next two decades. For manufacturers, these figures define the price floor necessary for perovskite panels to compete with established silicon-based technologies in the market. The alignment of NEDO’s project selection with METI’s cost and capacity milestones suggests a coordinated approach to scaling up perovskite technology from pilot phases to widespread commercial adoption.

What to watch

Attention shifts to geopolitical supply chain developments. Luminity reported on 16 October that China proposed export bans on perovskite and tandem solar manufacturing technology here. These proposed restrictions also extend to crystalline silicon cell technologies, specifically TOPCon, BC, and HJT. The outcome of these regulatory proposals may influence where new solar production lines are established globally.

For Panasonic HD, the April 2029 mass production start is the immediate operational milestone. Success will depend on maintaining the manufacturing yield rates necessary to meet METI’s cost targets without reliance on restricted foreign technology. The finalization of performance metrics, including power conversion efficiency and expected service life, remains an open question. These figures are essential for buyers to compare the new modules against established silicon-based alternatives. Until such data is published, the long-term economic viability of the panels in real-world environments remains difficult to assess.