Panasonic Starts Shipping HIT^® Solar Modules from New Production Base in Malaysia

Kulim, Kedah, 7 February 2013 – Panasonic Corporation has started rolling out HIT^® solar modules from its new solar production base in Kedah, Malaysia, which started operation on December 13, 2012, as the company aims to meet the brisk demand in Japan and around the world with increased production of the solar modules that offer the world’s highest-levels of power output*¹.

The Malaysian facility is the company’s first fully-integrated solar manufacturing base, producing from wafers to cells and modules. Panasonic takes full advantage of this facility not only to meet the growing demand but also strengthen cost competitiveness through reduction of transportation costs and use of local parts and materials.

To date, Panasonic has produced HIT^® solar cells at its two domestic plants and has three module assembly bases - two in Japan and one in Hungary - with an annual production capacity of 600 MW each of cells and modules. The new production base in Malaysia adds a yearly production capacity of 300 MW, increasing Panasonic's overall module production capacity by 50% to 900 MW.

In addition to offering solar modules discretely, Panasonic will step up efforts to provide integrated solar solutions combining solar modules with power conditioners, storage batteries and other components to meet the wide-ranging needs of customers.

*¹ In terms of both installation area (per m²) and system capacity (per kW)

• Outline of New Production Base

Location:    Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah, Malaysia
Completion:           December 2012
Products:   HIT^® solar modules (integrated production of wafers, cells, and modules)
Building Area: Approx. 70,000 m²
Employees:            Approx. 1,500
Production Capacity:          300 MW annually

About Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand of electrical and electronic products ranging from audio visuals, home appliances, air conditioners, digital and video cameras, professional broadcasting equipment, business systems, telecommunications, health and beauty care to batteries and lightings. All Panasonic products are available through our authorized dealers nationwide. For more information on Panasonic brand and products, visit our website at www.panasonic.com/my or call our Customer Care Centre at 03-5543 7600.