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Panasonic Brand review

VBHN340SJ53

340 Wp HJT
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, short guarantee

Rank 11,864 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
340
Weak · bottom 13%
Efficiency (%)
20.40
Typical · median 21.14%
Density (Wp/m²)
203.1
Weak · bottom 23%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.258
Typical · median -0.240
Weight (kg)
19.0
Typical · median 22.8 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 17%

The Panasonic HIT® module series, encompassing models from N325 to N340, redefines efficiency standards through the use of advanced heterojunction technology (HJT). The unique design, combining monocrystalline silicon wafers with ultra-thin amorphous layers, allows for the effective minimization of energy losses at cell boundaries. This solution directly translates into an exceptionally low temperature coefficient, ensuring that the panels maintain high efficiency even on hot summer days when traditional silicon modules lose power drastically. These models stand out with their compact format while maintaining high power density, which is crucial for homeowners with limited roof space. The integrated water drainage system in the frame corners prevents the accumulation of dirt and deposits, guaranteeing maximum energy yields throughout the year, even at a low tilt angle. By choosing the HIT® series, investors receive a product of legendary reliability that almost completely eliminates the problem of light-induced degradation (LID). This is an ideal solution for those seeking reliability and the highest aesthetics, offering a significantly higher yield per square meter than standard competing products. These panels are an optimal choice for demanding prosumer installations where the priority is the highest quality of workmanship and long-term profitability of investment in renewable energy sources.

Ranking

128 panels in the segment HJT 240-440 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.40% 21.14% Typical 11,598
Power density 203.1 211.4 Weak · bottom 23% 11,773
Temperature coefficient -0.258 -0.240 Typical 466
Weight per kWp 55.9 56.0 Typical 10,244
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 17% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 5 caution
Best for

Residential and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 17% of the HJT 240-440 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs.

203.1 watts per square metre

Bottom 23% of the HJT 240-440 W segment, against a median of 211.4.

What owners get
Industry-leading temperature coefficient

The power temperature coefficient of -0.258%/°C (N340 variant) is among the lowest in the market versus typical -0.35% to -0.40%/°C for PERC modules. This translates into real higher energy yield on hot summer days once module temperature exceeds 25°C.

Top efficiency among comparable modules

Efficiency up to 20.4% exceeds direct peers at the same 340 Wp maximum power class: Bruk-Bet NIVO EXTREME (20.32%), Resun RS6K-M (20.15%), and MWG Mono (20.12%).

HJT technology minimizes losses and LID

The heterojunction design, combining mono-crystalline wafers with ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers, limits cell-boundary losses and light-induced degradation (LID), delivering a more stable yield in the early years of operation.

Corner water-drainage frame design

The frame design prevents water and debris buildup in the corners, reducing soiling and maintaining high output even at low tilt angles.

Well-established quality reputation

Panasonic (Japan, founded 1918) was long regarded as a quality leader in the HJT module segment, which translated into a low failure rate for the HIT® series in residential PV installations.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued in 2022

Panasonic exited in-house PV module manufacturing in March 2022, replacing the HIT® line with EverVolt panels made by third-party OEMs. This means limited spare-part availability and more difficult warranty service for existing installations.

Low unit power by 2026 standards

The 325-340 Wp power range is significantly below current market standards (400-600+ Wp), requiring more modules, mounting structure, and cabling for the same system power, increasing BoS costs.

25/25-year warranty trails current N-type Tier-1 leaders

Current N-type (e.g., TOPCon) leaders already offer 30-year product and power warranties guaranteeing over 87.4% output at end of term, while the HIT® series remains at the 25/25-year standard set back in 2016.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.4% matches the HJT 0-400W median
  • At 203.1 W/m², this panel generates 3.3 W/m² less per unit area than HJT 0-400W median (206.4 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C matches the HJT 0-400W median
  • At 19.0 kg, this panel is 2.5 kg lighter than HJT 0-400W median (21.5 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • In the top 83% for efficiency among all HJT panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 340 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.40 % Typical Segment median 21.14%
Vmpp · Impp 59.70 V · 5.70 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 71.30 V · 6.13 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1590×1053×40 mm · 1.67 m² of roof
Weight 19.0 kg Typical Typical · median 22.8 kg
Coefficient Pmax -0.258 %/°C Typical median -0.240 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.235 · 0.055 %/°C
NOCT 44 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 17% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 86.2 % Equals 285 W guaranteed
Degradation 3.00 → 0.45 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.258 %/°C against a segment median of -0.240
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Panasonic VBHN340SJ53 340 W 20.40% -0.258 19.0 kg You are here
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg -40 W, lighter, +2.9 pp
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg -40 W, lighter, +2.9 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg Hotter, lighter, +2.8 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg Hotter, lighter, +2.8 pp
GKA182M300W 300 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg -40 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M320W 320 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg +40 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg +40 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
VBHN325SJ53 325 W 19.40% -0.258 19.0 kg -15 W, -1.0 pp
VBHN330SJ53 330 W 19.70% -0.258 19.0 kg -10 W, -0.7 pp
VBHN335SJ53 335 W 20.00% -0.258 19.0 kg -0.4 pp
SPR-MAX3-400-COM 400 W 22.60% -0.270 19.0 kg +60 W, +2.2 pp, +15 yr warranty
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +20 W, hotter, +1.7 pp
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +20 W, hotter, +1.7 pp

Found 8 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 8 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 8 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 430 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Are Panasonic HIT N325–N340 modules still available for purchase?
The Panasonic HIT series (N325, N330, N335, N340) has been officially discontinued. Panasonic ended in-house HJT module manufacturing in March 2022 and fully exited the solar and energy storage business in April 2025. Remaining inventory may still be found through distributors, but sourcing new units with a valid manufacturer warranty is practically impossible. Buyers should consider newer HJT modules from alternative manufacturers as a replacement.
What is the temperature coefficient of the Panasonic HIT N340 and why does it matter?
The N340 features an industry-leading temperature coefficient of just -0.258%/°C (Pmax). In practice, when a module heats up to 70°C on a hot summer day — common in Central Europe — power loss is only around 7–8%, compared to 12–15% for standard mono PERC modules. A system built with HIT N340 panels will therefore produce measurably more energy than a same-nameplate-wattage system using conventional modules during peak summer hours.
What warranties covered the Panasonic HIT N335 and do they still apply?
Panasonic offered a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power warranty for the entire HIT series. The power guarantee specified at least 90.76% of rated output after 10 years and 80.7% after 25 years. However, since Panasonic has fully exited the solar business, warranty claims may be difficult to enforce. Anyone considering second-hand HIT panels should carefully investigate whether any warranty coverage remains valid before purchasing.
How does the HJT technology in Panasonic HIT panels compare to mainstream PERC modules?
In HJT modules like the Panasonic HIT series, mono-crystalline silicon wafers are sandwiched between ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. This eliminates surface recombination losses and nearly eliminates Light-Induced Degradation (LID). PERC technology improves rear-surface light reflection but does not address thermal losses as effectively. HJT delivers a lower temperature coefficient and higher efficiency per square meter, though at a higher manufacturing cost than PERC.
Are Panasonic HIT N330 modules a good fit for a small roof with limited area?
Yes, the HIT series was engineered for high power density. The N330 achieves 19.7% module efficiency and the N340 reaches 20.4%, delivering more watts per square meter than typical mono PERC modules at 18–19%. On a 15–20 m² roof, that efficiency advantage can translate to one additional panel's worth of output, potentially adding several hundred kWh of annual generation without expanding the array footprint.
Are the Panasonic HIT N325–N340 panels bifacial, and can they harvest reflected light?
No, the entire Panasonic HIT N325–N340 lineup consists of monofacial modules — they are not bifacial. Energy is generated solely from the front side, with no additional gain from albedo radiation reflected off the ground. The HJT cell technology in these panels focuses on minimizing thermal losses and LID rather than enabling bifacial generation. If the installation site features high-albedo surfaces such as white gravel or frequent snow cover, a modern bifacial HJT module from another manufacturer would be a better fit.
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