Panasonic announced an exclusive brand license and endorsement agreement with noted environmentalist and actor Ed Begley, Jr. and his representatives. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will use the endorsement of Ed Begley, Jr. in print and online campaigns to support the marketing of Panasonic HIT solar panels.
“Panasonic is pleased to have earned the respect and endorsement of Ed Begley, Jr. for Panasonic HIT solar panels,” says Jim Doyle, president of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. “Mr. Begley is not only a well known actor but his view of helping the environment matches Panasonic’s mission to be the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018, the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding. Ed will be a recognizable and trusted voice to the customer about how they can help the environment by installing solar panels," Doyle says.
HIT stands for “heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer.” The solar cells used are a hybrid with a unique structure comprised of a thin mono-crystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. HIT solar modules are known for having one of the world’s highest conversion efficiencies and excellent temperature characteristics, allowing HIT modules to generate more power throughout the year, even during peak summer months, compared to other types of crystalline modules.
The panels were originally developed by Sanyo Electric, which Panasonic Corporation acquired on April 1, 2011.
“Environmental lifestyles have changed much over the past few years. Solar has become an alternative to people who want to do something sustainable in their lives as well as save money. Solar can help them do both with quality solar panels like Panasonic’s HIT, government incentives, and solar leasing,” Begley says. “This agreement will help me reach customers and educate the public on the benefits of going solar. It has always been my mission to help people make greener lifestyle choices, and consequently create a brighter, healthier future for all of us."