Panasonic Winding Down U.S. Manufacturing of Solar Cells, Modules in Buffalo, NY

Panasonic Corporation will begin to wind down U.S. production of photovoltaic cells and modules at Gigafactory New York in Buffalo, NY, in line with the global solar strategy led by its Life Solutions Company.

By the end of May 2020, Panasonic will cease U.S. solar manufacturing operations and is scheduled to exit the facility by the end of September 2020.

Panasonic is supporting Tesla in its efforts to identify and hire qualified applicants from Panasonic’s impacted workforce.

Tesla plans to hire qualified applicants for new positions needed to support its solar and energy manufacturing operations in Buffalo.

Panasonic’s decision is part of the company’s broader streamlining of its global solar operations.

According to Tesla, this does not impact Tesla’s future solar growth business plans.

Optimizing the development and production capability of its photovoltaic business, Panasonic will integrate solar into its energy solutions business.

The shift supports the company’s offerings in this space including Home Energy Management System (HEMS), photovoltaic modules, storage batteries, EcoCute heat pump systems, and EV chargers, among others.

This decision will have no impact on Panasonic and Tesla’s partnership in Nevada, per the former.

The two companies will continue their electric vehicle battery work taking place at Tesla’s Gigafactory outside of Reno, NV.

Panasonic will also continue to sell Panasonic brand solar panels to U.S. customers through its own distribution network.

“We are proud of what Panasonic has accomplished as a pioneer in the solar space and the significant role Panasonic employees in Buffalo have played in that success,” said Shinichiro Nakajima, director of Panasonic’s Energy System Strategic Business. “The decision to transition away from U.S. solar manufacturing in Buffalo aligns with our global solar strategy, our efforts to optimize development and production, and supports Tesla’s long-term plans to continue and expand its operations.”

Panasonic said it will provide affected employees with a severance package that includes outplacement support.