Panasonic to release home batteries in 2011

Panasonic is planning on bringing the first lithium-ion battery for storing energy required to run a home, the company's president said in a recent interview with a Japanese daily newspaper. Fumio Otsubo said the product will be capable of storing enough energy for about a week's worth of typical energy used up by a home. As the second largest electronics maker in Japan after its acquisition of Sanyo earlier this month, is well equipped to release such a product.

Otsubo says Panasonic and Sanyo have already built and tested a home battery, and again stresses that it's the best suited company to bring CO2-free home living. Once the battery is commercialized, expected to occur in 2011, it will ship with a system that will let users monitor their electricity usage on TVs. The company foresees its batteries being used in conjunction with solar panels and fuel cells.

At the same time, Otsubo sees potential for using similar battery technology in electric and hybrid cars.

An official statement will be made on January 8th regarding the strategy of integrating its product lines with newly-acquired Sanyo. [via PhysOrg]

By Electronista Staff