Last updated: March 2026
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation was one of Japan’s early solar panel manufacturers, bringing the same quality and engineering precision to photovoltaics that made it famous in industrial electronics. Mitsubishi solar panels were sold in North America, Europe, and Asia during the 2000s and early 2010s, with a particular reputation for monocrystalline quality. This guide covers Mitsubishi’s solar history, panel specifications, and current status.
Mitsubishi Electric Solar History
- 1921 — Mitsubishi Electric Corporation formed as a spin-off from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in Kobe, Japan
- 1974 — Mitsubishi begins photovoltaic research at a development facility near Osaka — a very early start in solar R&D
- 1980s — Mitsubishi develops commercial solar cell production capabilities, initially focused on industrial and off-grid applications
- 1990s–2000s — Expands solar panel production across three manufacturing facilities in Japan; builds export business to US and European residential markets
- 2013–2014 — Mitsubishi Electric exits the residential solar panel export business, withdrawing from US and European markets
- Present — Mitsubishi Electric continues selling solar panels for the Japanese domestic market. Export to Western markets has effectively ceased.
Mitsubishi Solar Panel Model Specifications
Mitsubishi Monocrystalline Series (PV-MLU, PV-MF)
| Model | Watts | Voc | Vmp | Isc | Imp | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV-MLU250HD | 250W | 37.8V | 30.7V | 8.70A | 8.14A | 15.3% |
| PV-MLU260HD | 260W | 38.2V | 31.1V | 8.91A | 8.36A | 15.9% |
| PV-MF185EB5 | 185W | 44.4V | 35.6V | 5.67A | 5.20A | 14.3% |
| PV-MF200EB5 | 200W | 45.1V | 36.2V | 5.98A | 5.52A | 15.4% |
Mitsubishi Polycrystalline Series (PV-GEU, PV-GD)
| Model | Watts | Voc | Vmp | Isc | Imp | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV-GEU230MF5 | 230W | 37.2V | 29.9V | 8.35A | 7.69A | 14.1% |
| PV-GEU240MF5 | 240W | 37.5V | 30.2V | 8.69A | 7.95A | 14.7% |
| PV-GD185A5 | 185W | 30.2V | 24.2V | 8.26A | 7.64A | 13.9% |
All specifications at STC: 1000 W/m², 25°C, AM1.5 spectrum.
Mitsubishi Solar Panel Quality & Build
Mitsubishi Electric’s solar panels were built to Japanese industrial standards — the same quality philosophy applied to the company’s industrial inverters, factory automation systems, and HVAC equipment. Key quality characteristics:
- Japanese cell manufacturing: All three Mitsubishi solar production facilities were in Japan, where labor quality and process control were consistently high
- Conservative power rating: Like Kyocera, Mitsubishi panels were typically rated conservatively; many panels tested above nameplate on delivery
- Robust frame construction: Heavy-gauge anodized aluminum frames, well-suited to Japan’s typhoon-grade wind and snow load requirements
- Long warranty: Mitsubishi offered a 20-year power output warranty on many models — more than the 10-year industry standard of the era
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mitsubishi solar panels still made?
Mitsubishi Electric still manufactures solar panels for the Japanese domestic market. However, the company exited US and European residential export markets around 2013–2014. Panels are not sold through standard North American or European distribution channels. For existing installed Mitsubishi panels, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation technically still exists and honors warranty claims in Japan, but enforcing warranties for US-installed panels against a Japanese entity is difficult in practice.
What is the Mitsubishi PV-MLU250HD specification?
The Mitsubishi PV-MLU250HD is a 250W monocrystalline panel: Voc 37.8V, Vmp 30.7V, Isc 8.70A, Imp 8.14A, efficiency 15.3%. 60 cells. This was one of Mitsubishi’s more recent US-market products before the company withdrew from Western exports around 2013.
Where can I find Mitsubishi solar panels?
Used Mitsubishi solar panels occasionally appear on eBay and solar salvage markets. Due to the limited US market penetration compared to brands like Sharp or Suntech, availability is lower. For most owners of Mitsubishi systems needing replacements, the best approach is to use power optimizers (SolarEdge or Tigo) and add modern compatible panels rather than searching for exact-match Mitsubishi panels.
