Qcells Solar Panels Review (by Hanwha): 2023 Cost, Specs & Performance

Here’s a quick look into Qcells’ newest manufacturing facility in Dalton, GA — the largest solar panel factory in the western hemisphere.

What Solar Panels Does Qcells Offer?

At the time of writing of this article, Qcells offers three brands of panels for residential use, all from the Q.Peak Duo line. Though their specifications are similar, each varies slightly in power output, aesthetics and price. 

Solar manufacturers release products in generations, as is common with many technologies. Older generations of Qcells products included polycrystalline panels until the company homed in on its most successful technology. You may recognize some older generations of Qcells modules, including the Q.Peak Duo l, Q.Peak Duo-G5, Q.Peak Duo BLK-G6 and Q.Peak Duo-ML-G9. Some panels even come paired with Enphase or Fronius inverters. Today, the company is on its 10th generation of panels: the Q.Peak Duo BLK-G10. 

Q.Peak Duo BLK ML-G10+

The Q.Peak Duo BLK ML-G10+ is the all-black version of Qcells 10th generation solar panel, and the first issue from the company to break the 400-watt barrier. It utilizes Qcells’ zero gap Q.ANTUM DUO Z technology to boost module efficiency up to 20.6%. The module is also backed by a 25-year product and performance warranty. The all-black version of the ML-G10+ suffers nominally on efficiency relative to the other products in Qcells’ portfolio. 

Q.Peak Duo ML-G10+

The Q.Peak Duo ML-G10+ is made with half-cell mono PERC technology, and is Qcells’ most powerful and efficient residential solar panel on the market. This model does not come in all-black, but its wattage and efficiency ratings are a nose higher than its all-black counterparts. If aesthetics of your roof aren’t a priority, then this is the best Qcells solar panel for you. 

Q.Peak Duo G10

The Q.Peak Duo G10 carries similar efficiency to the G10+ models, but lacks the same power output. The G10 will offer more budget-conscious solar customers the best option from Qcells. Besides an approximate 20-30 lower wattage level, the G10 has nearly the same efficiency ratings, warranties and temperature coefficients as the G10+ models. 

Qcells also offers additional options, such as the Q.Peak Duo-XL-G10, for commercial and industrial (C&I) and utility purposes that will range between 495 and 585 W. Solar panels for C&I purposes are typically much larger and bulkier than residential solar panels as roof space isn’t as much of a constraint.

Qcells Solar Panel Efficiency

The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable AC electricity. High efficiency panels help a homeowner make the most of limited roof space, especially on smaller homes, so homeowners should pay special attention to their panels’ efficiency rating.

The industry average for efficiency sits between 15% and 20%, with the industry’s best reaching levels north of 20%. Qcells’ solar cell technology achieves efficiency ratings that range between 19.6% and 21.2%, a healthy number that earns it a spot among the best in the business. For more details on how Qcells panels compare to other high efficiency solar solutions, check out our page on the solar panels with the highest efficiencies.

Qcells Solar Panel Power Rating

The power rating of a solar panel indicates the watts (W) of energy that it can produce — also referred to as wattage. The greater a panel’s power rating, the more solar power it can generate. Though we do stress the importance of solar panels’ efficiency, a difference between 10% and 20% won’t mean much if a solar panel has a low power rating. As of 2022, the industry average ranges between 300 and 400 watts, with the best solar panels breaching 400+ W. 

All of Qcells’ current panels match, if not exceed, the industry standard. Though Qcells is not currently breaking the world record for the most powerful residential solar panels, the Q.Peak Duo ML-G10+ ranks among the best in the business, reaching levels between 385 and 415 W. This achievement is due in part to a reduced distance between the busbars and the additional tracks, which enables a 2% increase in performance. 

Qcells Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient

Solar panels are engineered to resist extreme heat as they can overheat in intense conditions. A module’s temperature coefficient refers to the level that a solar panel’s output decreases during extreme heat. Solar panels that perform well in the heat will have lower temperature coefficients, reflecting a nominal effect on the module’s performance. 

The average temperature coefficient for a solar panel ranges from -.3%/℃ to -.5%/℃. Described more technically, a solar module with a temperature coefficient of -.3%/℃ would lose .3% of its power output for each degree of temperature increase over 25℃.

With a temperature coefficient averaging -.35%/℃, Qcells solar panels perform well, but not at an above-average level in extreme temperatures. 

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Qcells Solar Panel Warranty

Most customers assume that the warranty on a solar installation is provided by the installation company. While most solar companies do offer workmanship warranties, the manufacturer warranty (or product warranty) and performance warranty will come through the brand of solar panel, inverter or battery you decide on. 

With Qcells modules, customers are covered by a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee. The linear performance guarantee certifies that your panels will generate at least 97% of the minimal rated power output in the first year and a maximum reduction in output of 0.6% per year following your installation. The guaranteed minimum power output after 25 years is 83%.³

How Much Do Qcells Solar Panels Cost?

Similar to any other brand of solar panel, the cost of Qcells modules will fluctuate depending on where you live, when you make your purchase and even the solar installer that you hire. The solar industry is a highly globalized supply chain, which can be affected by variations in supply and demand as well as government policy. 

However, Qcells is known for providing great value for the price. The high quality panels will likely cost around the industry average, if not slightly below. Prices will also vary depending on which Qcells product you end up choosing. Though panels with higher efficiency levels may cost more up-front, they’ll provide more energy on the back end, accelerating your payback period. 

Qcells Solar Panels Pros & Cons

The solar industry is full of products delivering different strengths and weaknesses competing to gain an edge in the business. Assessing the pros and cons can help you figure out which brand is best for your needs. 

Pros

• Excellent price for value
• Power rating among the best in the industry
• Panels available in all black to seamlessly blend into your roof
• Great warranty coverage
• Committed to U.S. value chain

Cons

• Only one type of technology available

Our Take on Qcells Solar Panels

Qcells offers some of the best all-around solar panels on the market. Though Qcells won’t be at the top of the list for any specific category, it offers a budget-friendly, reliable option with more than enough power to get the job done. Qcells backs its modules with 25-year product and performance warranties on the models featured above, highlighting the confidence it has in its products getting the job done right. 

With all these considerations in mind, it comes as no surprise to us that Qcells solar panels are some of the most popular in the United States. We firmly recommend Qcells to any of our readers as a reliable all-around choice providing exceptional value.

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