Solar Panel Profile: Q Cells All Black 405 Watt
Q Cells 405-watt modules provide great value for residential projects because there’s more production power per square inch, giving your roof space more potential than ever.
Choosing the right panel is an important decision—after all, they’ll be on your roof for many decades to come. Q Cells panels can give you the confidence that comes from greater efficiency, performance, and savings through the lifetime of your solar system.
Here are a few important highlights to think about when you’re considering Q Cells panels for your solar project:
Q Cells Assembly Plant in Dalton GA
Q CELLS is creating jobs, strengthening the local economy, and assembling high-performance solar panels in America. The 300,000 square foot plant has created over 650 jobs for people in the Dalton GA community. Learn more about the Q Cells factory here:
Q.ANTUM PERC Technology
Q CELLS’ proprietary Q.ANTUM Technology has been a game-changer in terms of raising standards in module performance and efficiency throughout the solar industry. It is a stepped-up type of Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology, which means that the back of the panel is also able to capture light and create energy. This helps your panels be as efficient as possible even in low light or on high heat days.
The rear surfaces of Q.ANTUM solar cells are treated with a special nano coating that is similar to a typical household mirror. Rays of sunlight that would otherwise go to waste are reflected back through the cell to generate more electricity.
Laser-fired contacts complement the nano coating to enhance the module’s electrical properties, further increasing its efficiency. Q.ANTUM is the most mature PERC technology, and Q CELLS was the first solar company to use the technology.
What exactly are PERC solar cells?
Basically, a PERC solar cell is simply a more efficient solar cell, meaning that solar panels built with PERC cells can convert sunlight into usable electricity more easily. PERC technology boosts efficiency through the addition of a layer to the back of a traditional solar cell, which improves the cell’s production.
How are PERC solar cells different from standard solar cells?
A PERC solar cell is not much different in construction from a typical photovoltaic solar cell. Both types of solar technology use silicon wafers to generate a flow of electrons using incoming solar radiation, and the overall construction of the cell types is very similar. The main difference between PERC cells and typical monocrystalline photovoltaic cells is the integration of a back surface passivation layer, which is a layer of material on the back of the cells that boost cell efficiency. The back surface layer is able to absorb extra light, thus using more of the available electrons to make energy.
The addition of a back surface passivation layer reduces “electron recombination” in the solar cell. Simply put, electron recombination is the tendency of electrons to recombine, which causes a blockage in the free movement of electrons through the solar cell. This inhibition of free electron movement leads to less-than-optimal cell efficiencies. In a PERC solar cell, electron recombination is reduced in order to bump up efficiency.
Another benefit from a PERC solar cell is the reflection of certain wavelengths of light. A silicon wafer in a solar cell can only absorb light in wavelengths up to 1180 nanometers (nm), and higher-wavelength light waves pass through the silicon and are absorbed by the solar panel’s metal back sheet, creating heat. When solar cells are heated, they operate at lower efficiencies. The back surface passivation layer in PERC solar cells is specially designed to reflect light with a wavelength above 1180 nm, reducing the heat energy in the solar cell and consequently increasing efficiency.
Zero Gap Technology
Q.ANTUM DUO Z also features ‘Zero-Gap’ Technology, which means gaps between the cells are closed to ensure a more effective use of the module area. By reducing the space between the cells, module efficiency is increased in relative terms by 4%, delivering an overall module efficiency of up to 21.1%.
Your system will stand up to tough weather
Q Cells testing ensures outstanding durability and world-class performance even in the harshest conditions: strong wind, heavy snow loads, salt stress, aridity, high temperatures, or humidity. Q cells modules are certified for wind loads up to 2400 Pa. (Pascal) and high snow at 5400 Pa. That’s the equivalent of almost 113 pounds per square foot of snow.
Low Light Induced Degradation and Peace of Mind with a 25-year Warranty
Q.PEAK DUO ML-G10 and Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10 are backed by a 25-year product and performance warranty that guarantees at least 86% of the initial power after 25 years. Q CELLS yield security program minimizes the degradation process.
Reach out to us today!
Want to learn more? Get in touch to talk about all the panel options and technicalities with our solar consultants—we love nerding out about PERC Technology with you!
Qcells Solar Panels Review (by Hanwha): 2023 Cost, Specs Performance
Here’s what you need to know about Qcells solar panels:
- EcoWatch Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Efficiency: 19.6% to 21.2%
- Power Rating : 360 to 415 W
- Warranty Length: 25 Years
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Written by Karsten Neumeister
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace. Learn About This Person
Reviewed by Melissa Smith
Melissa is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainability studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral. Learn About This Person
Why You Can Trust EcoWatch
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What is Qcells?
Qcells was founded in 1999 in Germany, where it led solar cell development in Germany’s Solar Valley. In 2012, Qcells was purchased by the South Korean business conglomerate Hanwha Group, and the company’s formal name is now Hanwha Qcells. It makes its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, but retains its design and engineering functions in Thalheim, Germany.
Qcells continues to be a well-respected and innovative solar manufacturer. known for its high-performance monocrystalline PERC (passivated emitter and rear contact) modules. Its proprietary Q.antum technology (a form of advanced PERC technology) has been a major reason why Qcells boasts such impressive power and efficiency ratings relative to its competitors. But more on that later.
To supplement its power and efficiency, Qcells offers a top-notch warranty structure and a track record of dependability, making it one of the most popular solar panel manufacturers in the world.
| Qcells Solar Panels Fast Facts | |
| Year Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| Technology Innovation Headquarters | Thalheim, Germany |
| Manufacturing Facilities | United States, Malaysia, China, South Korea 2 |
| Sustainability Data Disclosure | Click Here |
Q Cells
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.
| Wattage | 385-405 W |
| Efficiency | 19.6-20.6% |
| Warranty | 25-year product and performance warranties |
| Temperature Coefficient | -0.34 %/C |
| Data Sheet | Click Here |
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.
| Wattage | 395-415 W |
| Efficiency | 20.1-21.1% |
| Warranty | 25-year product and performance warranties |
| Temperature Coefficient | -0.34 %/C |
| Data Sheet | Click Here |
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.
| Wattage | 360-380 W |
| Efficiency | 20.1-21.2% |
| Warranty | 25-year product and performance warranties |
| Temperature Coefficient | -0.35 %/C |
| Data Sheet | Click Here |
Qcells also offers additional options, such as the Q.Peak Duo-XL-G10, for commercial and industrial (CI) and utility purposes that will range between 495 and 585 W. Solar panels for CI 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 from3%/℃ to5%/℃. Described more technically, a solar module with a temperature coefficient of3%/℃ would lose.3% of its power output for each degree of temperature increase over 25℃.
With a temperature coefficient averaging35%/℃, Qcells solar panels perform well, but not at an above-average level in extreme temperatures.
QCells vs. Silfab: Which Solar Panels Are Best For You?
With so many solar panel manufacturers, deciding which brand to install with your solar energy system can be difficult.
If you found this blog, you are likely already considering two of the better solar panel brands available in Q Cells and Silfab. This blog aims to help you narrow down your selection between the two brands.
This blog compares these solar brands in four key areas:
Solar Panel Comparison: Q Cells vs. Silfab
Before we jump into the product comparison, here’s a rundown of both of these solar manufacturers.
Q Cells is owned by Hanwha Chemical, a company with businesses that span the manufacturing, construction, finance, leisure, and lifestyle industries. The business is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. In 2019, Q Cells opened the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar assembly facility in Dalton, Georgia. This facility can produce approximately 1.7 GW worth of solar panels yearly, underscoring their commitment to manufacturing in North America.
Started in 2010 by a collaboration of international solar investors, Silfab Solar brings loads of experience to the North American solar sector. From their corporate headquarters in Canada and their two USA locations in Washington, their manufacturing capacity is 800 MW worth of panels each year.
Both companies provide high-quality solar panels that are a great option for your system, but we compare several differences below.
The Cost of Q Cells and Silfab Solar Panels
There are many great benefits for installing solar panels (reduced electric bill, tax credits, clean energy), but the installation cost is one big hurdle that must be addressed. The panels are just one of many components of a solar system. However, they are a big portion of the cost.
While there is a difference in price between Silfab and Q Cells, the difference is minor. Q Cells and Silfab’s solar panels are generally very close in price, and the overall cost depends more on the options chosen than the brand itself. i.e. all black panels vs. silver framed panels.
Some brands do vary more in price, but when comparing Silfab and Q Cells, some of the other aspects below are more important to consider.
Are Q Cells Efficiency Than Silfab Solar Panels?
Most solar panels available today are able to convert 15. 23 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity. This solar panel efficiency varies between solar panels, and it is an important factor to consider when making choices about which solar panels to purchase.
Silfab and Q Cells offer an efficiency rating on par with the industry’s best solar panels. Silfab offers both commercial and residential solar panels with 19.6% to 22.0% efficiency rates. Q Cells offer an efficiency rate of 20.9% for their residential panels and 21.4 to 21.6% for their commercial panels.
The residential line is a slightly lower efficiency due to the all-black panels; while they improve the aesthetics of the system, those good looks come with slightly lower efficiency.
Product Warranties
The product warranties that come with most solar panels are in place to protect the consumer from receiving defective or damaged panels.
Both Silfab and Q Cells offer superb product warranties of 25 years on their products. Silfab includes a standard 12-year product warranty, which is freely extended to 25 years with the condition that your installer is registered as a qualified Silfab installer. Q Cells offers up to 250 in labor costs for systems registered through their Q.PARTNER program in addition to their product warranty.
When considering the various solar companies and their warranties, you will want to also look at a company’s financial standings. While having an excellent warranty is great, if the company goes out of business, that warranty becomes void.
Both Silfab and Q Cells are reputable companies that appear to be in good standing to continue manufacturing panels and honor product warranties well into the future.
Silfab is a company that has more than forty years of experience with solar. Q Cells has been a major manufacturer of solar panels since 1999 and continues to provide solar panels for a large portion of solar projects around the world.
One advantage of installing a solar system with Paradise Energy Solutions is our Triple Ten Guarantee. This covers any labor costs for replacing products under warranty, a cost that is often not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This is an added layer of protection that also includes a ten-year performance guarantee and system monitoring.
Performance Warranties
As solar panels age, the amount of electricity it produces decreases. This is called degradation, and it’s something that happens to every panel over the course of its life.
To help protect consumers from a panel that doesn’t meet performance standards, the manufacturers offer performance warranties to promise that their panels’ degradation rates stay above a certain percentage.
When comparing performance warranties, Silfab offers a slightly better warranty. Q Cells offers the industry-standard 25-year performance warranty, while Silfab offers a 30-year warranty.
Silfab guarantees their panels will perform at or above 85.1% after 25 years and 82.6% after 30 years. Q Cells solar panels come with a guaranteed 25-year performance at 86% of the original efficiency.
While Q Cells promises a higher percentage at the end of 25 years, Silfab offers a guarantee for an additional five years. Both of these companies offer a performance warranty well above the industry standard 25-year performance warranty of 80% of original efficiency.
Which Solar Panels Are Best For You?
While both the Q Cells and the Silfab Solar panels offer reliability and are a strong option for those looking for solar panels, there are some distinct differences that should be understood before you make a decision. Take into account the cost, panel efficiency, product and performance warranties, and degradation rates before choosing a brand of panels.
If you need help selecting the best solar panel for your system, let our team help. Request your custom quote below.
Still not convinced about which solar panel brand to go with? Check out these other brand comparisons that our team put together and this guide to the best solar panel brands.
REC vs Q Cell Solar Panels
EC Solar Panels had almost reached a dominating position in the market of electricity, especially solar panels. On the other hand Q Cell, as well, is not somewhere behind it. Q Cells and REC provides Solar Panels which are durable, with a good warranty period, power output, performance, and much more. Now, the question lies REC vs Q Cell: which one is better? Read the blog to learn the answer with related facts.
REC vs Q Cell: Overview
REC is a pioneer in the solar business and a top developer of solar PV technology. The cutting-edge Alpha series panels, which use high-performance heterojunction cells, have elevated REC to the same level as the top producers in the world and are among the most effective solar panels currently on the market. The more affordable REC Twinpeak and N-peak solar panels offer excellent value in the fiercely competitive solar market and are covered by above-average 25-year performance warranties in addition to a 20-year product guarantee.
Originally located in Germany, Q Cells is now headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and is renowned for producing high-quality solar panels based on tested solar cell technology. Despite not being known for producing the most effective panels, the company is usually very trustworthy and has consistently performed well in independent testing conducted by PVEL. Additionally, Q Cells offers a variety of modularly constructed house energy storage systems, including the stylish new Q. Home CORE series with integrated instantaneous backup power.
REC vs Q Cell: Solar Panel Efficiency
The ability of a solar panel to collect sunlight and transform it into usable energy is referred to as solar panel efficiency. A solar panel with higher efficiency will generate more energy than a panel with lower efficiency of the same size under the same circumstances. Because of this, a greater efficiency rating is typically preferred.
REC Solar Panel Efficiency
The particular type you select for your system will affect the efficiency of the REC solar panels you own. Solar panels from REC have an efficacy range of 19.1% to 22.3%.
| REC Solar Panel Series | Efficiency |
| Alpha Pure-R | 20.7%-22.3% |
| Alpha Pure | 21.1%-22.2% |
| N-Peak 2 (Black) | 19.1%-20.3% |
| Twinpeak 4 (Black) | 19.4%-20.3% |
Q Cell Solar Panel Efficiency
Depending on the particular model you select for your system, the efficiency of your Q CELLS solar panels may vary. From 17.4% to 21.4% efficiency is available for solar panels across the entire Q CELLS product range. In general, Q CELLS solar panels have middle-of-the-road efficiency levels, but those with an efficiency of 18% or greater can be categorized as high efficiency.
REC vs Q Cell Solar Panel: Capacity
The difference between the capacity of both of these solar panels is mentioned below
Q Cell Solar Panel Capacity
Both the Q. MAXX BLK-G5 and Q. MAXX-G5 now have more capacity. The largest G5 has a capacity of 415W, while the G4’s maximum output was 410W (the BLK variant was 400W).
Basic features of the Q.MAXX-G5 include:
- 6 18 monocrystalline cells half-cut cells of Q. ANTUM.
- Dimensions: 405W and 415W
- 1722 mm x 1134 mm x 30 mm is the size.
- Size 21.1 kg
- than 21.3% and 20.7% efficiency
- 0.34%/°C for the temperature coefficient.
Three different power levels of the all-black Q. MAXX BLK-G5 are offered: 390W, 400W, and 410W.
Both products come with a 25-year guarantee. Additionally, a 25-year performance warranty is provided, with a minimum of 98% of nominal power guaranteed for the first year and a maximum of 0.5% decline thereafter.
REC Solar Panel Capacity
The business debuted its Alpha Series solar panels in 2019. At the time, according to REC, it was the greatest power 60-cell module available anywhere. The Alpha Pure, which came after the Alpha and is available in the following wattages: 385W, 390W, 395W, 400W, 405W, and 410W, offers a panel efficiency of up to 22.2%. The Alpha initially offered a panel efficiency of up to 21.7%.
The Alpha Pure Series won REC an Intersolar Award in May 2022, with the judges praising its outstanding power production, low carbon footprint, and absence of lead used in manufacturing.
Additionally in May 2022, REC unveiled its Alpha Pure-R solar panels, which will have module conversion efficiencies varying from 21.2% to 22.3% and capacities from 410W to 430W.
A medium-sized manufacturer of solar cells is REC. In 2017, they delivered 1.34 gigawatts of panels, which was more than all of Australia’s installed capacity. Although subsequent shipments are unclear, the company reports that as of 2023, it had delivered 43 million modules, or more than 12 gigawatts, of REC solar panels.
The business plans to increase that capacity to 5GW within the next year or two. As for total manufacturing capacity, the last information available indicated that it was around 1.8 GW annually.
REC vs Q Cell Solar Panel: Price Range
Whenever you are buying something, everything boils down to one thing- the price. You buy things that fit your budget and don’t burn holes in your s. This is why the price is a major comparison factor in REC vs Q Cell solar panels.
Q Cell Solar Panel Price
Cost is often the deciding factor for homes when selecting solar equipment. The overall cost of a solar energy system using Q CELLS panels will differ based on the other components (like inverters and mounts) and the features of your roof that were used during installation.
Here are analyzed estimates from homeowners that include Q CELLS solar panels to show the price range for Q CELLS systems. With the majority of Q CELLS systems costing between 2.32 and 3.16 per watt, Q CELLS is one of the finest home solar investment options available.
Accordingly, your gross cost for a 6 kW system would range from 13,920 to 18,960 (before taking into account any tax rebates or other incentives). In addition, the majority of homeowners spend significantly less than the total gross cost. A 6 kW system with Q CELLS would cost between 10,301 and 14,030 after the government solar tax credit of 26%, which is available to everyone. Numerous state-level solar incentives and rebates are available to further lower your initial costs.
Although Q CELLS solar panels don’t have the best efficiency or performance in the industry, many homeowners who are considering solar find them to be a fantastic bargain. In conclusion, there are many persuasive reasons to think about using Q CELLS panels for your residential solar installation.
REC Solar Panel Price
The price does vary from state to state and even by different solar companies based on installation costs, just like any solar panel that needs to be installed by an expert. Working with a trustworthy solar installer will help you take advantage of regional incentives and the 30% federal tax credit to get the best deal on REC panels in your area.
Given that the average cost per watt in the United States is expected to be 3.00 as of December 2022, you can anticipate REC panels to cost between 2.40 and 3.60 per watt.
REC vs Q Cell Solar Panel: Which is Better?
The Most Trusted and Tested solar panel maker for more than 20 years has been REC. The most recent award-winning line of cutting-edge REC solar panels, the Alpha® Pure solar panel, enables homeowners to fully utilize solar energy for many years. In comparison to other solar panel warranties, their 25-year warranty ensures 92% power performance in year 25.
Given that they evaluate their panels three times more rigorously than anyone else, REC solar panels have a reputation for longevity. In addition, they provide a 25-year labor guarantee, which adds a lot of value to solar for residential use.
In addition, the 410W panel has an efficiency rating of 21.6%, besting SunPower 400 Watt solar panels, which have a rating of 21.4%.
Q Cell may be the most well-known producer of solar panels. It is primarily produced in Singapore after being developed in Germany. With a remarkable efficiency rating of 20.6% and a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, the Q Cells solar PV provides affordable pricing. The main drawback is that performance will greatly decline from the first year over the long term.
Due to the high rate of depreciation, Q CELLS panels will only produce about 90% beginning in the fifth year, which is why they were not successful in capturing the throne. This is why REC panels are considered better than Q-cell solar panels.
Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet’s long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.