A 2021 Comprehensive Q CELLS Solar Panels Review

Hanwha Q CELLS  is one of the most recognisable and trusted names in the solar industry. Their Q CELLS modules are built on proven cell technology and are widely used as they are incredibly reliable, budget-friendly and quite efficient.

Are they the right product for you?

In this Q CELLS solar panels review, we will cover everything you need to know about these solar panels—from the technology they use to performance and pricing. 

Brand Snapshot

A Tier 1 company, Q CELLS manufactures ultra high performance, mid to high range solar panels and modules for residential, commercial and industrial use. 

Originally founded in Germany in 1999, they were acquired in 2012 by the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group and became Hanwha Q CELLS. Today, Hanwha Q CELLS is headquartered in South Korea and Germany with cutting-edge R&D facilities located in Germany, Korea, China and Malaysia. 

This global presence allows the company to provide high-quality products and solutions to customers across the world. 

The company is focused on product innovation and is always looking to advance and improve their solutions—one of the main reasons why it has managed to rise to the top of the UK solar panel market. 

Cell Technology 

Q CELLS provide higher, more reliable yields at reduced costs. 

Thanks to the company’s latest innovative Q.ANTUM DUO Z Technology, their solar panels offer up to 18.5 % more power all year round, even in autumn and winter when the sun is low on the horizon. This particular feature makes it perfect for customers in the UK who see an average of 1,400 hours of sunshine a year.

The Q.ANTUM DUO Z Technology marries the company’s Q.ANTUM Cell Technology with the unique DUO cell separation method. The latter uses round connecting wire and zero-gap cell interconnection to provide maximum power generation in real-life conditions. 

Q.ANTUM DUO Z also boosts the nominal power and improves the module’s reliability thanks to the following features:

Performance and Specifications 

Hanwha Q CELLS mainly focuses on the production of monocrystalline solar cells, unlike some other companies on the market that manufacture monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. 

Nevertheless, Q CELLS has a varied offer, ranging from solutions for residential buildings (like the Q.PEAK DUO-G9) and industrial buildings (such as the Q.PEAK DUO ML-G9) to ground-mounted solar power plants ( the  Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11)

It also excels in other areas, including:

Efficiency

The latest G9 series can convert up to 21.7% of sunlight into electricity, putting Q CELLS efficiency in a similar range as LG panels (19.8% and 22.0%). Previous Q CELLS models had much lower efficiency rates; however, the company’s innovative high-density cell format has increased efficiency by an impressive 4%.

Performance

Q CELLS solar modules with Q.ANTUM DUO Z Technology also offer first-class performance guarantees of 98% in the first year and an incredible 86% after 25 years. This means that Q CELLS have a degradation rate of 0.5% (maximum) a year, lower than the industry standard of 1%. Their innovative technology also reduces shading by up to 75% and increases power by 3%, ensuring yields with up to 395 Wp, much higher than other models available right now.

Strength and Durability

All the models in the G9 series feature a 32mm frame designed to bear wind and snow loads from up to 4000/ 6000 Pa, ideal for harsh weather conditions. 

Q CELLS also have a low-temperature coefficient of 0.35%/ºC, which is well within the industry-standard range of 0.3% /°C to -0.5%/°C.

Hanwha Q CELLS Spec Sheet

Warranty

The Hanwha Q CELL warranty comes in two types: A Product Warranty of around 12 years protecting your panel from manufacturing defects and environmental issues and a Performance Warranty which means that your solar panel will continue to produce a minimum of  83% after 25 years. 

It should be noted that the G9+ series (having the same specs as the G9 series) come with a 25-year product and 25-year performance warranty.

25 years warranty is the industry standard; both Panasonic Solar Panels and the SunPower X-Series come with the same generous warranty period. 

Bonus Features

Like other photovoltaic manufacturers, Q CELLS also offers storage solutions enabling customers to sustainably reduce electricity costs. 

Currently, Q CELLS has three storage options:

Q.HOME⁺ ESS HYB-G3 

Easy to install and sold with a 10-year warranty and integrated energy management system, the Q.HOME⁺ ESS HYB-G3 effectively stores power at night, supplying households with its own solar power when required.  

Q.HOME⁺ ESS HYB-G2

This scalable and modular storage solution uses a Samsung lithium-ion battery to ensure storage of clean and cheap solar energy, which households can use at night or on cloudy days. This system also comes with a 10-year warranty and integrated control program.

Q.HOME⁺ ESS AC-G2

Ensuring long-term operation and maximum power output, the AC-coupled home storage can communicate directly with most PV inverters, giving users insight into energy production and consumption. The Q.HOME⁺ ESS AC-G2 comes with a 10-year warranty and a lithium-ion battery with integrated battery management from LG Chem.

Pricing 

The average Q CELLS solar panel prices fall between £112 and £150. 

This price point makes Q CELLS one of the most affordable solar panels on the market, much lower than both SunPower and LG’s solar panels (Q CELLS’ biggest competitors). 

Bottom Line 

There might be more powerful and efficient solar panels available, but Q CELLS excellent reputation and focus on innovation is unmatched on the market. Combined with high-quality products, reliable yields, and extended warranties, there is no doubt that Q CELLS is a great option for any household looking to invest in solar power.