Qcells is a well-known solar manufacturing company that designs both residential and commercial solar panels. The company has diverse product ranges with high-performing solar panels at affordable prices. In this article, our researchers have combed through Qcells’s products to establish which solar panels are worth considering for different sized homes. We’ve considered Qcells’s reputation, pricing and performance.
Qcells overview
Qcells is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world. It manufactures and designs solar panels that are installed globally for both residential and commercial use. Most of Qcells’s products have a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. The manufacturer also designs long lasting solar panels with a relatively low annual degradation rate.
Qcells was founded in 1999 and was initially headquartered in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany – and the company still has engineering offices in Germany. Qcells is a well-known manufacturer today, but that wasn’t always the case. It wasn’t until 2012, when it was acquired by the Hanwha Group, that the company established itself as a reputable manufacturer. Now headquartered in Seoul, Korea, Qcells products are sold in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
Qcells’s product ranges feature some of the lowest annual power degradations on the market, with most of its solar panels retaining 98% of their optimal power in the first year. Some Qcells panels are designed with aluminium alloy frames and gapless cell technology, which both enhance efficiency, increase light-trapping and improve overall performance.
The company is a Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer rated by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) thanks to its high-performing products. Tier 1 manufacturers are crafted using only pure silicon, and the production process is rigorously checked for mistakes.
How much do Qcells solar panels cost?
Qcells has a diverse range of solar panels in terms of efficiency and power output. Our researchers compared the price range for its models with other leading solar manufacturers and found there to be pros and cons. Companies such as JA Solar, REC and SunPower are more expensive than Qcells overall, but they do offer 25-year product warranties, whereas Qcells is typically only 12 years.
However, compared to less expensive manufacturers such as Jinko Solar and Suntech, which both have the same 12 to 15-year warranty range, Qcells’s solar panel costs are similar.
Qcells reputation
Qcells has been a reputable solar manufacturer for many years now and has a good reputation. It has consistently scored in the ‘Top performer’ category of the DNV GL/PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard report. The DNV GL is a highly-regarded independent energy expert that establishes 20 leading solar manufacturers in its annual report.
What are Qcells’s best solar panels?
Our experts have chosen four of Qcells’s panels for specific use cases to help you choose one that roughly matches your requirements.
Best for average-sized homes: Qcells Q.Peak Duo Black M-G11S+ 400W
Highlights
✓ Retains at least 98% maximum power in the first year
✓ High-tech aluminium alloy frame designed for all weather conditions
✓ 0.5% annual degradation
Essential features
- Power output: 400W
- Efficiency: 20.8%
- Warranty: 25 years’ product and performance warranty
- Cost per panel: £164.40
The Qcells Q.Peak Duo Black M-G11S+ 400W comes with a low annual degradation of just 0.5% and retains at least 98% of its optimal power in the first year. Its 20.8% efficiency rating by no means makes it the best-performing Qcells solar panel, but it does perform well in adverse weather conditions. Thanks to its aluminium alloy frames, the model can withstand high winds and snow loads.
Pricing
When our researchers compared the Q.Peak M-11S+ 400W, we found there to be less expensive options available. The JA Solar QC4 400W panel is £50 less expensive, and its power output and efficiency are nearly the same. However, our research suggests that prices vary between manufacturers. REC’s TwinPeak 405W is slightly more expensive but is 0.2% less efficient.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCell’s Q.Peak duo M-G11S+ 400W | 20.8% | 400W | £164.40 |
| 400W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell All Black Short Frame QC4 solar panel | 20.5% | 400W | £114 |
| 405W REC TwinPeak 5 Series | 20.5% | 405W | £171.50 |
Efficiency
The Q.Peak M-G11S+ has a maximum power output of 400W and a 20.8% efficiency rating – both of which are considered average.
Consider this panel if…
Homes with an average energy consumption and no more than three bedrooms. Its 20.8% efficiency and 400W power output could struggle to power a larger home.
Avoid this panel if…
Households on a tight budget – our research found similarly efficient solar panels that cost less.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★1/2 |
| Overall | ★★★ |
Best for smaller households: Q.Peak Duo ML-G9 All Black 380W HQC4 Solar Panel
Highlights
✓ 0.5% annual degradation
✓ Zero-gap cell layout, better light-trapping
✓ 98% of nominal power in the first year
Essential features
- Power output: 380W
- Efficiency: 20.6%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 25 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: £147.60
Qcells’s Q.Peak Duo ML-G9 380W solar panel is designed with a gapless cell layout, much like some of the company’s other models. The panel has an efficiency of 20.6%, is affordable, and its all-black, sleek design would suit the aesthetic-conscious homeowner.
Pricing
When our researchers compared the Q.Peak Duo Ml-G9 we found its pricing to be fair. Suntech’s 375W solar panel has the same efficiency, and it’s priced almost identically to Qcells’s panel. Similarly, with JA Solar’s QC4 panel, the price difference is marginal and its efficiency and power output are almost the same.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q.Peak Duo ML-G9 | 20.6% | 380W | £147.60 |
| 380W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell Silver Short Frame QC4 | 20.4% | 380W | £153.60 |
| Suntech 375W Mono PERC Black Frame | 20.6% | 375W | £147.47 |
Efficiency
The Q.Peak Duo ML-G9 has a maximum power output of 380W and 0.5% annual degradation. Its efficiency is 20.6%, which is relatively high compared to other panels with a low power output. Due to its below-average power output, this model would be better suited for smaller homes that use less electricity.
Consider this panel if…
This model has a maximum power output of 380W and an efficiency of 20.6%, meaning it should produce enough solar energy to power a small home during the warmer months.
Avoid this panel if…
Homes that would like to not rely on National Grid electricity. In order to do this year-round, a solar panel with a power output above 400W would be better suited.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
Best for energy-hungry homes: Q.Peak Duo M-G11S Series 420W
Highlights
✓ 98% nominal power during the first year
✓ 0.5% annual degradation
✓ Works well in adverse weather conditions
Essential features
- Power output: 420W
- Efficiency: 21.5%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 25 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: POA
The Qcells Q.Peak Duo M-G11S 420W comes with a 21.5% efficiency and a maximum power output of 420W – which makes it Qcells’s best-performing panel. This model, like many other Qcells panels, can withstand high wind and snow loads and performs well in low-light conditions.
Pricing
Unfortunately, our researchers found that the M-G11S 420W panel’s pricing is not widely available. While we were unable to compare the model on its pricing, we did compare its efficiency and power output.
It has the exact same efficiency and power output as the Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 420W, which is priced at £177. Earlier, we discovered that Qcells’s other models were of similar pricing as Jinko Solar.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qcells Q.Peak Duo M-G11S 420W | 21.5% | 420W | POA |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 420W N-Type 54 Cell | 21.5% | 420W | £177 |
| 420W REC Alpha Pure-R Series All Black Solar Panel | 21.7% | 420W | £262.80 |
Efficiency
The M-G11S 420W is best suited to larger households thanks to its 21.5% efficiency rating and 420W maximum power output, both of which are above the market average. This model’s bypass diodes improve efficiency even in shaded conditions by providing a current path around the shaded cells instead of through them.
Consider this panel if…
This model would be best suited to energy-hungry homes, such as those with three or more bedrooms, thanks to its 21.5% efficiency and high power output.
Avoid this panel if…
Small homes that don’t need such a high-performing panel. Other Qcells solar panels, such as the Q.Peak Duo ML-G9, would be better suited.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★1/2 |
Best for homes with limited sun exposure: Q.peak Duo M-G11A Series 410W
Highlights
✓ Zero-gap cell layout increases light exposure
✓ Certified for high snow and high winds
✓ Up to 21.4% efficiency
Essential features
- Power output: 410W
- Efficiency: 21.4%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 25 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: £152.40
The Q.Peak Duo M-G11A series features high-performing solar panels with high efficiencies. Its G-11A 410W has an efficiency rating of 21.4%, making it one of Qcells’s best-performing solar panels. Similarly to the M-G11+ series, it is also designed with an aluminium alloy frame, which enhances performance in high wind and snow conditions.
Pricing
When our researchers compared the Q.Peak Duo M-G11A with similar models, we were impressed by its reasonable pricing.
We found it to be less expensive than the Longi Him05 410W and JA Solar’s JAM54S30 410W. What’s more, both Longi’s and JA Solar’s panels have an efficiency of 21%, which is marginally less than Qcells’s.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q.Peak Duo M-G11A Series 410W | 21.4% | 410W | £152.40 |
| Longi Himo5 – Mono 410Wp | 21% | 410W | £173.89 |
| JAM54S30 410 Half Cell PV | 21% | 410W | £172 |
Efficiency
The Q.Peak Duo G-11A 410W has an efficiency of 21.4%. Its gapless cell technology enhances performance and increases light exposure. This model has a maximum power output of 410W, which is above the average 400W for solar panels.
Consider this panel if…
This model performs well in low-light conditions. It has a high panel efficiency of 21.4% and can withstand high snow and wind loads. Its gapless cell technology has better light-trapping capabilities.
Avoid this panel if…
Homes with low energy consumption.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★1/2 |
| Overall | ★★★ |
Qcells solar panels FAQs
Qcells has more than 20 years of experience as a solar manufacturer. It has various global manufacturing bases and markets itself in almost every region of the world. It caters for both commercial and residential solar arrays, and its product range covers a wide range of power outputs. Its solar panels are also reasonably priced when compared to its competitors.
When looking for the best Qcells solar panel prices, it’s best to consider both national and local solar panel installers. Ideally, you should compare three or more different solar panel quotes before choosing the best option. It’s important to consider factors such as the overall cost, including the cost of labour, warranties and solar panel performance.
The average lifespan of solar panels is 25 years. The majority of Qcells’s panels are guaranteed to have a minimum power output of 83% of their day-one maximum power after 25 years. Its product warranty is usually 12 years, while its performance warranty spans 25 years.
Rachel Sadler is a seasoned journalist and content creator with a multi-year track record in both print and digital media.
Rachel is an expert in renewable energy, particularly solar panel solutions for UK households. She investigates the most effective solar panels for domestic use, emphasising cost savings and the potential for households to produce their own electricity. Her interests extend to home insulation, specifically the role of windows in enhancing energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and cost reduction. She delves into the best materials for durability, maintenance, and affordability, crafting informative guides and articles.
