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.
Also Read: 11 Major Factors Affecting Solar Panel 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
- More 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.
Also See: What is the Average Solar panel Output Per day?
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.
Also Read: What is a 5kw Hybrid Solar System?
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 pockets. 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.
Also See: What Questions to Ask Before Getting Solar Panels?
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.
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