Hanwha Q CELLS: Leading the Solar Revolution with High-Efficiency Renewable Energy Solutions

Q CELLS was originally established in Germany in 1999. Hanwha Group acquired the company in 2012, merging it with its existing solar business to form Hanwha Q CELLS. While it was initially founded in Germany, Hanwha Q CELLS now has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, with significant operations in Thalheim, Germany, and other locations worldwide.

"As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, we will stand at the forefront of the technological innovation that will form the foundation of sustainable industrial and economic development."

Source: hanwha.com

Products

Solar Cells

1. Q.ANTUM Technology:

   • Q.ANTUM is Hanwha Q CELLS' proprietary technology designed to maximize the efficiency and performance of its solar cells. This technology enhances light absorption and minimizes energy losses, which leads to higher energy yields.

   • The Q.ANTUM technology is based on a PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) architecture, which adds an extra layer to the rear side of the solar cells. This layer reflects unused sunlight back into the cell, allowing it to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.

2. Efficiency and Performance:

   • Hanwha Q CELLS solar cells are known for their high efficiency, typically ranging between 20% and 22%. This makes them among the most efficient in the industry.

   • The cells are designed to perform well under various environmental conditions, including low-light situations and high temperatures. This ensures consistent energy production across different climates and geographies.

3. Durability and Reliability:

   • The solar cells are built to be durable and reliable, with a focus on long-term performance. They are tested rigorously to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy snow, and strong winds.

   • Hanwha Q CELLS offers long warranties on its products, typically around 25 years, ensuring that customers receive sustained performance over the lifetime of the solar cells.

Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

1. Product Range:

   • Hanwha Q CELLS offers a wide range of PV modules designed to meet different customer needs, from residential to commercial and utility-scale installations. These modules are available in various sizes and power outputs, providing flexibility in system design.

   • The company produces both monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules, with a strong focus on high-efficiency monocrystalline modules in recent years due to their superior performance.

2. Q.PEAK Series:

   • The Q.PEAK series is one of Hanwha Q CELLS’ flagship product lines. These modules feature the Q.ANTUM technology and are known for their high power output and efficiency. The Q.PEAK DUO series, in particular, uses half-cell technology, which reduces electrical resistance and enhances performance.

   • The Q.PEAK modules are designed for maximum space efficiency, making them ideal for installations where space is limited but high power output is required.

3. Bifacial Modules:

   • Hanwha Q CELLS also offers bifacial modules, which can capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides of the panel. This technology increases energy yield, particularly in installations where the ground surface can reflect additional sunlight onto the rear of the panel.

   • Bifacial modules are particularly beneficial in utility-scale projects and installations where maximizing energy production is crucial.

4. Smart Modules:

   • Hanwha Q CELLS integrates smart technology into some of its modules, which allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of the solar power system. This technology helps to detect and mitigate issues like shading or soiling, ensuring consistent energy production.

5. Quality and Certifications:

   • Hanwha Q CELLS’ modules are certified to meet international standards for quality and safety. The company’s commitment to quality is reflected in the extensive testing and certification processes its products undergo.

   • The modules are certified for various international markets, ensuring they meet or exceed the local standards in terms of performance, safety, and environmental impact.

Applications and Market Presence

Hanwha Q CELLS modules are popular in residential solar installations due to their high efficiency, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. The company’s products are designed to maximize energy production even on rooftops with limited space.

For commercial and industrial customers, Hanwha Q CELLS provides solutions that cater to large-scale energy needs. The modules are suitable for a variety of commercial buildings, from factories to office complexes, helping businesses reduce energy costs and carbon footprints.

Hanwha Q CELLS is a major supplier of utility-scale solar projects around the world. The company’s high-efficiency modules are used in large solar farms that generate electricity for thousands of homes and businesses.

Awards and Recognition

Hanwha Q Cells has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovation and quality in the solar energy sector. Notably, the company was honoured with the iF Design Award 2023, which recognized its brand identity as a green energy solutions provider, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and design excellence.

In addition, Hanwha Q Cells won the Life & Living Award 2020 as Germany's most popular solar technology provider, marking its seventh consecutive Top Brand PV Seal from EuPD Research. This award reflects the high consumer satisfaction and likelihood of repeat purchases among its customers, underscoring the company's strong reputation in the market.

Moreover, Hanwha Q Cells was recognized as a top brand for 2023 in the solar module awareness and satisfaction survey conducted by EuPD Research, further cementing its position as a leader in the solar industry. The company has also been acknowledged for its PV Module Reliability Scorecard performance, maintaining its status as a top performer for eight consecutive years.

Pricing

Hanwha Q Cells offers a range of solar panels with pricing that is competitive and slightly below average in the solar market. The prices for Hanwha Q Cells solar panels generally range from $200 to $240 per panel. Specific models, such as the Q.Peak 410W panel, are priced at around $249, while refurbished models like the Q.PLUS 335W module are available for about $110. These prices reflect Hanwha Q Cells' commitment to providing affordable and high-quality solar energy solutions.

On average, solar panels from Hanwha Q CELLS might range from $0.25 to $0.45 per watt for large-scale purchases, depending on the model and efficiency. For residential systems, the price might be higher, generally ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt installed, including panels, inverters, and installation labour.

Example Cost Calculation:

• A typical 6kW residential system using Hanwha Q CELLS panels might cost anywhere from $15,000 to $21,000 before any incentives or rebates. This includes the cost of panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and installation.

Note on Incentives:

• Many regions offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits that can significantly reduce the overall cost of solar installations. It’s important to consider these when evaluating the total cost.

For exact pricing, it is recommended to contact local installers or distributors who can provide a detailed quote based on the specific requirements of your project.