South Korea-based PV manufacturer Q Cells has become the latest member of the so-called ‘Silicon Module Super League’ to introduce a new panel to the Australian market, on Friday unveiling its 355W Q.PEAK DUO-G6+ module targeting the premium residential segment.
Like its predecessor, the Q.PEAK DUO-G5+, the upgraded panels will have a 25-year product warranty and will take the mantle as the most powerful Q.ANTUM DUO model for the Australian market.
The module launch – following closely behind the unveiling of Longi’s 370W HiMo4 module on Wednesday – comes in the midst of a global pandemic, and as Australia remains largely “locked down,” in a bid to contain spread of Covid-19.
But Q Cells is hoping that this will work in its favour, as Australian households become more conscious than ever of the need to cut grid power consumption at a time when the vast majority of the population is working and schooling from home.
“Q.PEAK DUO-G6+ offers ultimate confidence,” said Q Cells Australia’s key account director, Myungsin Shim.
“Sitting alongside the Q.PEAK DUO-G5+, in Q CELLS range with a 25 year product warranty is sure to be welcome news for Australians at this critical time.
“That’s what sets apart Q CELLS premium range from the pack,” said Shim. “Consumers are increasingly aware and more educated about solar than ever before. They know good value when they see it, or have learned the hard way from previous purchases where a product did not live up to its promise. Now we see them turning more and more to quality, reliable brands.”
Q Cells has its origins in Europe, established in 1999 as one of the first commercial solar panel manufacturers in Germany, and had an early reputation for high-quality, high-performance solar modules.
The company was acquired by South Korea based Hanwha Group in 2012, following a period of tough operating conditions for the company.
It has since has grown to be one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, and ranked among the aforementioned Silicon Module Super League alongside other major players considered to set the benchmark for the industry.
In October last year, Hanwha Q Cells launched a “fully wrapped” home solar and storage package on the Australian market combining its panels, a hybrid inverter, and lithium-ion battery storage of up to 12kWh.
The product, called Q.Home, was pitched to consumers at the All-Energy Australia conference as a window to energy independence and “freedom from Australia’s uncertain electricity prices.” It also has the ability to run independently of the grid, should the need arise.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.
