When you are deciding to go solar it is important to consider factors, such as kilowatt-hours, monthly payments, and total savings. Also, it's equally important to know the type of solar panel that you are investing in installing. Selecting the best solar panel and comparing it from hundreds of different models can be challenging. Solar panels are often very similar in terms of how they operate and it is hard to know the difference between an excellent and a moderate-quality product. It takes years to see how they will perform before any potential quality issues become evident. You don’t want to end up getting a panel that is economical but won’t do the work that is supposed to do. That's why it is important to get solar panels with good specs and a strong and viable warranty.
Panasonic is one of the world's largest manufacturers and a popular choice for homeowners. It's the best option if you are looking for a trustworthy company that has been in the market for a long time. You want to choose a company that can support you throughout the whole life of solar panels. Panasonic's newest model, the Pansonic EVPV 400 Watt panel, guarantees a 92% power output after 25 years.
That's 15% more power compared to what is offered by a traditional solar panel warranty from a well-established company. It relies on Heterojunction Cell Technology (HJT) which minimizes electron loss, maximizes conversion efficiency, and produces higher power output than conventional panels. Panasonic panels are highly rated and reviewed in the USA.
The models we currently offer from Panasonics are EVPV 360, EVPV 370, EVPV 400, and EVPV 410.
In 2012, Hanwha (South Korea) bought the German solar manufacturer Q Cell. QCell was one of the world's recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for their economical panels. Hanwha offers a good range of photovoltaic products, applications, and other solutions. The panels are a good option for many homeowners without any premium markup. The QCell Q.Peak Duo 400 Watt panel is currently their most famous panel. In 2019, the company built a facility in Atlanta, Georgia to manufacture solar panels for the US market.
The models that we offer from Hanwha Q Cells are Q.PEAK DUO G10 395, Q.PEAK DUO G10 400, and Q.PEAK DUO G10 405.
Comparing the Products
| BRAND | PANASONIC | Q CELLS |
|---|---|---|
| MODEL | EVPV400H | Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400 |
| TYPE | Mono-crystalline Silicon | Mono-crystalline Silicon |
| WATTAGE (W) | 400 | 400 |
| MODULE EFFICIENCY | 21.6 %  |
20.4 % |
| POWER DERATING | 0.25 % |
0.50 % |
| POWER WARRANTY TYPE | LINEAR | LINEAR |
| PRODUCT WARRANTY | 25 YEARS | 25 YEARS |
| OUTPUT WARRANTY | 25 YEARS | 25 YEARS |
| HEIGHT - INCH | 71.69 | 73.97 |
| WIDTH - INCH | 41.50 | 41.14 |
| COMPANY ESTABLISHED YR | 1918 |
1999* |
Solar Model: Panasonic EVPV 400H
EVPV400H uses Half-cut HeteroJunction Technology (HJT) and uses N-type cells. The use of Half-cut cells with HJT minimizes electron loss, maximizes conversion efficiency, and produces considerably higher power output over conventional panels. N-type cells result in minimal Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Potential Induced Degradation (PID), which supports reliability and longevity. Backed by a company that has pioneered solar technology for over 45 years, Panasonic EverVolt solar panels are backed by innovation, experience, and a trusted brand name. The AllGuard Warranty that Panasonic offers is another proof that Panasonic stands behind its products.
Solar Model: Q CELLS Q.PEAK DUO ML-G10+ 400
Peak-Duo technology separates the modules into six sections. This is very unique in the industry, as most solar panels have three diodes/sections. Before diodes, a small portion of shading from a tree or snow could knock out an entire solar panel. In recent years, panels have had three diodes, meaning only a third of the panel would lose power. The panel's design is all-black, with its silver bus bar lines that are readily apparent. The 400-watt panels have a good power output. Q Cells are an economic option compared to Panasonics.
The Bottom Line
Both panels promise to give you an initial output of 400 Watts. However, we notice some differences in their performance and other key factors. Below is a summary of the comparison of differences.
- Panasonic EVPV400H has half the annual degradation of QCell Q.Peak 400. Solar panels' performance degrades over time, so your system will produce less energy as it ages. However, a solar system made from Panasonic solar panels will produce more energy over the next 25 years than Hanwha QCell. As the energy cost increases, this difference will become more financially pronounced over time.
- Panasonic EVPV400H has 21.6% efficiency, that's 1.2% higher than that of QCell Q.Peak 400. You can get more energy from your roof for a given area.
- QCell panels manufacturer was established in 1999 and focused on the solar business compared to Panasonic, which was established in 1918 and is more established and diversified.
- QCell offers a 25-yr warranty covering their own solar panels. Panasonic offers an AllGuard Warranty that covers all major components such as the panels, the inverters, and the mounting system, for 25 years (please check the AllGuard Warranty Document regarding coverage).
