The Q Cells XL-G11 are monocrystalline solar panels suitable for large domestic and commercial solar projects. They feature innovative solar technologies such as PERC cells, dual cells, and zero-cell gap to achieve high module efficiency of up to 21.7% and high-power output of up to 590 W.
When debating solar power systems, you should strongly prioritise solar panel quality. Unless these rooftop components are of premium build, they cannot withstand the elements to continue generating electricity for you over a significant period.
The Q Cells XL-G11 was recently added to the growing number of modules in the market. The question is whether this new addition is a high-performing and reliable solar panel; does it have everything you need in terms of price point, features, efficiency, warranty coverage and safety?
This detailed review highlights the XL-G11 to answer all this and more. It will help you determine if the XL-G11 suits your solar project.
Let’s get right into it!
What is the Q Cells XL-G11?
The XL-G11 is a powerful 156-cell monocrystalline solar module manufactured by Q Cells. The XL-G11 launched in early 2022 and is engineered in Germany. It uses M10 wafers measuring 182 mm, making it the largest solar panel currently available from Q Cells.
Q Cells has always spearheaded innovation in the solar industry, and the XL-G11 features many innovative technologies. For example, it uses Q Cells’ innovative Q.ANTUM DUO-Z technology, which combines PERC technology, half-cut technology, zero-gap technology, and more.
This gives the XL-G11 high conversion efficiency of roughly 21.7% and a high power output of up to 590 W. As such, the XL-G11 is the first module from Q Cells to break the 500 W ceiling.
Since it delivers a high yield per surface area, the XL-G11 provides a low cost (BOS cost) and higher solar savings.
Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panel Range
The XL-G11 solar panels from Q Cells are available in five power classes:
- Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2 570,
- Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2 575,
- Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2 580,
- Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2 585, and
- Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2 590
Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panel Technical Specifications
A glance at the datasheet of the XL-G11 solar panels further showcases their impressive technical benchmarks.
What is the Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panel’s Power Output?
The power classes of the XL-G11 solar panels are defined by their power output. Thus, the modules’ power output ranges between 570 W and 590 W.
This makes the XL-G11 high-power modules suitable for large domestic and commercial projects.
What is the Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Cells’ Efficiency?
The efficiency of the XL-G11 panels ranges from 20.8% to 21.5%, making them some of the most efficient solar panels.
Know that panels with over 19% efficiency are considered very efficient in converting sunlight to electricity.
What is the Q Cells XL-G11’s Temperature Coefficient? Will it Perform Well in Australian Weather?
The temperature coefficient of the XL-G11 solar panels is -0.34% per degree Celsius.
The optimum temperature for solar production is 25 degrees Celsius. Above this, solar production drops. The temperature coefficient measures this drop in solar production.
Top-quality panels feature temperature coefficients between -0.3% / °C and -0.5% / °C and as the figure posted by the XL-G11 (-0.34% / °C) is relatively low, its efficiency drop under high temperatures is minimal.
There’s also no doubt that the XL-G11 will perform well in Australian weather (across all seasons); the temperature range is well within the XL-G11’s operating temperature.
Australia’s temperature in Celsius can range from about zero to the mid-thirties. Luckily, the operating temperature of the XL-G11 is from -40 to +85 °C.
What is the Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panels’ Country of Origin?
Q Cells was founded in Germany in 1999. The South Korean-based Hanwha Group bought the company in 2012. Since then, Q Cells has rebranded as Hanwha Q Cells. The company operates as a Hanwha Solutions subsidiary and is headquartered in South Korea.
Q Cells now has manufacturing facilities in South Korea, China, Malaysia, and the U.S. Nevertheless, its main manufacturing facility remains in Thalheim, Germany. The XL-G11, like many other modules, are made in Germany.
Will the Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panel Look Good on My Home?
The Q Cells XL-11 feature monocrystalline cells. These cells are uniform in colour and place more emphasis on appearance than other cell types.
The XL-11 won’t be an eyesore on your roof. However, it does have busbars and frames that contrast with the cells and subtract from its overall appearance. While the XL-G11 will look fine overall, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing rooftop solar array. That title belongs to the All-Black module.
Q Cells XL-G11 Solar Panel Key Features
The XL-G11 has many excellent features that put it firmly in the league of high-quality panels.
These include:
- Efficient monocrystalline cells. The XL-G11 panels are highly productive due to their monocrystalline composition. These pure solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal which enables the cells to function more efficiently than other cell types.
- PERC technology. This technology installs a passivated (reflective) layer at the rear side of the cells. This layer reflects previously unabsorbed light back onto the cells for another chance to absorb it and convert it into solar electricity.
- Half-cut technology. This advanced feature doubles the number of cells in a module by splitting the standard cell into two. Thus, while a comparable conventional module will have 78 cells, the XL-G11 has more solar cells (156 cells). Halving the cells divides the internal current, reducing resistive losses. By simply reducing power loss as electricity moves through cells, dual cells boost panel performance.
- Multiple busbars. The panels feature multiple busbars, creating additional paths for current, lowering congestion and resistive losses.
- Zero-gap technology. The XL-G11 uses Q Cells zero-gap state-of-the-art module technology. It employs a new cell connection that minimises the gaps between solar cells. Fewer gaps mean more surface area for capturing sunlight, increasing the cells’ output and generating more electricity.
What is the Q Cells XL-G11’s Warranty?
The XL-G11 comes with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty.
The product warranty guarantees that for 12 years, the XL-G11 will be free from defects in materials and workmanship that could negatively affect solar power output. The performance warranty promises that at the end of the 25th year, the output won’t fall below 86%.
Is the Q Cells XL-G11 a Tier 1 Solar Panel?
Q Cells is a Tier 1 solar manufacturer. So its panels, including the XL-G11, are Tier 1 panels.
Tier 1 solar manufacturers are financially robust companies with state-of-the-art facilities and have produced high-performance panels for over five years.
Is the Q Cells XL-G11 a CEC-Approved Panel?
The XL-G11 are listed on the approved modules page on the CEC website. Thus, they are approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) for use in both rooftop and floor-mounted solar energy projects all over Australia.
One benefit of using CEC-approved solar panels is that they make you qualify for solar incentives under the Small Scales Renewables Energy Scheme (SRES).
Is the Q Cells XL-G11 Safe and Reliable?
The XL-G11 ticks all the necessary boxes for safety and reliability.
Q Cells modules are certified by a host of reputable third-party solar bodies. This includes:
- The global safety science leader UL.
- The international standards organisation IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
The XL-G11 is certified as a durable and high-performing module that effectively prevents hot spots and reduces common LID and LeTID degradations. It also comes with an anodised aluminium frame and thick tempered glass covering, making the modules strong enough to withstand mechanical loads.
So, the XL-G11 comes with various levels of reliability, including cell-level long-term performance reliability, guaranteed electrical safety, and guaranteed durability.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Q Cells XL-G11
The XL-G11 comes with numerous advantages, including:
- A high power output (up to 590 W) makes them suitable for small commercial and industrial applications.
- An impressive efficiency rating that reaches 21.7%.
- Shade tolerance for increased performance.
- A “hot spot protect” function to reduce hotspot temperature.
- Effective suppression of LID (Light Induced Degradation) and LeTID (Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation).
- The panel performs relatively better under high temperatures.
- Sturdy framing and covering that can withstand high snow loads up to 5,400 Pa and wind loads up to 2,400 Pa.
- A 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.
The XL-G11 has minimal disadvantages, but the ones worth mentioning are:
- As monofacial modules, they can only collect sunlight from one side.
- They are high-power panels unsuited for small or average-sized homes.
Q Cells XL-G11 Installation
The XL-G11 module is easy to install, as it follows the same installation process as standard solar modules. The installation process takes 1 to 3 days on average.
However, this is not a project you should perform yourself. You need certified solar installers like Instyle Solar for a safe and quality solar energy system. The benefits of using certified installers include being able to claim solar subsidies.
Q Cells XL-G11 Compatibility with Inverters
You need a solar inverter to convert the D.C. current that your rooftop modules produce into useable A.C. current.
Thankfully, the XL-G11 works with most of the popular solar inverters in Australia, including
- Fronius solar inverter,
- Huawei solar inverter,
- Sungrow inverter,
- Tesla inverter, and
- Enphase microiverter.
Is the Q Cells XL-G11 Worth it for Your Home? Our Opinion
The XL-G11 are excellent performers in the output and reliability categories. However, the high power rating of the XL-G11 means it’s not the ideal choice for home projects. It’s best utilised in commercial applications.
Canadian Solar has some of the best performing and best value solar panels for home solar energy projects, including the HiKu and BiKu models. We recommend you consider these panels if your priority is home-based power generation.
Next Steps…
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