The Q.Power G5 270 is a 60-cell polycrystalline solar panel from leading manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells. It features an advanced six-busbar technology that delivers a formidable power rating of 270 W, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
If you’re going solar, you need high-quality solar panels. These components will be constantly exposed to the elements while positioned on your roof, and only well-built models can take the beating and continue to produce electricity.
Without a doubt, Q Cells is one of the best solar panel manufacturers, and its modules are considered some of the finest in Australia.
But how does the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel stack up against its peers? Is it a high-quality device you should consider installing, or a sub-par solar panel that’s easily overshadowed by other Q Cells offerings?
This detailed review will give you everything you need to know about this solar panel. By the end, you’ll know exactly if the Q.Power G5 270 is right for you.
Over the course of this article, we’ll cover:
- What is the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel?
- Q.Power G5 270 solar panel technical specifications
- Q.Power G5 270 solar panel features
- What is the Q.Power G5 270’s warranty?
- Is the Q.Power G5 270 a Tier 1 solar panel?
- Is the Q.Power G5 270 a CEC-approved solar panel?
- Is the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel safe and reliable?
- Advantages and disadvantages of the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel
- Q.Power G5 270 solar panel installation
- Q.Power G5 270 solar panel inverter compatibility
- Is the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel worth it?
Let’s dive into the review!
What is the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel?
Q.Power-G5 270 is a polycrystalline solar module from Q Cells that generates electricity at a low cost and offers excellent reliability and high-level operational safety.
The Q.Power G5 is one of Q Cells’ earlier module lineups. The Q.Power-G5 270 uses traditional full cell solar technology. As such, it’s a standard solar panel with 60 silicon cells. However, it features advanced six-busbar technology for delivering high yields and efficiency levels.
Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel Range
Hanwha Q Cells produce the Q.Power-G5 in five sizes:
- Q.Power G5 260,
- Q.Power G5 265,
- Q.Power G5 270,
- Q.Power G5 275, and
- Q.Power G5 280.
We can consider the “270” variant as the middle-ground power class in the Q.Power G5 series.
Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel Technical Specifications
The electrical and mechanical characteristics of the Q.Power G5 270, as published in its datasheet, demonstrate its capacity as a solar panel with high yield potential and steadfast dependability.
Below is a summary of the panel’s electrical and mechanical characteristics, along with its general product data:
| Electrical Characteristics | Performance at Standard Test Conditions (STC) |
|---|---|
| Power at MPP | 270 W |
| Short Circuit Current | 9.23 A |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 38.1 V |
| Current at MPP | 8.69 A |
| Voltage at MPP | 31.1 V |
| Electrical Characteristics | Performance at Normal Operating Temperature (NMOT) |
| Efficiency | 16.5 |
| Power at MPP | 200 W |
| Short Circuit Current | 7.46 A |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 36.00 V |
| Current at MPP | 6.95 A |
| Voltage at MPP | 28.90 V |
| Mechanical Specifications | Q.Power G5 270 |
| Dimension | 1,650 mm x 991 mm x 35 mm (including frame) |
| Weight | 18kg ± 5% |
| Front Cover | 3.2 mm thermally pre-stressed glass with anti-reflection technology |
| Back Cover | Composite film |
| Frame | Anodised aluminium |
| Cell | 6 x 10 polycrystalline solar cells |
| General Data | Q.Power G5 270 |
| Permitted Module Temperature | -40 to +85 °C |
| Safety Class | II |
| Temperature Coefficient | -0.31 % / K |
| Maximum System Voltage | 1,000 V |
| Maximum Reverse Current | 20 A |
| Maximum Design Load (Push / Pull) | 3,600 / 2,667 Pa |
| Maximum Test Load (Push / Pull) | 5,400 / 4,000 Pa |
What is the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel’s Power Output?
The energy output of the Q.Power G5 270 is expressly stated in its name – it produces 270 W of solar power.
Thus, the G5 270 is a high-watt solar panel useful for a wide range of applications. It’s especially suited for:
- Rooftop arrays on residential buildings,
- Rooftop arrays on commercial/industrial facilities, and
- Ground-mounted solar panel plants.
The power tolerance of the Q.Power G5 270 is +5 W / -0 W. The power tolerance measures how much power solar panels can produce above or below their power rating.
The “+5 W/ -0 W” power tolerance of G5 270 panels means that their power production ranges from 270 W to 275 W. In other words, the power generation of the Q.Power G5 panels won’t drop below their stated power rating but can exceed it by up to 5 W.
Many panels in the market have -5%/ +5% power tolerance showing that their actual power output can fall below their power rating. However, we don’t recommend you buy solar panels with an output below what’s advertised.
In this case, the power tolerance of the Q.Power G5 shows that they are high-quality panels.
What is the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel’s Efficiency?
The efficiency of the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel is ≥ 16.5%. Simply put, the efficiency won’t fall below 16.5% but could reach as high as 17%.
The efficiency of a solar panel measures the amount of sunlight falling on the panel that it converts to electricity. The higher the efficiency level, the better its performance because the panel will produce more energy under testing conditions.
The efficiency of most solar panels ranges from 15% to 20%. Polycrystalline panels usually occupy the lower end of that range. The more efficient monocrystalline variants (particularly those that combine other technologies like PERC) inhabit the higher end of that range.
That being said, the “≥16.5%” efficiency of the Q.Power G5 270 is lacklustre when compared to other panel types. But if we’re focusing exclusively on polycrystalline panels, it emerges as highly efficient. As such, the Q.Power-G5 270 is one of the most efficient polycrystalline solar panels in the Australian market.
What is the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel’s Temperature Coefficient? Will it Perform Well in Australian Weather?
The temperature coefficient of the Q.Power G5 270 is -0.31% / °C. In layman’s terms, solar panel production will drop by 0.31% for every 1-degree increase in temperature over 25 °C.
It’s worth noting that solar panels don’t function optimally when their temperature exceeds 25 °C. In many solar panels (even the most efficient monocrystalline panels), the drop in solar production can be as much as 0.35% – 0.40% per degree Celsius.
Hence, the Q.Power G5 270 is one of the best-performing solar panels under high temperatures.
Interestingly enough, the high-temperature-friendly Q.Power G5 270 solar panel performs nicely in Australian weather, as temperatures here fall within its operating temperature range.
The temperature in Australia all year round ranges from 0 – 34 °C, well within the -40 to +85 °C operating temperature range of the Q.Power-G5 solar panel.
As such, whether you’re aiming to buy and install solar panels in chilly Liawenee (Tasmania) or scorching Marble Bar (Western Australia), the Q.Power G5 270 is perfectly adaptable. No matter the location or the time of the year, the Q.Power-G5 270 solar panel will function as intended.
What is the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel’s County of Origin?
The Q.Power G5 270 solar panel is engineered and manufactured in Germany.
Q Cells has inhabited the solar industry for over two decades since forming in Germany in 1999. However, in 2012, it was acquired by the Hanwha Group, a South Korean conglomerate. The company then became a subsidiary of the Hanwha Group. It officially rebranded as Hanwha Q Cells, and its headquarters was moved to South Korea.
However, the company’s main manufacturing facility remains in Talheim, Germany, where its panels are designed. Most panels are produced in Germany, but the company also has manufacturing facilities in South Korea, Malaysia, China, and the United States. Q Cells even have some American-made panels.
The entire design process includes a fully automated inspection to ensure high-quality cell production.
Will the Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel Look Good on My Home?
The G5 solar panel is not noted for its aesthetic appeal.
It has shiny frames and busbars that contrast sharply with the deep-blue hue of the solar cells. Don’t expect this panel to blend seamlessly into your roof. As a polycrystalline solar panel, the cell colour range features different shades of dark blue.
So, while the Q.Power G5 will sit capably on your roof, it’s not the sleekest-looking solar panel Q Cells have produced.
If visual appeal is essential for you, you should consider monocrystalline solar panels with more uniform cells, such as the Q.Peak Duo-G6+ or the XL-G11. However, the reigning king of monochrome elegance is Q Cell’s all-black model, such as the BLK ML G9.
Q.Power G5 270 Solar Panel Key Features
The G5 270 model contains the following features:
- Monofacial panels. The Q.Power G5 270 is a standard monofacial solar panel that collects light from only one side. The back cover of the panels is composite film.
- Polycrystalline silicon cells. As a polycrystalline solar panel, each of its cells is composed of several silicon crystals. The other types are monocrystalline (where each cell is made from a single silicon crystal) and thin-film panels (where each cell is constructed from several photovoltaic materials). While polycrystalline panels are less efficient than mono panels, they are superior to thin-film types.
- Multi-busbar technology. This solar panel has multi-busbar cells. While the most common design for solar cells is 2 – 3 busbars, each cell of the Q.Power G5 features 6 busbars. These conduct the direct current produced by the cells to the panel’s main output. In essence, the multi-busbar cell technology creates more paths for current flow. The additional path lowers congestion and reduces resistive losses, resulting in superior yield.
- High power wattage. The G5 outputs 270 watts of electricity. The higher yield per surface area results in lower BOS costs.
- Strong build. The panel features high-tech anodised aluminium frames. This is the best material for solar panel frames because it is incredibly strong and withstands scratches. The Q.Power G5 also features a 3.2 mm thick thermally pre-stressed glass covering. Most high-quality solar panels come with a 3 mm thick glass covering.
- Sturdy wind and snow loads. The Q.Power G5 is a highly durable panel. It offers protection against the elements and can withstand snow loads of up to 5,400 Pa and wind loads of up to 4,000 Pa.
What is the Q.Power G5 270’s Warranty?
The G5 270 has a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year long-term performance warranty.
The product warranty provides that, 12 years from the warranty start date, this solar panel will be defect-free in terms of materials and workmanship that would otherwise affect its operations under normal application, installation, use, and service conditions.
Q Cells will repair or replace the module if a defect is observed while the solar panel is under warranty. However, the product warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic changes and other changes to the panels’ appearance, such as colour change, scratching, abrasion, oxidation, etc.
The performance warranty provides that, 25 years from the start of the warranty, the drop in solar production will not fall below the following levels:
- The power output will not fall under 97% of the nominal power at the end of the first year.
- From the second year to the twenty-fourth year, the decline in power output won’t exceed 0.6% per year.
- At the end of the twenty-fifth year, the power output will remain at 83% of the nominal output.
Is the Q.Power G5 270 a Tier 1 Solar Panel?
Hanwha Q Cells is a Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer, making the Q.Power G5 270 a Tier 1 solar panel.
This tiered rating, which Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation developed, is used to gauge the bankability of a solar panel manufacturer. A Tier 1 manufacturer is one that has provided solar panels to five different projects which have been financed non-recourse by at least five separate banks.
Strictly speaking, bankability does not equate to higher quality. However, banks would not finance projects spearheaded by companies that manufacture subpar panels that break down in the short term. Thus, bankability indirectly equates to product quality.
Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers, such as Hanwha Q Cells, own state-of-the-art facilities and employ innovative panel technologies to make high-performing and durable solar panels.
Is the Q.Power G5 270 a CEC-Approved Panel?
The Q.Power-G5 is not among solar panels listed by the CEC as approved modules.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is the regulator of Australia’s renewable energy industry, and its functions include improving standards in the industry. So, it rigorously tests solar panels and publishes a list of approved modules.
While the Q.Power G5 is not currently approved, Q Cells is one of the panels’ manufacturers with the highest number of CEC-approved modules. The panels in the company’s Q.Boost, Q.Maxx, Q.Peak, and Q.Peak Duo series are all CEC-approved.
Since the Q.Power-G5 is not yet a CEC-certified solar panel, utilising it in your solar system means that you cannot claim the small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the national small-scale renewable energy scheme.
Is the Q.Power G5 270 Safe and Reliable?
The Q.Power G5 270 solar panel is very secure and has passed rigorous in-house and external safety and reliability tests.
Q Cells has the largest technology and module test centre in the solar industry, where it runs a four-level testing program:
- The first level test guarantees the electrical and construction safety of the modules. The test follows the process of global solar panel testing labs like the IEC, UL, and KEMCO to ensure that it is in accordance with international standards.
- The second level test is a “yield security test”, guaranteeing that the modules offer resistance to Light Induced Degradation (LID), Potential Induced Degradation (PID), and Hot Spots (HSP).
- The third level test is the VDE quality test program. The VDE program guarantees that the solar module meets the highest design and safety requirements. The VDE seal means that a solar panel offers high reliability, optimised durability, and low degradation.
- The fourth level test checks that the modules are free of all defects. Q Cells claims its in-house quality check is 2 – 3 times stricter than the global testing standards. For example, while the IEC and VDE standard for the Humidity Frost test is exposing the module to 10 cycles, the Q Cells’ quality test demands 30 cycles.
The Q.Power G5 solar panel also passes the unforgiving durability test of the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University, Australia. The module is tested with increasing pressure up to 7,000 Pa and subjected to 10,360 cycles to simulate a very severe cyclone.
While you may not wish to experience a cyclone passing over your home, you can feel confident that your Q.Power G5 solar panel will survive an encounter with one.
Furthermore, Q Cells modules have won several industry awards for their performance, durability, and safety. This recognition is the result of the company’s modules outperforming modules from other manufacturers in specific tests.
For example, the Q.Pro-G2 was named the best polycrystalline solar module in 2014. It outperformed 147 modules from 107 manufacturers in the Photon module yield measurement test. It’s worth noting that the Q.Power G5 employs the same cell technology as the Q.Pro G2.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Q.Power G5 270
The Q.Power G5 270 solar panel has the following advantages:
- A high yield potential.
- Respectable panel efficiency (for a polycrystalline panel).
- It operates well under high temperatures (because of its low temperature coefficient).
- It’s suitable for residential, small business, and power plant projects.
- A durable product build.
- Availability at relatively low price points.
- Peace of mind with its extended warranties (12 years product warranty and 25 years performance warranty).
With that being said, the Q.Power G5 270 solar panel isn’t without its limitations:
- It doesn’t feature PERC technology, half-cut technology, and other innovative cell technologies that boost efficiency levels.
- It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing solar panel.
- Using it will make you ineligible for federal incentives like the small-scale technology certificates.
Q.Power G5 270 Installation
Installing the G5 270 is very straightforward as it’s a solar standard panel.
Since the Q.Power G5 units are monofacial panels, they do not require special mounting systems for installation. You also don’t need to introduce reflective materials onto your roof before installation.
The easy installation process typically takes 1 – 3 days. While installing the Q.Power G5 is relatively easy, this is not a DIY project you should attempt by yourself.
Only certified solar installers like Instyle Solar can guarantee meeting mounting and electrical connection requirements to ensure that you get a high-performing and safe solar panel system. Using certified solar installers also qualifies you for solar incentives like the small-scale technology certificates.
Q.Power G5 270 Compatibility with Inverters
The G5 270 panel is compatible with many of the best solar inverters for Australian weather.
A solar panel system cannot function without a solar inverter. The solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) that the panels produce into alternating current (AC) that household appliances use.
Thankfully, the Q.Power G5 solar panels are compatible with all the top inverters in Australia, including:
- Sungrow inverters,
- Fronius inverters,
- Huawei inverters, and
- Enphase microinverters.
Is the Q.Power G5 270 Worth It for Your Home? Our Opinion
While Q Cells boasts some of the best solar devices in the industry, the Q.Power G5 is a bare-bones solar panel. But it is extremely durable and has comparably high yield and efficiency levels to compensate for its basic suite of features.
If all you desire is a solar system that will generate electricity for you for many years, the Q.Power G5 is a perfectly adequate choice. Thanks to its advanced six-busbar technology, the Q.Power certainly doesn’t lack solar performance.
The Q.Power G5 is also a solid choice if you want a more inexpensive panel as it costs significantly less than other popular modules from Q Cells.
To summarise, if you want a low-budget high-yield solar panel with reliable long-term performance, the Q.Power is an excellent choice.
However, if you want the most efficient solar panels, those that feature the company’s Q.ANTUM Duo technology will serve you better. These panels (such as Q.Peak Duo G5, Q.Peak Duo ML G9, and the Q.Peak Duo BLK G9) employ PERC technology and dual-cell technology to boost efficiency to its highest levels.
If you have problems with shading on your roof, the Q.Power G5 270 may not be the best solar panel for your solar system. Being a standard full cell module, it is not shade-tolerant. If one part of the system is shaded, the system’s production can fall to zero.
However, dual-cell technology makes panels with the Q.ANTUM Duo technology more shade-tolerant. With this feature, if one part of the panel is shaded, the other part will continue to work undisturbed.
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