The German press has just announced that one of my favourite solar companies plans to file for insolvency tomorrow (April 4th).
The German based manufacturer of top quality solar cells is struggling to compete in a market where the price of the cells that make up solar panels has fallen to only $0.51 per Watt.
Adelaide solar panel startup Tindo Solar has specified Q-Calls for use in their top end AC Solar Panels so it will be interesting to see what cell they specify for use if Q-Cells stops manufacturing.
Here’s hoping that Q-Cells find a buyer who can turn them around and keep them manufacturing on of my fave panels!
UPDATE: Q-Cells have been bought out by the giant Korean Hanwha Solar One. Although Hanwha’s solar division is making huge losses – the parent company is an industrial giant with deep pockets, so Q-Cells brilliant panels appear to be safe. They will continue to manufacture them in both Germany & Malaysia.
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Oh no! I just got a quote from an installer using Q-cells panels. They looked really good.
They still are really good panels! You just need to clarify what the deal with is with warranties. Many installers use 3rd party insurers to cover their manufacturers going broke…
I received quotes this week using Q-Cell panels 255w. Are they back in the black now ?
Also I am hearing there are qcell pro and qcell peak – should I get the peak Ones ?
Hi Ross,
Q Cells are great panels – although most of them are made in their Malaysian factory these days. Q-Cells Germany almost went bust this year, but was bought out by Korean solar manufacturer Hanwha Solar One, who although they are losing money on their solar operations, appear to be cashed up due to all their other divisions.
Pro or Peak? Toss a coin! Pro is Poly, Peak is Mono. This article explains the difference:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/panels/photovoltaic/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline/
Hi Finn,
Tindo now use a new wafer from STX.
http://www.stxsolar.co.kr/english/product/b4.aspx
Soldered right here in Adelaide