Modules earn top marks across all categories from PVEL and RETC

'More rigorous quality control and differentiated value,' company says

An aerial view of Hanwha Qcells' Cartersville factory in Georgia. [Hanwha Solutions]
An aerial view of Hanwha Qcells' Cartersville factory in Georgia. [Hanwha Solutions]

Solar modules made by Hanwha Solutions' Qcells division have swept the module reliability assessments of PVEL (Kiwa PVEL) and RETC (Renewable Energy Test Center), two of the world's most authoritative solar testing bodies.

PVEL released its 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard on Tuesday (local time), naming Hanwha Qcells a Top Performer in every evaluation category.

PVEL assesses module reliability and performance across eight categories by simulating harsh conditions including high heat and humidity, rapid temperature swings, mechanical stress and hail impact. The evaluation included modules produced at Hanwha Qcells' Cartersville factory, which completed construction in July.

Hanwha Qcells has finished building its Solar Hub — an integrated US manufacturing chain spanning ingots, wafers, cells and modules — centered on the Cartersville plant in Georgia, and continues to strengthen its domestic production capabilities and quality competitiveness.

The Cartersville factory is on track to run all production lines at full capacity by the end of this year.

Modules produced at the plant are eligible for the domestic content bonus under the US Investment Tax Credit, a qualification that has already driven strong market demand.

Hanwha Qcells has secured sales contracts for most of its planned 2027 module output from Cartersville and is now pursuing new agreements for supply volumes from 2028 onward.

In May, RETC named the company the Overall Highest Achiever in its PV Module Index Report, the top rating in that separate solar testing body's assessment.

Hong Jeong-gwon, head of Hanwha Qcells' manufacturing division, said the company would "provide more rigorous quality control and continuously differentiated value."


keg@heraldcorp.com