Qcells Modules Pass Kiwa PVEL, RETC Reliability Tests

Qcells' U.S.-assembled modules passed all reliability tests from two independent labs, and the company was named a Top Performer in all eight tests on the November Kiwa PVEL Scorecard.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Manufacturing

Wide view of rows of dark blue solar panels across red-clay Georgia farmland under warm late-afternoon light, with pine trees on the horizon. — Qcells' U.S.-assembled solar modules passed all reliability tests from Kiwa PVEL and RETC, earning Top Performer status in all eight tests on the November scorecard. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Qcells modules assembled in the United States passed all reliability tests from Kiwa PVEL and RETC. The company was named a Top Performer in all eight tests on the November Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

Why it matters

The results come as the May 2026 Scorecard registered a record number of module test failures, and new module and cell factories in new regions have contributed to a decline in module quality in recent years. Qcells' performance highlights the reliability results achieved by its Georgia-based production.

The Dalton, Georgia plant has an annual nameplate module capacity of 5.1GW after a 2GW increase in 2023, and the Cartersville factory adds 3.3GW of annual capacity from ingots to modules. The specific test sample sizes and failure rates for Qcells products were not disclosed.

The players

Qcells

Qcells is a solar module and cell manufacturer with production facilities in Georgia.

Kiwa PVEL

Kiwa PVEL is an independent testing organization that publishes a PV Module Reliability Scorecard twice a year, in May and November.

RETC

RETC is an independent testing organization that awards designations to solar module manufacturers based on reliability, performance and quality.

The details

Qcells modules assembled at its Dalton, Georgia plant were tested by two independent labs, Kiwa PVEL and RETC. RETC named Qcells an Overall Highest Achiever earlier this year, one of 13 companies to receive the highest achiever designation in its Reliability, Performance and Quality categories. Qcells began cell production at its Cartersville, Georgia factory in June.

2023: Dalton plant capacity increased to 5.1GW.
Earlier in 2026: Qcells received RETC's Overall Highest Achiever designation.
May 2026: Kiwa PVEL Scorecard registered a record number of module test failures.
June 2026: Qcells began cell production at its Cartersville, Georgia factory.
November 2026: Qcells was named a Top Performer in all eight tests on the Kiwa PVEL Scorecard.

Industry Benchmark

The Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard, updated each May and November, is the industry's recurring benchmark for module durability. Qcells' Top Performer status on the November edition places it among seven manufacturers rated in all eight tests, against a backdrop of the May 2026 Scorecard's record number of test failures.

Buyers of solar modules can use independent reliability rankings such as the Kiwa PVEL Scorecard to compare durability across manufacturers. Qcells' results indicate that its Georgia-assembled modules performed well in these independent evaluations.

The takeaway

Independent reliability testing offers buyers a clearer view of module durability than manufacturer claims alone. Checking recurring scorecards before purchasing can help identify manufacturers that perform consistently across tests.