Q Cells vs REC Solar Panels
Head-to-head comparison for UK homes in 2026.
| Spec | Q Cells | REC |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | Norway |
| Tier | mid-range | premium |
| Efficiency | 22% | 22.2% |
| Product Warranty | 15 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation Rate | 0.35%/yr | 0.25%/yr |
| Price per kW (GBP, installed) | £1,450-£1,750 | £1,600-£1,950 |
| Panel Wattage | 440W | 430W |
| Cell Type | N-type TOPCon Monocrystalline | HJT Monocrystalline |
| Best For | Homeowners wanting a well-rounded premium panel without the top-tier price tag | Quality-focused homeowners wanting premium European engineering |
Q Cells
Pros
- + German engineering heritage
- + Good balance of quality and price
- + 15-year product warranty
- + Q.ANTUM NEO cell technology
- + Strong all-round performer
Cons
- - Not the cheapest option
- - Efficiency not quite as high as SunPower/REC
- - Korean HQ but Chinese manufacturing
REC
Pros
- + 25-year product AND performance warranty
- + Excellent low-light and temperature performance (suits UK weather)
- + Norwegian engineering, Singapore manufacturing
- + Lead-free, RoHS compliant
- + Favoured by premium installers
Cons
- - Premium pricing
- - Less widely available than Tier-1 Chinese brands
- - Fewer installer options