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GCL GCL-M10/54GDF-B 420W

GCL GCL-M10/54GDF-B 420W

420 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Space saver, heavy for its output

Rank 11,023 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
420
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
21.10
Strong · top 17%
Density (Wp/m²)
211.4
Strong · top 17%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
25.3
Weak · 3.3 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 17%

Series GCL GCL ROOF are modules designed for stable operation on roofs, where reliable yield, easy installation, and peace of mind during years of operation matter. The use of monocrystalline cells in PERC technology helps better utilize light in less-than-ideal conditions - such as partial cloudiness, low sun angles, or in installations with less favorable exposure. The construction with the classic glass-backsheet arrangement facilitates adaptation to popular mounting systems and minimizes the risk of compatibility issues on-site.

In practice, these panels address typical challenges of rooftop installations: the need for high power density on limited surfaces, a mechanically robust frame, and reliable protection for electrical components (connection box with enhanced sealing). For investors, this translates to fewer service downtimes and a more predictable energy balance.

GCL GCL ROOF is suitable for residential and commercial rooftop installations on pitched and flat roofs, especially where you expect tested PERC cells, roof-mounting compatibility, solid frame construction, and better performance in low light conditions.

Ranking

954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.10% 20.60% Strong · top 17% 9,365
Power density 211.4 206.2 Strong · top 17% 9,285
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,489
Weight per kWp 60.2 53.0 Weak · bottom 11% 12,495
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 17% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

8 positive · 4 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Strengths
211.4 watts per square metre

Top 17% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2.

30 year performance warranty

Top 17% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

21.10% module efficiency

Top 17% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%.

Watch-outs
60.2 kg per kWp

Bottom 11% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 53.0.

What owners get
BNEF Tier-1 Manufacturer - Bankability

GCL System Integration (GCL-SI) has maintained BNEF Tier-1 status for many years and ranks as the world's second-largest module manufacturer by installed capacity. Bankable status enables access to non-recourse project financing, a critical factor for commercial installations and development projects requiring debt funding.

Broad Portfolio - 15 Variants, 400-560 Wp

A single series spanning 15 variants from 400 to 560 Wp allows module wattage to be matched to a specific roof area and target yield without switching suppliers between prosumer and commercial installations. This reduces the number of line items in the project BOM and simplifies logistics.

Power Warranty Up to 30 Years

Select variants in the series carry a 30-year linear power output warranty, exceeding the 25-year standard offered by many Tier-1 peers in this price segment. For installations with a financial horizon beyond 25 years, this translates into measurably lower exposure to unwarranted degradation risk.

BIPV Certification - Building-Integrated PV

The BIPV (Building Integrated PV) designation indicates that the modules are certified for structural roof integration rather than rack-mounted overlay installation only. In practice, this streamlines building permit approvals on architecturally sensitive projects and reduces the risk of mounting system compatibility issues.

Mature PERC Technology - Proven Reliability

PERC cells benefit from an extensive field track record and a well-characterized degradation curve (~0.6-0.7% per year). Research published in 2025 (SolarQuarter, ScienceDirect) indicates that newer TOPCon modules may exhibit significantly higher power loss following moisture exposure (4-65% after 1,000 h damp heat), making PERC a safer choice for temperate climates with elevated humidity.

Trade-offs
Efficiency Below Peer Comparables

The series peaks at 21.3% module efficiency, while direct competitors in the same wattage segment achieve higher ratings: Luxor Solar Eco Line M144 - 21.92%, Premier Energies 144 PERC Bifacial - 21.67%, Sunova TS-BW72 - 21.68%. The 0.4-0.6 percentage-point gap translates into measurably lower power output from an identical roof area.

12-Year Product Warranty - Below Industry Standard

The product warranty stands at 12 years, whereas leading Tier-1 manufacturers (Trina Solar, JA Solar, LONGi) currently offer 15-year product warranties in a comparable price segment. The shorter warranty horizon increases the risk of out-of-pocket service costs during the mid-life phase of the installation.

Monofacial Only - Missed Bifacial Yield Potential

The series is strictly monofacial, whereas direct competitor Premier Energies 144 PERC Bifacial offers bifacial modules in the same wattage segment. On light-colored rooftops or installations with favorable albedo angles, bifacial technology typically delivers 5-15% additional energy yield - an advantage the GCL ROOF series structurally foregoes.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.1% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 400-450W modules
  • 211.4 W/m² power density - 5.2 W/m² more than PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 400-450W panels
  • At 25.3 kg, this panel is 3.3 kg heavier than the PERC 400-450W median (22.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews
  • #9365 for efficiency, #10489 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 420 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.10 % Strong Segment median 20.60%
Vmpp · Impp 31.61 V · 13.29 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 37.38 V · 13.89 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1734×1146×30 mm · 1.99 m² of roof
Weight 25.3 kg Weak Weak · 3.3 kg above median
Cells 108 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 17% · median 25 yrs

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
GCL GCL-M10/54GDF-B 420W 420 W 21.10% -0.350 25.3 kg You are here
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (465W class) 465 W 23.81% -0.300 20.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.7 pp
LX-465M/182R-96+ GG 465 W 23.80% -0.260 23.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +2.6 pp, +10 yr warranty
AIKO-A470-MAH54Mb 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
AIKO-A460-MAH54Mb 460 W 23.60% -0.290 20.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.5 pp
HSM-BD54-LA470 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
GCL-M10/54GDF-B 400W 400 W 20.10% -0.350 25.3 kg -20 W, -1.0 pp
GCL-M10/54GDF-B 405W 405 W 20.40% -0.350 25.3 kg -15 W, -0.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +75 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +85 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +85 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +70 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +80 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +80 W, cooler, +3.4 pp

Found 42 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1956 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3417 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3807 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the GCL ROOF series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

What warranty do GCL ROOF panels carry and what does it cover?
GCL ROOF panels come with a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, as well as a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer guarantees that the module will maintain a specified performance level for 30 years. For both residential prosumer and commercial installations, this provides a meaningful assurance of return on investment, given that typical systems reach payback within 7-12 years.
Are GCL ROOF panels suitable for pitched roof installations?
Yes, the GCL ROOF series was designed specifically with rooftop mounting in mind, including pitched roofs. The classic glass-backsheet construction and robust aluminum frame are fully compatible with the most common racking systems used on clay tile, trapezoidal metal sheet, and sandwich panel roofs. As a result, installers do not need non-standard adapters, which simplifies the installation process and reduces the risk of on-site complications.
Do GCL ROOF panels perform well in overcast conditions and low irradiance?
Yes. The monocrystalline PERC cell technology used in the GCL ROOF series features a rear passivation layer that reflects unabsorbed light back through the cell, improving energy yield under low-angle sunlight, overcast skies, or on roofs with a less-than-optimal orientation. In practice, this translates to higher energy production during morning and evening hours and on cloudy days compared to conventional mono cells without the PERC layer.
Is the GCL ROOF a bifacial panel?
No, the GCL ROOF series is not a bifacial module. The modules feature a single-sided design with a solid backsheet, making them simpler to install and fully compatible with standard rooftop mounting hardware. This construction is entirely adequate for typical rooftop applications, where albedo gain from light reflected off the substrate is negligible due to the close proximity of the roof surface.
What is the peak wattage of the most powerful panel in the GCL ROOF series, and is it sufficient for a residential home?
The GCL ROOF series reaches a maximum rated power of 560 Wp. For an average single-family home consuming approximately 3,500-5,000 kWh per year, a system of 7-10 such modules (4-6 kWp) is typically sufficient. The high per-module power output means fewer modules are required to achieve the same total system capacity, which is especially advantageous when available roof area is limited.
Is GCL an established and reliable PV panel manufacturer?
GCL (GCL System Integration Technology) is a Chinese manufacturer classified as a Tier 1 supplier according to the BloombergNEF bankability ranking, meaning it meets stringent financial stability and manufacturing capacity criteria. The company is among the largest PV module suppliers in the world and has been active in the market for several decades. Tier 1 status carries practical significance when seeking project financing or a bank loan for a photovoltaic installation, as lenders typically require modules from bankable manufacturers as a condition of credit approval.
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