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GCL GCL-M10/54H-B 400W
GCL Brand review

GCL-M10/54H-B 400W

400 Wp BIPV
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 12,328 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
400
Weak · bottom 25%
Efficiency (%)
20.10
Weak · bottom 21%
Density (Wp/m²)
201.3
Weak · bottom 21%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 12%
Weight (kg)
21.0
Typical · median 22.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 19%

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

6,577 panels in the 300-500 W band, all technologies
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.10% 21.30% Weak · bottom 21% 12,187
Power density 201.3 212.5 Weak · bottom 21% 12,160
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.300 Weak · bottom 12% 12,425
Weight per kWp 52.5 53.2 Typical 6,090
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 19% 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 6 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Hot climates, owners who want a long output guarantee and tight roof space.

Watch-outs
-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 12% of the 300-500 W band, against a median of -0.300.

25 year performance warranty

Bottom 19% of the 300-500 W band, against a median of 30 yrs.

20.10% module efficiency

Bottom 21% of the 300-500 W band, against a median of 21.30%.

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
  • Efficiency of 20.1% matches the BIPV 400-450W median
  • Power density of 201.3 W/m² is 3.8 W/m² below BIPV 400-450W median (205.1 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C matches the BIPV 400-450W median
  • Weight of 21.0 kg (2.2 kg below BIPV 400-450W median of 23.2 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • In the top 86% for efficiency among all BIPV panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 400 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.10 % Weak Segment median 21.30%
Vmpp · Impp 31.01 V · 12.98 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 36.78 V · 13.52 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 21.0 kg Typical Typical · median 22.5 kg
Cells 108 · BIPV Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Weak bottom 12% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 19% · median 30 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
-0.360 %/°C against a segment median of -0.300
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
GCL GCL-M10/54H-B 400W 400 W 20.10% -0.360 21.0 kg You are here
LX-440M/182-108+GG 440 W 23.07% -0.240 23.6 kg Cooler, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (450W class) 450 W 23.05% -0.300 20.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
QNN182-HG450-54 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
HY440-N108BDD 450 W 23.04% -0.300 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
NLBK-27-450 450 W 23.04% -0.300 22.9 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
RS41-450NBG-E3 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
GCL-M10/54GDF-B 405W 405 W 20.40% -0.350 25.3 kg Heavier, +0.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +110 W, cooler, +4.9 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +95 W, cooler, +4.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +105 W, cooler, +4.6 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +105 W, cooler, +4.6 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +100 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +100 W, cooler, +4.4 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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