--- title: "GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-550 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-550 solar panel. Specs: 21.29% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-550" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-550.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-550 Warranty pick, no clear weak spot 589 panels in the segment PERC 550-600 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** GCL-M10/72GDF-550 - **Series:** GCL-M10/72GDF - **Rated power:** 550 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 550-600 W (589 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 550 W | 560 W | Weak - bottom 15% | | | Module efficiency | 21.29% | 21.29% | Typical | 8,776 | | Power density | 212.9 | 212.9 | Typical | 8,563 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 31.2 kg | 30.8 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 27 yrs | Strong - top 25% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.29% | 21.29% | Typical | 8,776 | | Power density | 212.9 | 212.9 | Typical | 8,563 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 56.7 | 52.7 | Typical | 10,916 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 27 yrs | Strong - top 25% | 21 | ### Strengths - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 25% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 27 yrs. - **Best for:** Utility-scale, agrivoltaic, floating and shaded-installations. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 550 W - **Efficiency:** 21.29 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.93 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.12 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.80 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.88 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2278 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 31.2 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 212.9 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 85.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.45 % - **Output after 30 years:** 467 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8776 of 14129 | | Power density | 8563 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 10916 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **Bifacial Dual-Glass with POE Encapsulant** - The dual-glass construction using POE instead of EVA significantly reduces the risk of yellowing and delamination over the long term. Rear-side energy yield typically adds +5-15% depending on ground albedo, making this series particularly attractive for utility-scale ground-mount, agrivoltaic, and floating PV installations. Certified Fire Safety Class A. - **Multi-Busbar + Half-Cut PERC: Reduced Resistive Losses** - The multi-busbar (MBB) architecture shortens current paths and reduces resistive losses at cell interconnections. Half-cut cells lower the operating current per section by approximately 50%, reducing thermal stress and improving partial-shading tolerance - a meaningful advantage under non-ideal irradiance conditions. - **Efficiency Up to 21.68% - Top of Its Segment** - A maximum module efficiency of 21.68% positions this series virtually on par with direct peer comparables: DAH Solar DHM-T72X10/BF/FS (21.72%) and Exiom EX540-560M(B)-144 (21.7%). The gap of less than 0.05 percentage points is not operationally significant, and GCL delivers comparable energy yield at equivalent technology. - **30-Year Linear Power Warranty** - The manufacturer provides a 30-year linear performance warranty, exceeding the 25-year standard offered by most Chinese P-type PERC producers. This translates into lower financial risk in bankability assessments and a longer investment return horizon for utility-scale PV projects. - **BNEF Tier-1 Manufacturer, Operating Since 1990** - GCL-SI is listed as a Tier-1 manufacturer by Bloomberg NEF, qualifying the modules as bankable and enabling non-recourse debt project financing. Over 30 years of industry presence and substantial production capacity minimize counterparty risk under long-term service and supply agreements. ## Cons - **P-Type PERC - Technology Being Displaced by TOPCon** - By 2025-2026, N-type TOPCon cells have reached price parity with PERC while offering lower LID (approximately 0.5% vs. ~1.5-2% for P-type in year one) and a better temperature coefficient (approximately -0.30%/°C vs. -0.35%/°C for PERC). In long-term utility-scale projects, the difference in real annual energy yield can reach 1-2%, to this series' disadvantage. - **12-Year Product Warranty Below Premium Tier** - The product warranty stands at 12 years - in line with most Chinese Tier-1 modules in this segment, but below the 15-year coverage offered by select premium manufacturers (e.g., certain LONGi Hi-MO X6 and REC Alpha series). For installers serving demanding corporate clients, this may be a negotiating point. ## About this series The GCL GCL-M10/72GDF series are **bifacial** modules featuring a **dual-glass** construction, designed for reliable operation in challenging field conditions. Based on a monocrystalline P-type cell architecture using **PERC** technology and equipped with **MBB**, the module effectively minimizes connection losses and performs better under non-ideal irradiation conditions, such as light dirt or diffuse light. In turn, **half-cut cells** reduce working currents in module sections, resulting in lower internal losses and more predictable string performance. The dual-glass structure with **POE encapsulant** aids long-term resistance to degradation and supports higher mechanical durability, which is crucial for installations exposed to wind, snow, and frequent temperature changes. This makes it an excellent choice for floating PV, agroPV, and ground-mount installations, where **fire safety class A**, reliability, and additional energy yield from the rear side of the module are essential. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.3% matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - At 212.9 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* panels - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface - Ranked #8776 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What warranty applies to the GCL-M10/72GDF panels, and what does the power output warranty cover? The GCL-M10/72GDF series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. After 30 years, the manufacturer guarantees that the module will retain at least 84.95% of its rated power. This is the standard performance level for Tier 1 modules, ensuring predictable energy yield throughout the entire operational lifetime of the installation. ### What are the benefits of the bifacial design in the GCL-M10/72GDF panels, and how much additional energy can be harvested from the rear side? The bifacial cells in the GCL-M10/72GDF series capture light from both the front and the rear of the module - utilizing irradiance reflected from the ground surface (albedo). In practice, with a high-reflectivity surface such as concrete, light-colored gravel, or snow, the additional energy yield from the rear side ranges from 5% to as much as 20%. The greatest bifacial gain is achieved in ground-mounted installations with unobstructed clearance beneath the module, making this series particularly well-suited for utility-scale PV farms and agrivoltaic (agro-PV) systems. ### Are the GCL-M10/72GDF panels suitable for floating PV (floatovoltaics) and agrivoltaic installations? Yes. The dual-glass construction with POE encapsulant makes the GCL-M10/72GDF modules highly resistant to elevated humidity and water vapor - a critical requirement for floating PV deployments. Fire Safety Class A certification and a robust aluminum frame further enhance safety in agrivoltaic environments. The manufacturer explicitly lists floatovoltaics and agrovoltaics as dedicated target applications for this series. ### How does the GCL-M10/72GDF series perform at high temperatures during summer, and what is its temperature coefficient? The power temperature coefficient of the GCL-M10/72GDF is -0.35%/°C, which is a strong result for P-type PERC technology. This means that at a cell temperature of 65°C - typical for a hot summer midday - the module loses approximately 14% of its rated power relative to STC. The half-cut cell architecture combined with MBB (Multi-Busbar) interconnection further reduces resistive losses, resulting in improved performance during peak irradiance hours. ### Is GCL a reputable manufacturer, and can buyers trust the GCL-M10/72GDF panels? GCL System Integration (GCLSI) is a Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 listed manufacturer and one of the largest suppliers of PV cells and modules in the world. The company holds TÜV, CE, ISO, and other internationally recognized certifications, and its products are deployed in large-scale industrial projects across Europe and Asia. By choosing the GCL-M10/72GDF, buyers are working with a well-established supplier, which significantly reduces the risk of issues with warranty enforcement. ### How does the half-cut and MBB technology in the GCL-M10/72GDF differ from standard mono-Si panels? A conventional panel uses full-size cells interconnected by 3-4 ribbons. In the GCL-M10/72GDF, each cell is laser-cut in half, resulting in 144 half-cut cells instead of 72 full cells. This halves the current within each cell string, significantly reducing resistive (I²R) heating losses at the interconnections. MBB (Multi-Busbar) technology replaces a few wide busbars with a larger number of thin wires, shortening the electron path and minimizing shading from the busbars themselves. The combined result is a higher module efficiency (approximately 21.7%) and improved tolerance to partial shading. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/13124965026890b4de0035b-5c69789b182f.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.2 pp | | [GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-540](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-540) | 540 W | -10 W, -0.4 pp | | [GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-545](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-545) | 545 W | Very close match | | [GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-555](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-555) | 555 W | Very close match | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-560](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-560) | 560 W | Lighter, +0.4 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-565](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-565) | 565 W | Lighter, +0.6 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a630-mah72dw) | 630 W | +80 W, cooler, +3.1 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-550 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.