--- title: "GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-B-550 550W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-B-550 550W solar panel. Specs: 21.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-b-550" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-B-550 Warranty pick, heavy for its output 589 panels in the segment PERC 550-600 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** GCL-M10/72GDF-B-550 - **Series:** GCL-M10/72GDF-B - **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 | 21.00% | 21.29% | Weak - bottom 25% | 9,758 | | Power density | 209.6 | 212.9 | Weak - bottom 22% | 9,926 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 33.2 kg | 30.8 kg | Weak - bottom 6% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 27 yrs | Strong - top 25% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.00% | 21.29% | Weak - bottom 25% | 9,758 | | Power density | 209.6 | 212.9 | Weak - bottom 22% | 9,926 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 60.4 | 52.7 | Weak - bottom 6% | 12,444 | | 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. ### Watch out for - **60.4 kg per kWp** - Bottom 6% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 52.7. Ranked 12,444th in the whole database. - **209.6 watts per square metre** - Bottom 22% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 212.9. - **21.00% module efficiency** - Bottom 25% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 21.29%. - **Best for:** Utility-scale, commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures, roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 550 W - **Efficiency:** 21.00 % - **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:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2290 mm - **Width:** 1146 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 33.2 kg - **Area:** 2.62 m2 - **Power density:** 209.6 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 | 9758 of 14005 | | Power density | 9926 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 12444 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Bifacial double-glass design eliminates PID risk** - The glass-glass construction completely eliminates the risk of Potential Induced Degradation (PID), a genuine concern in modules with polymeric backsheets. The absence of a backsheet also ensures resistance to UV degradation, moisture ingress, and salt mist throughout the full 30-year service life — with no encapsulant material aging. - **30-year power warranty ≥84.95%** - The manufacturer guarantees at least 84.95% of nominal power output after 30 years, with a Year 1 warranty of 98% (Year 1 degradation: ~2%). The double-glass construction provides a mechanical basis for this claim — the risk of encapsulant (EVA) or backsheet failure is eliminated, effectively stabilizing long-term energy yield. - **Half-cut M10 cells + multi-busbar technology** - 144 half-cut cells in the M10 format (182 mm) reduce resistive losses and limit the impact of partial shading through independent half-cell operation. Multi-busbar technology shortens current paths, reducing losses by an estimated 2–3% compared to legacy 4BB/5BB configurations. - **BNEF Tier 1 manufacturer, operating since 1990** - GCL-SI maintains BNEF Tier 1 (bankable manufacturer) status, enabling non-recourse debt financing through independent commercial banks. For ground-mounted utility-scale and commercial projects above 1 MWp, this is a standard investor due diligence requirement. - **High mechanical load rating of double-glass construction** - Equivalent GCL double-glass modules are certified for snow loads of 5,400 Pa and wind loads of 2,400 Pa, exceeding the requirements for typical Polish climatic zones (Snow Zone III: ~2,000 Pa). This makes the series a safe choice for ground-mounted arrays in sub-mountainous regions and high-wind exposure sites. ## Cons - **Efficiency below the entire peer group** - The series reaches a maximum efficiency of 21.1%, while all three identified alternatives achieve higher values: Boviet VEGA 21.3%, ET Solar Elite PLUS 21.4%, JA Solar DEEP BLUE 3.0 21.5%. A gap of 0.2–0.4 percentage points translates to approximately 1–2% lower energy yield for the same installed area — a meaningful disadvantage where roof or land space is constrained. - **P-type PERC technology amid rapid N-type expansion** - The series is based on P-type PERC cells, while the 550+ Wp segment has been transitioning rapidly to N-type TOPCon during 2023–2026 — offering lower Year 1 LID and a better temperature coefficient for Pmax (~-0.30%/°C vs. ~-0.35%/°C for PERC). GCL itself now offers the newer NT10/72GDF series (TOPCon), signaling that the M10/72GDF-B represents the previous technology generation. - **~33.2 kg weight limits rooftop installations** - The double-glass construction adds approximately 8–10 kg compared to glass-backsheet modules of equivalent power. The 33.2 kg module weight may require costly reinforcement of the roof support structure or reduce the allowable number of modules per roof section, increasing BoS costs for rooftop installations on industrial buildings. ## About this series The GCL-M10/72GDF-B module series is an advanced solution based on a **bifacial double-glass** design, which redefines standards for durability and efficiency in demanding environmental conditions. The use of large-format M10 monocrystalline cells and **half-cut cell technology** allows for a significant reduction in resistive losses and better module performance under partial shading. A key feature of this series is its **double glazing**, which eliminates the risk of the PID effect and provides exceptional resistance to degradation caused by atmospheric factors such as moisture, salt, or sand. Thanks to their bifaciality, these panels generate additional energy from radiation reflected from the ground, making them an ideal choice for **photovoltaic farms and ground-mounted installations** with high albedo. Compared to standard monofacial modules, the GDF-B model offers a significantly longer lifespan and yield stability over decades of operation. This solution is dedicated to investors seeking to maximize return on investment by combining innovative **multi-busbar technology** with a robust construction resistant to extreme mechanical loads. Choosing this series minimizes maintenance costs and guarantees the energy security of large commercial facilities. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.0% matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - 209.6 W/m² power density is 3.3 W/m² below \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median (212.9 W/m²) - requires larger installation area - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - Weight of 33.2 kg is 2.4 kg above \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median (30.8 kg) - verify structural support - In the top 70% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### What warranty applies to the GCL-M10/72GDF-B panels? The GCL-M10/72GDF-B series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects and material faults, along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. As a Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 manufacturer, GCL provides the financial stability necessary to honor warranty claims throughout the entire coverage period. This places the series among the longest power output warranty standards currently available in the bifacial module market. ### Are the GCL-M10/72GDF-B panels bifacial, and does this actually increase energy yield? Yes, the GCL-M10/72GDF-B series consists of bifacial modules. The rear glass surface captures reflected irradiance from the ground (albedo), which in practice can increase total energy yield by 5–15% depending on the type of surface beneath the array. The best results are achieved in ground-mounted utility-scale installations with light-colored or white gravel ballast, as well as ground-level systems installed over grass-covered terrain. ### What types of installations are the GCL-M10/72GDF-B panels best suited for, and can they be used on a residential rooftop? The GCL-M10/72GDF-B series is designed primarily for utility-scale solar farms and large ground-mounted installations. With dimensions of 2278 x 1134 mm and a weight of approximately 32.7 kg, rooftop installation on a typical single-family home is significantly more challenging and requires a specialized installation crew. For residential prosumer rooftop systems, smaller modules from GCL's product portfolio are a more practical choice. ### What advantages do half-cut cell technology and multi-busbar design offer in the GCL-M10/72GDF-B panels compared to conventional modules? Half-cut cell technology involves splitting each PERC cell in half, which reduces internal resistance and thermal losses. This translates into improved performance under partial shading conditions and higher overall module efficiency. Multi-busbar (MBB) design shortens the current path to the busbars, further minimizing resistive losses and increasing cell resistance to microcracks that can occur during transportation and long-term operation. ### Does the double-glass construction of the GCL-M10/72GDF-B series protect against PID and moisture ingress? Yes, the double-glass construction eliminates the backsheet, which is the primary pathway for moisture ingress and the leading cause of Potential Induced Degradation (PID) and accelerated cell deterioration. Both tempered glass panes also provide superior resistance to mechanical loads, salt mist, and sand abrasion. For installations in harsh climatic conditions, this represents a significant advantage over standard modules with a polymer backsheet. ### What is the maximum power output of the GCL-M10/72GDF-B panel, and how does it compare to competitors in this class? The highest-rated variant in the series achieves a peak power output of 555 Wp at a module efficiency of approximately 21.5%. These specifications are consistent with top-tier bifacial M10 144-cell modules based on PERC technology. GCL is listed as a Tier 1 manufacturer by Bloomberg NEF, reflecting verified production quality and the company's financial stability. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/302832812690c7eff479cf-28425b7b7a4e.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-B-535](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-b-535) | 535 W | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 540W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-540w) | 540 W | Lighter, -0.4 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 545W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-545w) | 545 W | Hotter, lighter, -5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +100 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | +130 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | +125 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +95 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | +120 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-72HVHF-670M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-72hvhf-670m) | 670 W | +120 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-b-550 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.