--- title: "GCL GCL-M10/72H-540B Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "GCL GCL-M10/72H-540B solar panel. Specs: 20.60% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-540b" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-540b.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL GCL-M10/72H-540B Middle of its segment, weak in heat 709 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** GCL-M10/72H-540B - **Series:** GCL-M10/72H-B - **Rated power:** 540 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (709 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 540 W | 535 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 20.90% | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,172 | | Power density | 205.8 | 209.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 11,223 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 9% | 12,425 | | Weight (kg) | 27.6 kg | 28.3 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 22% | 9,912 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 20.90% | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,172 | | Power density | 205.8 | 209.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 11,223 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 9% | 12,425 | | Weight per kWp | 51.1 | 53.0 | Typical | 4,460 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 22% | 9,912 | ### Watch out for - **-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 9% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 12,425th in the whole database. - **205.8 watts per square metre** - Bottom 20% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. - **20.60% module efficiency** - Bottom 21% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. - **Best for:** Utility-scale, commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Hot climates, roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 540 W - **Efficiency:** 20.60 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 42.06 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.84 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.75 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.63 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.360 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 ### Physical - **Length:** 2290 mm - **Width:** 1146 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 27.6 kg - **Area:** 2.62 m2 - **Power density:** 205.8 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 84.8 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **Output after 30 years:** 443 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11172 of 14129 | | Power density | 11223 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 12425 of 14129 | | Weight | 4460 of 14129 | | Warranty | 9912 of 14129 | ## Pros - **BNEF Tier-1 Manufacturer** - GCL System Integration Technology has maintained an uninterrupted presence on the BNEF Tier-1 list for many years and ranks among the three largest PV module manufacturers in the world. This status simplifies access to non-recourse project finance for utility-scale PV plants, directly reducing the cost of capital for investors. - **M10 Half-Cut Cells, 144 pcs.** - The M10 format (182 mm) in a half-cut configuration reduces the operating current of each half-cell by half, lowering resistive (I²R) losses and improving tolerance to partial shading. Multi-busbar technology shortens the electron current path and reduces the risk of micro-cracks, enhancing long-term reliability. - **High Rated Power Output 540-560 Wp** - The 540-560 Wp power range allows a reduction in the number of modules per installation and lower BoS costs (cabling, racking, and labor). For a 1 MWp solar farm, this translates to approximately 1,786 modules versus ~2,000 for a typical 500 Wp module - a tangible cost benefit at scale. - **Confirmed PID Resistance** - GCL uses a specialized encapsulant material and rigorous process controls to ensure high resistance to Potential Induced Degradation (PID). This is a critical attribute for systems operating at DC voltages up to 1,000 V, which are particularly susceptible to PID in humid climates. - **Supply Chain Stability** - The manufacturer has been active in the market since 1990 and is vertically integrated across polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module production. Its long track record and production scale minimize the risk of module availability issues and warranty claim fulfillment problems over a 25-year project horizon. ## Cons - **Efficiency Below Segment Peers** - The series reaches a maximum efficiency of 21.3%, while all three comparable competitors achieve 21.67-21.72% (Exiom 21.7%, Premier Energies 21.67%, DAH Solar 21.72%). The ~0.4 percentage-point gap translates to approximately 1-2% lower annual energy yield for the same roof or ground area. - **PERC (P-type) Technology - Aging Standard** - In 2025/2026, the market is shifting decisively toward N-type TOPCon. PERC cells exhibit annual degradation rates of 0.6-0.8% versus 0.4-0.5% for TOPCon, along with higher susceptibility to Light-Induced Degradation (LID). Over a 25-year horizon, this results in meaningfully lower cumulative energy yield compared to newer cell technologies. - **Monofacial Module** - The GCL-M10/72H-B series is monofacial (is\_bifacial: false), whereas the directly comparable DAH Solar DHM-T72X10/BF/FS offers a bifacial design. The absence of rear-side generation precludes additional yield from reflected irradiance (typically +5-15% on high-albedo surfaces), which is a significant limitation particularly for ground-mounted utility-scale PV plants. ## About this series GCL-M10/72H-B series panels are the answer to the needs of investors seeking maximum power density while maintaining high mechanical durability. The use of **M10 type cells in half-cut technology** allows for a significant reduction in resistive losses, which translates into stable operation even in less favorable lighting conditions. The innovation of this series is primarily manifested in the use of **bifacial technology**, which enables energy generation from both sides of the module. Thanks to this, the installation gains additional power yield from reflected radiation, which is crucial on surfaces with a high albedo coefficient, such as white roof membranes or light gravel. The multi-busbar system effectively shortens the electron flow path, limiting the risk of micro-cracks and increasing the overall long-term reliability of the system. This series is primarily dedicated to **large-scale photovoltaic farms** and large industrial facilities, where optimizing installation costs is of key importance. By choosing GCL-M10/72H-B, the investor receives a product with **increased resistance to PID degradation**, which sets it apart from standard market solutions. This is a solution for professionals who do not seek compromises between efficiency and resistance to harsh weather conditions, ensuring a quick return on investment thanks to higher total efficiency. ## Notable figures - At 20.6% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* modules - Power density of 205.8 W/m² is 3.2 W/m² below \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median (209.0 W/m²) - needs more roof space - At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - In the top 79% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### What is the maximum power output of the GCL-M10/72H-B panel and what enables it? The GCL-M10/72H-B series achieves a peak power output of 560 Wp, placing it firmly in the utility-scale module segment. This high performance is driven by M10-format PERC cells arranged in a half-cut configuration - a technology that reduces resistive losses and improves efficiency under partial shading conditions. Modules of this caliber are designed primarily for large-scale solar farms and major industrial facilities where maximizing energy yield per square meter of installed area is paramount. ### What warranty is offered on the GCL-M10/72H-B series panels? The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 25-year linear power output warranty that protects the investor against excessive performance degradation over time. This represents the standard warranty level expected from Tier 1 manufacturers, a category to which GCL belongs. When modeling return on investment, it is advisable to verify warranty documentation directly with the current authorized distributor, as terms may be subject to update. ### What distinguishes the M10 half-cut cell technology used in the GCL-M10/72H-B panels? Half-cut technology involves laser-cutting each PERC cell in half, which halves the operating current within the circuit and significantly reduces resistive (I²R) losses at cell interconnections. M10-format cells have a larger active area than older cell standards, directly increasing the power output of the entire module without requiring an increase in physical dimensions. An additional benefit is greater resistance to microcracks, which are a common cause of long-term panel degradation over years of field operation. ### Are the GCL-M10/72H-B panels resistant to PID? Yes, the GCL-M10/72H-B series features enhanced resistance to Potential Induced Degradation (PID). This is a significant advantage in large-scale installations where system voltages are high and the risk of PID is greatest. PID resistance translates directly into stable long-term energy production and reduces the need for corrective maintenance interventions over the lifetime of the installation. ### What types of installations is the GCL-M10/72H-B series best suited for? This series is intended primarily for utility-scale solar farms and large commercial and industrial facilities. The high unit power output of 560 Wp allows for a reduction in the total number of modules required to achieve a target system capacity, thereby lowering installation and balance-of-system (BoS) costs, including cabling and mounting hardware. For typical residential rooftop prosumer installations, modules of this class may be impractical due to their physical dimensions and weight. ### Is the GCL-M10/72H-B series still available for purchase? The GCL-M10/72H-B series has been discontinued and is no longer officially distributed by the manufacturer. Any remaining availability is limited exclusively to residual stock held by distributors. If you are planning a new project, we recommend contacting an authorized GCL distributor to review the current module lineup, which supersedes this series with newer designs and updated specifications. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/EN-1072H-B-22cf16c6f3f5.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +4.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, +4.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, +4.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [GCL GCL-M10/72GDF-B-535](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72gdf-b-535) | 535 W | Heavier, -0.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 545W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-545w) | 545 W | Very close match | | [GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 550W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-550w) | 550 W | +10 W, +0.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | +140 W, cooler, +4.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | +135 W, cooler, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.4 pp | | [WINAICO WST-675BKX72-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-675bkx72-a2) | 675 W | +135 W, cooler, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | +130 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-540b Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.