--- title: "GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 540W 540W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 540W 540W solar panel. Specs: 20.60% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-540w" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL GCL-M10/72H-B 540W Middle of its segment, weak in heat 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** GCL-M10/72H-B 540W - **Series:** GCL ROOF - **Rated power:** 540 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (706 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 540 W | 535 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 20.90% | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,093 | | Power density | 205.8 | 209.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 11,142 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 9% | 12,345 | | Weight (kg) | 27.6 kg | 28.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 20.90% | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,093 | | Power density | 205.8 | 209.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 11,142 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 9% | 12,345 | | Weight per kWp | 51.1 | 53.0 | Typical | 4,436 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 9,798 | ### Watch out for - **-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 9% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 12,345th 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:** Residential and commercial. - **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 ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11093 of 14005 | | Power density | 11142 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12345 of 14005 | | Weight | 4436 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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**. ## Notable figures - At 20.6% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* modules - 205.8 W/m² power density is 3.2 W/m² below \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median (209.0 W/m²) - requires larger installation area - At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - #11093 for efficiency, #12345 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### 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. ## 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 | | [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 | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [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 | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | +130 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-72HVHF-670M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-72hvhf-670m) | 670 W | +130 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m10-72h-b-540w Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.