--- title: "GCL GCL-M12/60H 605 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "GCL GCL-M12/60H 605 solar panel. Specs: 21.40% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60h-605-1" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60h-605-1.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL GCL-M12/60H 605 Middle of its segment, short guarantee 217 panels in the segment PERC 600-650 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** GCL-M12/60H 605 - **Series:** GCL-M12/60H - **Rated power:** 605 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 600-650 W (217 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 605 W | 605 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 21.40% | 21.38% | Typical | 8,388 | | Power density | 213.8 | 213.8 | Typical | 8,416 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.340 | Weak - bottom 20% | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 31.0 kg | 34.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 16% | 9,912 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.40% | 21.38% | Typical | 8,388 | | Power density | 213.8 | 213.8 | Typical | 8,416 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.340 | Weak - bottom 20% | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 51.2 | 55.7 | Typical | 4,655 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 16% | 9,912 | ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 16% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. - **-0.350 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 20% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of -0.340. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee and hot climates. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 605 W - **Efficiency:** 21.40 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 34.56 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 17.50 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 41.65 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 18.61 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:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 2172 mm - **Width:** 1303 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 31.0 kg - **Area:** 2.83 m2 - **Power density:** 213.8 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:** 496 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8388 of 14129 | | Power density | 8416 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 4655 of 14129 | | Warranty | 9912 of 14129 | ## Pros - **G12/210mm Format - Lower BoS Costs** - The large 210mm wafer reduces the total module count per installation, directly cutting the amount of racking, cabling, and labor required. For a 1 MWp PV plant, the difference can amount to several dozen fewer modules compared to M10/182mm formats, meaningfully shortening installation time and on-site logistics. - **Half-Cut Cells - Reduced Losses and Lower Microcracks Risk** - Splitting cells in half reduces operating current by half, lowering resistive losses (I²R) and improving tolerance to partial shading. Laser cutting without material loss reduces mechanical stress, decreasing the risk of microcracks over the system's lifetime. - **BNEF Tier 1, Market Presence Since 1990** - GCL-SI appears on the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 list (requiring at least six projects ≥10 MW financed by independent commercial banks within 24 months), as confirmed by BNEF 2025 data. For externally financed projects, manufacturer bankability is a prerequisite for securing debt financing. - **High Power Output 595-615 Wp in the PERC Class** - Within the monocrystalline PERC G12 half-cut module segment, the series reaches up to 615 Wp at an efficiency of up to 21.7%, a result comparable to direct competitor Risen TITAN (max 615 Wp, 21.7%), placing the product in the upper tier of the PERC segment. - **PID Resistance and 25-Year Linear Power Warranty** - The manufacturer declares resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) through optimized encapsulation materials. The power warranty spans 25 years with a minimum threshold of 84.8% of nominal power at end of term, in line with the market standard for the utility segment. ## Cons - **PERC vs. N-Type Technology at Direct Competitors** - Two of the three comparable market rivals use N-type technology: JA Solar JAM72D40 LB achieves 23.2% efficiency and LONGi Hi-MO X6 Explorer reaches 22.8% - versus a maximum of 21.7% for the GCL-M12/60H. The 1.5-1.6 percentage point gap translates into measurable annual yield losses (estimated at 1.5-2.5% MWh/MWp based on PERC/TOPCon comparisons) and a higher first-year degradation rate (~2% for PERC vs. ~1% for TOPCon). - **12-Year Product Warranty - Below the Rising Market Standard** - The product warranty stands at 12 years. An increasing number of Tier 1 manufacturers - including LONGi and JA Solar in selected series - are shifting the benchmark toward a 15-year product warranty. For projects with long financing horizons (e.g., DSCR structures of 20+ years), this may be flagged as a risk factor during due diligence. ## About this series GCL GCL-M12/60H modules are monocrystalline half-cut modules designed to maximize energy yield from large surfaces while reducing system costs during the design and installation phases. The use of **large wafer format (G12/210)** minimizes the number of modules in an installation, effectively reducing the amount of supporting structure, cabling, and rooftop or ground-level work. In practice, this means faster installation and easier logistics on-site. The design with a **zero-loss string** helps minimize the risk of micro-cracking, thereby preventing power degradation during operation. Furthermore, **high-density cell packaging** supports better active surface utilization, which is critical where every square meter counts. The series also features **PID resistance** thanks to carefully selected encapsulation materials and process control. This is a solid solution for PV farms, large commercial installations, and projects where stable performance, predictable yield, and low energy cost-of-ownership over the lifespan are top priorities. ## Notable figures - At 21.4% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* modules - At 213.8 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* panels - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median - 31.0 kg weight - 3.0 kg lighter than \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median (34.0 kg), reducing installation effort - #8388 for efficiency, #10489 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels ## Questions ### What is the rated power output of the GCL-M12/60H panel and what types of installations is it designed for? The GCL-M12/60H achieves a maximum power output of 615 Wp. Leveraging the large-format G12 cell (210 mm) and half-cut PERC technology, this series is primarily designed for utility-scale solar farms, large commercial installations, and ground-mounted projects. The high per-module power rating reduces the total number of panels required in a system, thereby shortening installation time and lowering the costs associated with mounting structures and balance-of-system (BoS) wiring. ### What warranty terms apply to the GCL-M12/60H panels? GCL provides a 12-year product warranty on the GCL-M12/60H series, covering defects in materials and workmanship. In addition, a 25-year linear power output warranty applies - the manufacturer guarantees that after the first year of operation the module will retain at least 97.5% of its nominal power, with an annual degradation rate not exceeding approximately 0.73%. These are standard warranty conditions for Tier 1 utility-class modules. ### Is the GCL-M12/60H a bifacial panel? No, the GCL-M12/60H series is a monofacial module. Energy is generated exclusively from the front surface of the PERC cells. If dual-sided irradiance collection and potential albedo gain from the ground surface are priorities for your project, GCL offers dedicated bifacial series. That said, monofacial modules perform reliably in standard ground-mounted and rooftop installations where ground-reflection conditions are not favorable. ### What are the dimensions and weight of the GCL-M12/60H module, and does it present installation challenges? The GCL-M12/60H measures 2172 × 1303 × 35 mm and weighs approximately 31 kg. These are typical dimensions for a large-format, utility-class module based on the G12 cell format. Due to its size and weight, installation requires a minimum of two people or mechanical handling equipment. This series is not recommended for small pitched rooftops - it is best suited for large roof surfaces or ground-mounted racking systems. ### Are the GCL-M12/60H panels resistant to PID degradation? Yes, the GCL-M12/60H series is engineered with resistance to Potential Induced Degradation (PID) in mind. The manufacturer selects encapsulation materials and controls the production process to minimize the risk of charge leakage through the glass and frame to the cells. This is particularly important in large string systems where DC voltages can reach 1000-1500 V, conditions that are conducive to PID in less adequately protected modules. ### Is GCL a reliable photovoltaic panel manufacturer? GCL (GCL System Integration Technology) is a Chinese manufacturer recognized as Tier 1 by independent agencies such as BloombergNEF. This designation confirms that the company meets rigorous criteria related to manufacturing capacity, financial stability, and bankability - a key consideration in project financing. GCL ranks among the world's largest suppliers of PV cells and modules, which translates into supply chain stability and reliable warranty service support. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/11460818076890b964bbccf-648b7c95b69b.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | Cooler, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | Cooler, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M12/60GDF-590](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60gdf-590) | 590 W | Heavier, -0.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M12/60GDF-595](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60gdf-595) | 595 W | Heavier, -0.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-M12/60GDF-600](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60gdf-600) | 600 W | Heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120) | 680 W | +75 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-675](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-675) | 675 W | +70 W, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Q-SUN Solar QN-670HJT-01](https://comparepv.com/panel/q-sun-solar-qn-670hjt-01) | 670 W | +65 W, cooler, +2.3 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-670](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-670) | 670 W | +65 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Q-SUN Solar QN-665HJT-01](https://comparepv.com/panel/q-sun-solar-qn-665hjt-01) | 665 W | +60 W, cooler, +2.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-665](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-665) | 665 W | +60 W, +2.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Sunpro Power SPDG660-N120M12](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunpro-spdg660-n120m12) | 660 W | +55 W, +1.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-m12-60h-605-1 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.