Qcells modules were named a Top Performer in all eight Kiwa PVEL test categories and an Overall Highest Achiever by RETC. The company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing enables customers to pursue the federal domestic content bonus without compromising long-term reliability.
CARTERSVILLE, Ga — Qcells today announced that it has become the first company to pass all evaluation categories in the solar industry’s most demanding module reliability tests from both Kiwa PVEL and the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC). With this validation, Qcells has demonstrated its manufacturing excellence and product quality while helping developers and investors qualify for domestic content bonus tax credits
In its 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard released Nov. 10th, Kiwa PVEL named Qcells a Top Performer in all eight test categories. Earlier this year, Qcells also earned RETC’s Overall Highest Achiever designation, meeting the highest-achiever bar in all three of RETC’s categories: Reliability, Performance and Quality. Kiwa PVEL’s testing program exposes modules to conditions designed to simulate years of outdoor wear in a matter of months, including prolonged heat and humidity, repeated temperature swings, heavy mechanical loads and hail impacts.
Earning top marks from the solar industry’s two most respected independent testing labs is a key milestone for Qcells in its mission to advance solar manufacturing in the U.S. Qcells operates the only vertically integrated ingot-to-wafer-to-cell-to-module solar supply chain in Cartersville, Georgia. Modules assembled in Cartersville can help customers meet the requirements for the domestic content bonus under the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
With this validation, customers can secure both the tax benefits of using domestic modules with proven product quality. Solar projects are typically expected to operate for 25 to 35 years, so the developers, builders and lenders behind them, along with the engineers who advise them, look to independent labs to judge how well a module will hold up over time. Kiwa PVEL and RETC are among the most trusted sources of that information in the U.S. market.
“Congratulations to Qcells on attaining Top Performer distinctions across all eight test categories,” said Tristan Erion-Lorico, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kiwa PVEL. “The company’s commitment to module quality and reliability is exemplified by their results in the 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard.”
“Recognition from PVEL and RETC underscores the strength of our manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to producing high-quality, dependable solar modules,” said JK Hong, Head of Manufacturing at Qcells. “We will build on this achievement as we continue to scale a US solar supply chain in Georgia.”
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About Qcells
Qcells is a leading clean energy company delivering end-to-end solutions—from advanced solar cell and panel manufacturing to intelligent energy systems, large-scale EPC services. As the largest silicon-based solar manufacturer in the United States, Qcells is expanding American production capacity and strengthening domestic supply chains to support the growing demand for reliable, scalable energy solutions across the utility, commercial, governmental, and residential markets. Qcells operates a global manufacturing network spanning the United States, Malaysia, and South Korea, with a growing footprint in America that supports domestic energy deployment and job creation. The company’s Complete Energy Solutions combine high-performance solar technology, advanced energy storage, proprietary energy management software and flexible financing options—helping customers plan, build and operate projects efficiently and at scale. Qcells also advances long-term sustainability and system performance through solar recycling operations and next-generation cell technology R&D. With an expanding international presence across four continents, Qcells is committed to delivering high-quality products, dependable execution and long-term partnerships worldwide.
For more information, visit: https://qcells.com/us.
Media Contact
Marta Stoepker, Head of Communications
Qcells North America
us-media@qcells.com
*The information presented in this press release should not be relied on as tax advice and is subject to change based on changes made to the applicable rules and regulations. Please consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
