What Qcells does

Qcells is a vertically integrated solar and energy storage company that designs, manufactures, and deploys photovoltaic modules, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and AI-enabled energy management software across residential, commercial & industrial, utility, and data center markets. The company was founded in 1999 in Thalheim, Germany as Qcells SE, commercialized the industry's first PERC-based cell technology (Q.ANTUM) in 2012, and was acquired by South Korea's Hanwha Group in 2019, becoming a subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions Corporation (KRX: 009830). Qcells operates the only fully vertically integrated solar factory in the United States at Cartersville, Georgia (3.3 GW each of ingots, wafers, and cells plus 3.5 GW of modules), combined with a 5.1 GW module plant in Dalton, Georgia, for a total US capacity of 8.6 GW backed by roughly $2.5-3 billion in domestic manufacturing investment. Its product stack spans the Q.ANTUM cell technology family (DUO, DUO Z, NEO) powering Q.PEAK DUO and Q.TRON module lines, Q.HOME CORE residential storage (now in third-generation, domestically assembled with Jabil in Michigan), the Geli design/optimization/forecasting suite, the DERMS virtual power plant platform, and the UL 3115-certified Qcells EMS for AI-managed data center power.

Qcells monetizes through multiple revenue streams: hardware sales of modules and storage, EPC services for utility-scale PV and BESS projects (including a self-performing team and 24/7 O&M via HEIS 2.0), subscription/recurring software licensing for DERMS, Geli, and Q.OMMAND, operating leases through Qcells New Homes and EnFin financing for residential and homebuilder customers, and Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits. The company sells utility-scale projects through direct enterprise field sales (e.g., the Atlas Energy Park at 2.8 GW solar / 5.7 GWh storage, 12 GW Microsoft supply agreement, 1.4 GWdc Meta portfolio, 5 GWh LG Energy Solution Vertech deal), to commercial and industrial buyers via dedicated field sales, and to residential customers through the Q.PARTNER certified installer network and the new Qcells New Homes builder-direct channel. Qcells held 33.7% US residential solar market share in 2024, ranking #1 for 18 consecutive quarters, and 17.7% of the US commercial market. Operations span North America (Irvine, CA HQ; Dalton and Cartersville, GA manufacturing; London, Ontario sales), Europe (Bitterfeld-Wolfen R&D, Berlin sales), and Asia Pacific (Seoul global HQ, Cyberjaya R&D and manufacturing, Tokyo sales).

Name

Qcells

Legal name

Hanwha Solutions Corporation

Website

https://us.qcells.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Qcells is a vertically integrated solar manufacturer and energy storage provider — a Hanwha Solutions subsidiary — that produces PV modules, residential and utility-scale BESS, and AI-enabled energy management software for homeowners, builders, commercial customers, utilities, and data center operators, with 8.6 GW of US module capacity and ~33.7% US residential market share.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Energy Storage

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar PV Module Manufacturing (Cells, Modules, Thin-Film) (EUAMABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB), Solar End-of-Life, Recycling & Decommissioning (Panels, Inverters, Racking) (EUAMABAM), Solar Inverters, Power Optimizers & MLPE Manufacturing (EUAMAHAB), Distributed & Commercial Renewable O&M (Rooftop Solar, C&I Wind, Small Hydro) (EUAMAGAB), Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats) (EUACAGAK)

Keywords

• Solar panel manufacturing
• Photovoltaic modules
• Battery energy storage
• Solar EPC services
• Energy management software

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Solar Panel and Module Sales: Sale of photovoltaic modules ranging from residential (up to 440 Wp) to utility-scale (up to 680 Wp) with warranties up to 30 years
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems: Residential and utility-scale battery storage including Q.HOME CORE (up to 26.2 kWh) and large-scale BESS deployments
3. EPC Services: Engineering, procurement, and construction services for utility-scale solar and BESS projects including self-performing teams and O&M
4. New Homes Bundled Solutions: Operating lease model for homebuilders integrating solar and storage into new construction with fixed monthly payments
5. Energy Management Software: Software licensing for DERMS, Q.OMMAND, and Geli platforms for residential, commercial, and utility energy management
6. Section 45X Tax Credits: Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits claimed across ingots, wafers, cells, and modules at each production stage domestically

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Qcells manufactures solar photovoltaic modules and battery energy storage systems, develops AI-enabled energy management software (DERMS, Q.OMMAND, Geli, EMS), and delivers EPC and O&M services for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. The company operates America's only vertically integrated solar factory producing ingots, wafers, cells, and modules under one roof, with 8.6 GW of total U.S. module capacity. Qcells sells through Q.PARTNER installer network for residential and commercial, direct-to-builder through Qcells New Homes, and direct enterprise sales for utility-scale projects.

Product overview

Qcells is a comprehensive clean energy company offering end-to-end solutions spanning solar module manufacturing, residential and commercial energy storage, intelligent energy management software, and utility-scale EPC services. The product portfolio centers on Q.ANTUM Technology (PERC-based solar cell technology with p-type Q.ANTUM DUO Z and n-type Q.ANTUM NEO variants) powering the Q.PEAK DUO and Q.TRON solar module lines for residential, commercial, and utility segments. Residential offerings combine Georgia-made solar modules with Michigan-assembled Q.HOME CORE / Q.HOME CORE G3 battery storage, managed via Q.OMMAND and Q.HOME ESS software. Utility and C&I segments are served through the AI-enabled DERMS platform for distributed energy resource management, Geli Energy Software for project design and optimization, and Qcells EMS for data center energy management — all certified under UL 3115. EPC services deliver turnkey PV and BESS projects with O&M support. Qcells New Homes extends the portfolio into new construction via bundled packages with EnFin financing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Q.HOME CORE: Residential energy storage system with up to 20kWh capacity, available in DC or AC-coupled configurations
• Q.HOME CORE G3
• Q.ANTUM
• Q.ANTUM DUO
• Q.ANTUM DUO Z
• Q.ANTUM NEO
• Qcells New Homes
• Qcells EPC
• Qcells DERMS
• EnFin by Qcells
• EcoRecycle by Qcells
• Q.OMMAND
• Qcells New Homes

Products and services

• Q.PEAK DUO Series Solar Modules Residential and commercial solar module line featuring Q.ANTUM and Q.ANTUM DUO Technology, including Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ up to 415 Wp with 21.1% efficiency for residential, AC-module variant with integrated microinverter, and Q.PEAK DUO ML-G12S/BFG commercial bifacial module up to 680 Wp for utility-scale use. Sold through Q.PARTNER installer channel and direct utility-scale supply agreements.
• Q.TRON Series Solar Modules Next-generation solar module line powered by Q.ANTUM NEO n-type cell technology with NEO Power Transmitter. Includes residential Q.TRON BLK M-G2+ up to 440 Wp with 22.5% efficiency (first monocrystalline product with EPEAT Low Carbon Solar registration) and commercial bifacial Q.TRON XL G2/BFG up to 645 Wp with 23.1% efficiency. Sold through the Q.PARTNER installer network and direct utility-scale supply.
• Q.HOME CORE Residential Battery Storage Residential battery energy storage system available in DC or AC-coupled configurations with up to 20 kWh capacity. Designed to maximize solar self-consumption, provide backup power, and enable virtual power plant enrollment when paired with Qcells DERMS. Sold through the Q.PARTNER installer network.
• Q.HOME CORE G3 Residential Battery Storage Third-generation AC-coupled residential battery storage system with storage capacity ranging from 13.1 kWh to 26.2 kWh and 15-year warranty. Domestically assembled with Jabil at Auburn Hills, Michigan facility for domestic content eligibility under IRA. Commercially available nationwide through the Q.PARTNER installer channel and Qcells New Homes program.
• Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Large-format battery energy storage systems using LFP cells for utility-scale projects, including deployments of 5.1 GWh scale, delivered through strategic partnerships with LG Energy Solution Vertech. Designed for utility-scale grid services, capacity, and renewable energy integration.
• Qcells DERMS Platform AI-enabled Distributed Energy Resource Management System for utilities to aggregate, dispatch, and maximize distributed energy resources including batteries, EVs, generators, and controllable loads. Includes VPP enrollment, co-optimized fleet dispatch, predictive analytics, and grid-aware AI for fleet management.
• Qcells EMS (Energy Management System) AI-powered energy management system certified under UL 3115 for mission-critical data center power operations. Manages battery dispatch, distributed energy resources, grid-interactive systems, and AI infrastructure power demand across distributed edge data center sites. The first company certified under UL 3115 for mission-critical energy management in data centers.
• Geli Energy Software End-to-end software suite for community, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. Includes modeling and simulation tools, proprietary optimization and forecasting engine, control and communication infrastructure, and real-time monitoring platform for designing and managing energy storage systems.
• Q.OMMAND Residential Energy Management Platform Residential energy management platform with Q.OMMAND HOME for homeowners to monitor energy generation, consumption, storage, and battery status in real time, and Q.OMMAND PRO for installers to commission systems and track performance. Mobile app available on iOS and Android.
• PV EPC Services Self-performing turnkey utility-scale solar project delivery with engineering, procurement, and construction delivered by Qcells' own teams. Includes development support, complete quality control, and O&M under the integrated value chain. Used for marquee projects including the Atlas Energy Park (2.8 GW solar, 5.7 GWh storage) and the 12 GW Microsoft supply and EPC partnership.
• BESS EPC Services Engineering, procurement, and construction services for large-scale battery energy storage projects. Includes site engineering, battery supply coordination, balance-of-plant design, and commissioning. Deployment record of 5.1 GWh of BESS solutions delivered.
• Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Services Long-term operations and maintenance services for utility-scale solar and storage projects. Delivered through a 24/7 Remote Operations Center and the HEIS 2.0 platform providing intelligent, compliant asset management, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Qcells New Homes Bundled Solar-plus-Storage Solution Division bundling solar panels and battery storage directly into new residential construction. Provides a vertically integrated package including Georgia-made panels, domestically produced batteries (Q.HOME CORE G3), in-house EnFin operating lease financing, installation support, and long-term monitoring. Sold directly to homebuilders nationwide, initially in California.
• Q.HOME ESS Mobile Application Mobile application (iOS and Android) for homeowners to monitor real-time power generation from rooftop solar systems and battery status. Companion to Q.HOME residential solar and storage installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8.6 GW total US module capacity
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Zelestra EnergycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 June 2026Spanish IPP developing approximately 1.4 GWdc of solar capacity for Meta across 8 US projects through PPAs. Qcells serves as EPC for projects including 200 MW Reclamation project in Indiana. Partnership supports Meta's goal of matching operations with 100% clean energy.
• JabilcoreTechnology or Integration · 7 May 2026Manufacturing collaboration for domestic assembly of Q.HOME CORE G3 residential battery storage systems at Jabil's Auburn Hills, Michigan facility. Combined investments of $17 million in Michigan-based residential solar-plus-storage manufacturing, with $11.6 million specifically for the Q.HOME CORE G3 assembly.
• Prime Group HoldingscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Deployment of edge data centers and battery energy storage systems across Prime Group's 450 self-storage properties in the US. Qcells provides AI-powered energy management system certified by UL Solutions; TransGrid Energy supplies BESS. Part of 'Micro AI Factory' initiative for distributed AI inference.
• LG Energy Solution VertechcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 February 2026Multi-year agreement to install 5 GWh of lithium-iron phosphate energy storage projects for utility-scale sites across the United States, scheduled for 2028-2030. Partnership leverages domestic manufacturing with LG Energy Solution's Michigan facility and Qcells' Georgia solar modules, meeting domestic content requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 202612 GW solar panel supply and EPC services agreement over 8-year period. Strategic alliance for AI energy management systems in data centers. Microsoft Azure provides cloud and AI layer for Hanwha's distributed energy-aware data center initiative.
• Greentech RenewablesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 October 2025Solar panel recycling partnership under EcoRecycle by Qcells brand. Partnership aims to develop nationwide infrastructure for decommissioned solar panels, initially establishing community collection hubs in Florida and Southeast before national expansion.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• First Solar: U.S.-headquartered thin-film (CdTe) solar module manufacturer with utility-scale EPC exposure. Direct competitor to Qcells in U.S. utility-scale and IRA-eligible domestic module supply; also the Qcells TOPCon patent complainant at the ITC.
• SunPower: U.S. residential solar installer and module seller that competes head-to-head with Qcells in the homeowner channel; bankruptcy/restructuring in 2024 reshaped the U.S. residential field that Qcells leads.
• Enphase Energy: U.S. residential solar inverter and battery (IQ Battery) manufacturer that integrates with Qcells modules at the homeowner level; competes on the home energy management software layer (Q.OMMAND) and storage proposition (Q.HOME CORE).
• Sunrun: Largest U.S. residential solar installer with in-house leasing/PPA financing (competing with EnFin by Qcells) and growing battery attachment — directly comparable to Qcells' residential solar-plus-storage and EnFin financing business.
• SolarEdge Technologies: Residential and commercial solar inverter and power optimizer manufacturer that competes with Qcells in the U.S. C&I channel; relevant as Qcells expands AC-coupled battery systems (Q.HOME CORE G3) and module-level electronics integration.
• JinkoSolar: One of the world's largest Tier-1 solar module manufacturers with TOPCon technology; competes with Qcells globally and in U.S. utility-scale RFPs, where Qcells' domestic-content advantage is the key differentiator.
• Trina Solar: Global Tier-1 module manufacturer with strong TOPCon/n-type roadmap and U.S. distribution footprint; comparable vertically integrated supplier competing for utility-scale and C&I projects.
• Canadian Solar: Global vertically integrated module manufacturer with TOPCon product lines and a U.S. project development arm (Recurrent Energy); comparable end-to-end solar + storage developer competing for hyperscaler and utility-scale demand.

Broad incumbents

• Tesla Energy: Tesla's solar roof, Powerwall, and Megapack businesses overlap directly with Qcells' residential storage (Q.HOME CORE) and utility-scale BESS EPC offerings; a much larger incumbent across solar + storage + software.

Emerging players

• Array Technologies: Leading U.S. solar tracker and racking manufacturer that supplies balance-of-system components into many of the same utility-scale projects Qcells EPCs; adjacent/ecosystem peer in U.S. utility-scale solar supply chains.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/qcells_usacorp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/QCELLSNorthAmerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/Qcells.NA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qcells-northamerica
• Instagraminstagram.com/qcells.na

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Qcells