QCells vs REC Solar Panels: Best Choice for Homeowners

As more Southern California homeowners turn to solar to escape rising utility costs, one of the most common questions is: Which solar panels should I choose?

Two of the most trusted names in the industry are QCells and REC. Both deliver high-quality, reliable panels, but they differ in performance, price, warranties, and long-term value. At US Power, we specialize in helping homeowners make the right decision—backed by our exclusive partnership with QCells, giving customers access to factory-direct pricing on American-made panels.

Let’s break down the QCells vs REC comparison in 2025 so you can make the most informed decision for your home.

1. Efficiency and Performance

• REC Panels: Known for premium efficiency, REC panels can reach up to 22.2% efficiency, making them a top performer in the market. They also have a lower temperature coefficient (-0.24%/°C), which means they lose less efficiency in hot climates—a key advantage in areas with extreme heat.
• QCells Panels: QCells panels average around 20.6% efficiency, with a temperature coefficient of about -0.34%/°C. While slightly lower on paper, QCells panels perform exceptionally well in real-world conditions, especially in Southern California where sunny days far outweigh cloudy ones.

Takeaway: If absolute peak efficiency matters most, REC edges ahead. But for cost-effective performance in California’s sunny climate, QCells delivers dependable results without the premium price tag.

2. Long-Term Durability and Degradation

• REC Panels: REC offers one of the strongest warranties in the industry, guaranteeing about 92% output after 25 years with a degradation rate of ~0.25% per year.
• QCells Panels: QCells panels guarantee 86–90.6% output after 25 years, with degradation rates ranging between 0.33–0.5% annually depending on the model.

Takeaway: REC panels have a slightly stronger long-term performance guarantee, but QCells still provides solid reliability for decades—especially considering their lower upfront cost.

3. Cost and Value

• REC Panels: Premium quality comes at a premium price. Homeowners typically pay around $2.90–$3.60 per watt, which can add thousands to the total cost of a solar system.
• QCells Panels: QCells panels are far more affordable, averaging $2.80–$2.95 per watt. On a standard 8kW system, that could mean savings of $4,000–$6,000 upfront compared to REC.

Takeaway: For homeowners balancing performance with budget, QCells offers better overall value—especially with US Power’s factory-direct pricing.

4. Warranty and Support

• REC: 25-year product and performance warranty, with some models extending coverage to 30 years.
• QCells: Industry-standard 25-year product and performance warranty, plus a strong reputation for customer service in the U.S.

Takeaway: Both brands back their products with excellent warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind.

5. Energy Ecosystem and Integration

• REC: Focuses primarily on high-performance solar panels.
• QCells: Offers an entire solar ecosystem, including energy storage, inverters, and monitoring systems like the Q.HOME CORE. This makes it easier for homeowners to build a complete solar solution from one trusted brand.

Takeaway: QCells provides a more integrated solution, helping homeowners streamline their solar investment.

QCells vs REC: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

• Choose REC if: You want maximum efficiency, lower long-term degradation, and don’t mind paying a premium.
• Choose QCells if: You want reliable, high-performing panels with lower upfront costs, factory-direct pricing, and seamless integration with storage and monitoring solutions.

For most Southern California homeowners, QCells delivers the best balance of performance, affordability, and long-term savings—especially when installed by a trusted local provider.

Why Work With US Power

At US Power, we don’t just install solar—we partner with you to design a system that saves you money, boosts your home’s value, and ensures compliance with California’s strict energy codes. Our exclusive partnership with QCells means you get:

• Factory-direct pricing (no middleman markups)
• American-made panels with top-tier warranties
• Local expertise in navigating Southern California’s solar rules and rebates
• Ongoing support even after installation

If you’re ready to explore the best solar option for your home, US Power is here to help every step of the way.

Final Call-to-Action

Don’t overpay for solar. Get the best value with QCells panels installed by US Power—your local Southern California solar experts.

Schedule your free consultation today and start saving with clean, reliable energy for the future.