Since supplying Australia in 2009, QCells has called time on the local Australian market, citing ‘extreme competition’ that makes the down-under subsidiary’s business no longer viable. This is good news for existing QCells system owners, as they shouldn’t be in the lurch regarding warranty assurance. QCells’ parent company (Hanwha) has committed to supporting warranty obligations in the foreseeable future. But should you commit to buying a QCells solar panel system despite this news?
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- QCells announced the cessation of Australian operations in February 2024
- Support remains for existing stock and installations
- Guarantee responsibilities shift in the absence of any manufacturer
- Use a timeline to exercise individual caution for warranty
- Good reputation solar panel brand remains supported internationally
Qcells cited an overly competitive landscape in a year that has seen many competing manufacturers selling below the cost of manufacture to maintain market share. And it’s a fair call: There is little point in being in business if you can’t make a profit. Therefore, what does that mean for those who have chosen or are choosing QCells solar panels as part of a system?
Recently installed QCells solar panels come equipped with a 25-year product warranty, ensuring overall product integrity (if installed to manufacturer specifications). With QCells no longer occupying an Australian base, manufacturer warranty resolution falls back to QCells, South Korea. The good news is that Hanwha QCells is a stable company that is better positioned than most to be around in 25 years. However, dealing with foreign companies [generally] in a warranty scenario is painful for an end-user.
The good news is that due to Australian consumer law, local warranty support remains available without manufacturer presence:
- Importer/ distributor
- Retailer/Installer
Both parties are responsible for ensuring that the QCells solar panels you purchased in Australia are of ‘merchantable quality’ for the intended period. However, vendor establishment and trust are crucial when depending locally, and your risk exposure timeline becomes more poignant.
Previous QCells Q.Partner. We know good technology & what’s required to support it.
Short-term (0 to 3 years): Consider your level of warranty support with QCells solar panels, which is strong among all parties in relative terms—manufacturer, distributor, and installer. In a warranty scenario, it is highly likely to receive responsive after-care.
Medium-term (4 to 10 years): One of three parties with QCells warranty responsibility will likely cease to exist. However, Hanwha QCells is a leading manufacturer internationally. In the absence of one local link, it may take a little longer to resolve. Nevertheless, warranty assurance should be available.
Long-term (10 to 25 years): The likelihood of local support begins to thin if you do not choose an established supply partner/channel. Unless QCells decides to return to Australia, warranty resolution will occur between you, the end-user and QCells in South Korea. Be prepared, as this will take time.
When a manufacturer abandons Australia, we’ve learned to sunset the product, regardless of product integrity/quality. A solar energy system is an energy investment for a nominated period. It’s more of a liability and exposure question over time and volume. At the end of the day, “We’re invested as much as you are” but multiplied. From experience, dealing with internationally headquartered companies for warranties can be more fun, something not overly compelling for new business propositions. 25 years is a long time with a lack of investment and definition in a local support structure at scale. Still, we’ll always support our past customers no matter the scenario.
Would you like to know what we recommend as an alternative to QCells? Perth Solar Warehouse staff are equipped with knowledge of the highest solar panel specifications locally. We can assist you in finding the ideal solution with Perth’s largest online solar range.
