Hanwha Q CELLS receives TOP BRAND PV Seal 2017 from EuPD Research in Europe and Australia

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: HQCL), one of the world´s largest producer of solar modules with high quality in-house solar cells, has been awarded the "Top Brand PV Seal 2017" from EuPD Research for the fourth time in a row in Europe and for the second time in Australia based on surveys among installers in the respective markets. According to EuPD Research, the results from this year's Global PV Installer Monitor clearly show that "Hanwha Q CELLS continues to maintain an exceptional market position in the leading European PV markets like Germany, France, Italy and UK. Moreover, customers in Australia also confirm Hanwha Q CELLS´ reputation as their first choice partner". The 2017 survey for the US market, where Hanwha Q CELLS achieved the award last year for the first time, has not been conducted yet.

EuPD Research emphasized that participating installers rated the products from Hanwha Q CELLS positively as compared to the competition. Furthermore, the scores for brand recommendation and unaided brand awareness were among the highest in the industry. Only a small number of manufacturers were honored with the Top Brand PV Seal, but rarely have companies qualified for a majority of the surveyed markets.

"We feel honored that our customers consistently put their trust in Hanwha Q CELLS," says Maengyoon Kim, Head of Module Sales in Europe at Hanwha Q CELLS. "Winning the seals for the fourth year in a row in Europe and for the second time in Australia spurs us to continue our work with the utmost commitment to offer our customers best quality and service," he emphasized.

"The PV module market remains highly competitive," said Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of EuPD Research. "Seals of approval do not just offer benefits for manufacturers; installers can differentiate themselves by proving that they are offering high-quality brands."

TOP BRAND PV: How the Seal is awarded 

Through regular surveys, market researchers and pollsters of EuPD Research identify the preferences of PV installers worldwide when recommending module brands. The independent TOP BRAND PV Seal is based on an annual multi-level analysis of qualified statements in regards to brand perception, brand management and market penetration from installers and intermediaries.

About Hanwha Q CELLS

Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:HQCL) is one of the world´s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for its high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules. It is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ) with its diverse international manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and China. Hanwha Q CELLS offers the full spectrum of photovoltaic products, applications and solutions, from modules to kits to systems to large-scale solar power plants. Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East, the company provides excellent services and long-term partnership to its customers in the utility, commercial, government and residential markets. Hanwha Q CELLS is a flagship company of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 firm and a Top 10 business enterprise in South Korea. For more information, visit: http://www.hanwha-qcells.com

About EuPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH

EuPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH is an international service provider focusing on B2B market research with a highly specialized multilingual interview center. EuPD provides its clients in Europe, Asia and the US with the entire range of qualitative and quantitative research services. With the help of in-depth market knowledge combined with methodological professionalism, EuPD provides practical, future-oriented business solutions and ensure that its clients receive a return on their research investment. EuPD's continuous research has enabled it to develop particular skills in the field of renewable energy sources, particularly in the field of solar energy.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Hanwha Q CELLS' operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Hanwha Q CELLS filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, Hanwha Q CELLS does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd.