LG is well-known for high-quality consumer electronics, but it also has a long history of solar panel manufacturing.
Solar panels have emerged as a viable renewable energy solution in the UK over the past decade, and LG has been part of this journey from the beginning.
LG is regarded as one of the leading solar brands in Europe, thanks to its commitment to meeting the expectations of customers and installers.
But how do LG solar panels compare to market leaders, and what are their pros, cons and limitations?
Let’s begin…
LG Solar Panels Key Points:
- In 2022 LG announced they were halting production on their solar panels.
- LG solar panels have a high efficiency rate, are reliable, and have a sleek design.
- They come with a 25-year warranty and are suitable for residential and commercial use.
- They are also eco-friendly, with reduced carbon emissions during the manufacturing process.
- However, they are more expensive compared to other brands, and installation may require a certified LG installer.
How Do LG Solar Panels Compare To Other Manufacturers?
LG produces some of the best solar panels in the UK, which is evident when you compare various quality and performance factors with other top solar panel manufacturers.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Manufacturer | Highest Efficiency | Power Output (W) | Warranty | Panel Type |
| LG | 21.7% | 325-395 | 25 years | Mono, bifacial |
| Panasonic | 19.7% | 245 – 325 | 25 years | Mono |
| Canadian Solar | 19.89% | 270 – 410 | 10 years | Mono, poly, bifacial |
| Sharp | 20% | 256 – 360 | 10 years | Mono or poly |
| Solar World | 17.89% | 280 – 300 | 20 years | Mono, bifacial |
LG Solar Panels Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar panel refers to how well it captures sunshine and converts it to practical electricity.
High-efficiency solar panels produce more electricity than lower-efficiency panels of similar size in the same conditions.
Therefore, higher-efficiency ratings are always preferable.
LG produces the most efficient standard panels at 21.7%. Only Panasonic comes close to LG in the mono-facial panel type at 19.7%.
The efficiency can vary depending on your chosen model, with LG’s least efficient solar panel having an efficiency of 19.6%.
LG Solar Panels Power Output
The higher the power output of a solar panel, the more electricity it will supply to your home.
Power output is usually measured in watts (W), and domestic solar panels generally have a power output of 200W to 400W.
LG features one of the most powerful solar panels on the market, reaching up to 395W. Only Canadian Solar exceeds this output, but it features lower efficiency.
Solar panels with power outputs above 300W are the best choice if you want to generate most or all your electricity from solar.
LG Solar Panel Warranty Period
Manufacturers should stand behind the quality of their products with solid warranties, whether you’re buying a car, TV or solar panel.
A solar panel’s product warranty, sometimes called a material or equipment warranty, guarantees that the manufacturer will replace the panel if it fails due to defects.
The more extended the warranty, the more confidence you should have in a solar panel.
LG offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty that protects you against any defects in its solar panels.
It guarantees that the workmanship and components are of the highest quality and that the panels will give you the highest performance throughout this period.
Pros of LG Solar Panels UK
LG Solar Panel Technology
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can either be monocrystalline or polycrystalline and usually involves the type of silicone used in the panels.
Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient, look sleeker and last longer.
Most manufacturers produce monocrystalline panels using typical, low-cost P-type silicone cells.
LG manufactures panels using monocrystalline N-type cells, which feature higher efficiency and much lower degradation over the panel’s life.
LG Panel Strength and Durability
LG panels are extremely strong, with double wall aluminium frames on all models.
LG panels are rated at the highest level of corrosion and ammonia resistance, and you can install them in coastal locations with high slat mist levels.
They also feature an impressive 5,400 Pa rating on the front side and 4,000 Pa on the back side for wind loading, two times the industry standard of 2400 Pa.
Static load tests show that LG panels can withstand up to 10,000 Pa loads without failure.
LG Solar Panel Quality and Performance
All solar panels reduce output over time because of low light-induced degradation (LID).
To combat this issue, LG uses high-grade N-type cells for expectational long-term performance.
LG also implements two electroluminescent (EL) flash tests during panel production before and after lamination to guarantee quality and ensure no cells with microcracks or defects get through.
LG guarantees a lower rate of degradation than competitors with improved overall performance and an 86-88% energy generation capacity remaining after 25 years.
Excellent Reputation
LG has been a consistent leader in solar panels with international recognition and various awards since it started manufacturing in 2009.
It was backed by a long history of researching photovoltaics and silicone crystalline cells, providing them with a solid foundation for producing solar panels.
LG solar panels are highly rated and popular among customers and installers, and only a few companies compete at their service, quality and reliability levels.
Cons of LG Solar Panels UK
More Expensive?
LG solar panels cost more than the competition because they’re premium products, and you’ll get what you pay for.
You can expect to pay around 30% more than other solar panels, but you get more value for your money.
LG solar panels guarantee excellent efficiency, high power output, a competitive warranty and aesthetically pleasing looks.
Buying solar panels is a long-term investment, and you need to consider the performance and degradation rates over the entire life of the panels.
Limitations of LG Solar Panels
Despite being a world leader in solar panels, LG closed its solar panel business in June 2022.
In the official LG statement, the company notes the decision came from uncertainties in the global solar panel business caused by factors like intense price competition and a rise in the cost of raw materials.
LG pointed out that it will continue to support customers of existing LG solar panels for a while after the closure and maintain an adequate inventory for service support.
LG Solar Panels Conclusion
LG solar panels have excellent ratings from customers and installers.
Despite the premium price, they’re praised for quality, durability, customer service and an industry-leading warranty.
Although LG has stopped production of solar panels, they’re still available in the UK, so it’s better to get them sooner rather than later before they run out.
You can also compare other solar panel options to find suitable alternatives for your home or business.