For years, LG solar panels were among the best in the industry, known for their cutting-edge technology and high efficiency. However, the intense competition in the solar market forced the South Korean electronics giant to make a tough decision: either lower the quality of their panels or exit the solar business altogether. LG chose the latter.
While LG no longer manufactures new solar panels, their remaining stock is still available for purchase. So, what made these panels stand out? Let’s explore in this in-depth LG solar panel review.
Key takeaways
- LG Electronics: A major South Korean multinational company founded in 1958, headquartered in Seoul, with a legacy of innovation across various industries.
- Exit from Solar Business: In 2022, LG officially stopped manufacturing solar panels but continues to offer support for existing customers.
- High Efficiency: LG solar panels reached efficiency levels of up to 22.3% thanks to advanced technologies like IBC and N-type cells.
- Longevity: These panels maintained over 92% of their original power output even after 25 years, outperforming many competitors.
- Premium Pricing: LG solar panels were among the most expensive in the market, reflecting their superior quality and technology.
- Strong Warranty: LG offered a 25-year warranty covering labor, product quality, and performance, provided installation was done by a certified contractor.
A look at LG Electronics
LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. With over 250,000 employees worldwide, LG is renowned for its high-quality home appliances, televisions, and smartphones.
The company ventured into solar energy research and development in 1985, producing its first solar panel in 2008. By 2013, LG had won multiple Intersolar Awards for technological innovation. However, in 2021, rumors about LG’s potential exit from the solar market began circulating, and by February 2022, the company officially announced its departure from the solar panel business.
Why did LG exit the solar market?
LG’s decision to stop producing solar panels was driven by several factors:
- Intense Competition: Larger and more established manufacturers, especially those from China, dominated the market with lower-cost alternatives.
- Falling Prices: The overall decline in solar panel prices made it difficult for LG to maintain its premium pricing while competing effectively.
- Focus on Energy Storage: Instead of manufacturing solar panels, LG shifted its efforts towards developing energy storage solutions.
Despite exiting the market, LG reassured existing customers that they would continue to provide technical support and warranty services.
What made LG solar panels special?
LG solar panels stood out due to their advanced design and high efficiency. The company consistently pushed the boundaries of solar technology with innovations such as:
Interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells
Most solar cells contain 5-6 metal busbars that conduct electricity, but these can slightly shade the cell, reducing efficiency. IBC cells, featured in LG’s NeoN R panels, placed conductors on the back of the cell instead, eliminating shading and improving performance.
N-Type solar cells
Traditional P-type solar cells, made by doping silicon with boron, are cheaper but degrade faster. LG’s panels used N-type cells, which are doped with phosphorus. These cells:
- Have higher efficiency
- Experience lower power loss in the first year
- Perform better in high temperatures (temperature coefficient as low as -0.26%/°C)
These innovations helped LG panels achieve efficiency levels of up to 22.3%—one of the highest in the industry.
Specifications and pricing
LG solar panels consistently ranked among the most efficient in the market. For example:
- Neon R (2022): 22.3% efficiency—second only to SunPower’s Maxeon 3.
- General Efficiency Range: 20% to 22.3%, surpassing most competitors.
All LG panels were manufactured in company-owned facilities in Gumi, South Korea, and Huntsville, Alabama, ensuring strict quality control.
Pricing
- Cost Per Watt: $1.30 to $2.00 (before installation)
- Total System Cost: Higher than average due to premium materials and technology
While LG’s commitment to quality made its panels highly durable, the higher price tag meant they were primarily chosen by those seeking top-tier solar solutions.
Warranty and longevity
LG provided one of the best warranties in the industry, covering:
- Product and performance: 25 years
- Labor costs: 25 years (when installed by an LG-certified professional)
After 25 years, LG panels retained over 90% of their original output, ensuring long-term value. This degradation rate was comparable to leading brands like Panasonic and REC.
Pros and cons of LG solar panels
Pros
High efficiency: LG panels converted more sunlight into electricity than most competitors.
Superior quality: Manufactured in South Korea and the U.S., they were built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Strong warranty: 25-year comprehensive coverage for performance, labor, and materials.
Innovative design: Features like IBC and N-type cells enhanced durability and efficiency.
Variety of options: LG offered panels for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Cons
Expensive: Premium quality came at a high cost.
Limited availability: With LG exiting the market, these panels are becoming harder to find.
Notable LG solar panel models
Even though LG is no longer producing new panels, some of their best models remain available:
LG NeON 2 – Bestseller
- 60 N-type monocrystalline cells
- Efficiency: 21.2%
- Power output: 385W
- Variants: Bifacial and all-black versions
LG NeON R ACe – Top performer
- Features IBC cell technology
- Built-in microinverter for easy installation
- Efficiency: 21.9%
- Power output: 370W (residential use)
LG NeON H series – Commercial use
- Designed for small commercial installations
- Half-cut N-type cells for better shading tolerance
- Power output: 450W
- Efficiency: 20.5%
Final thoughts: Saying goodbye to LG solar panels
As we wrap up this LG solar panel review, here’s what we’ve learned:
- LG exited the solar panel market in 2022 but continues to support existing customers.
- LG panels were among the most efficient and long-lasting in the industry, with efficiency levels reaching 22.3%.
- Manufactured in Korea and the U.S., LG panels were renowned for their quality and durability.
- Despite their high price, they offered one of the best warranty packages available.
- With LG out of the game, remaining stock is limited—if you’re considering an LG panel, now is the time to buy.
The solar industry is constantly evolving, and while LG has stepped away for now, the future is always uncertain. Who knows? Maybe one day, LG will return to the solar market. Until then, it’s farewell to one of the industry’s best solar panel manufacturers.
Looking for LG panels? Check availability before they’re gone!