LG… Life's Good right? It's a huge brand. But are LG solar panels any good? You might think, they make pretty good TV's washing machines, dishwashers and loads of other electronic stuff… So their panels must be good too, right? Not necessarily. Here's a run-down on how LG solar panels compare in today's market, what they have to offer and where (if anywhere) they are lacking.
An LG solar and wind mobile phone charging station.
LG are a large Korean company with a zillion different technology products. If you want a long-winded version of the history of LG solar, go here. Basically though, they've been a player in solar panels since 2010, and they have some pretty shiny panels to offer, if you can afford them.
EDIT BY REQUEST FROM LG (27/5/15): LG has been researching solar since 1985 and have been bringing out limited PV products like PV solar lights for remote locations in Korea since the mid 1990's.
In my mind, it seems logical to have a separate website for the solar branch of their company but do they really need 3? No they don't and yes it is confusing.
This is a shot of an LG solar panel getting a pressure test.
The range is not vast, but the quality is impressive. They don't really offer much additionally in terms of solar panel quality, but they do have a pretty good hold on efficiency. LG have now moved to the NeON2 panel range. This is mainly to provide an even higher quality module that lasts longer.
LG also do impact tests on their panels (like every other panel maker in the world).
LG Electronics Deutschland GmbH, from Ratingen, have developed a particulary high-performing solar module, the Mono X NeoN, which boasts both improved efficiency and lower costs. This is made possible by using n-type (bifacial) solar cells, which use the solar insolation from two sides, passivation and improved light coupling. The modules are produced using 10 to 20 percent less material.
Furthermore, at 16.8 kg the solar modules are especially light-weight. They are highly resistant against environmental effects, too. The jury was impressed with the solar module's combination of technologies used, the sustainable use of resources and the economic viability.
Does this mean it's a great panel? Yeah, it's a great panel. Should you buy it because of this? Not necessarily – it's all about weighing up costs, value, aesthetics and longevity. And it all depends on what you consider valuable in a solar panel. A good solar panel should deliver excellent results, with an excellent warranty at a low price right? So which of these does LG have to offer?
EDIT REQUESTED BY LG (27/5/15): This is complete blubber – Photon chooses the panels. We have offered the panels to them, but have not been taken up – simple as that.
What about Photon test results? Well, here's the thing see: There are none. I guess LG haven't wanted to put panels into the Photon module yield test in case their performance was just the same as the rest.
So are LG solar panels any good? Well of course they are. An enormous company like LG is probably not going anywhere. They make pretty decent quality stuff most of the time and their solar panels benefited from the enormous amount of resources the company has to pour into them. But, they could be better. I mean, for one thing the price is a little bit high compared to other panels on the market. If you compare an LG quote to many other solar quotes you get with other reputable solar panel brands, you'll likely see a big price difference.
EDIT REQUESTED BY LG (27/5/15): Our [LG] panels go for 5kW with SMA inverters for around $7,500 – Trina Honey is for around $6,500 or $6,800 for similar.
So at the best (according to LG) you're paying an extra $700 for their panels over Trina. The question you should ask yourself is whether it's worth the extra investment.
Admittedly, LG have got a fantastic product and if you want the best of the best then LG are a great choice. The new NeON2 technology upgrade means they are also now offering a legitimate 12 year warranty, which is more than most!
LG were kind enough to share some monitoring data with BSPQ which showed how well LG panels were performing against most major competitors and the results were promising! Even if LG aren't listed in Photon, this convinced us that they are a serious contender in terms of performance. LG are also one of the market leaders in terms of R & D. LGchem storage systems look very similar to the Tesla Powerwall and it's fantastic to see innovators in the market contributing to the role solar plays in our energy mix!
I had a rather optimistic salesman around the other day. His position on LG Solar panels was that they are the best 'because they are LG' and their warranties and products are the best in the business. – There were no other solar panel to match.
Funny that the JB-HI TV Expert also told me the same thing in 2009! Less than 2 years later I had vertical lines appear all over the screen. Did LG live up to the claim of 'best warranties and product in the industry' – nope.
I've caught on to LG as a brand a long time ago. Great at Marketing, unfortunately not much else.
We are an LG Dealer/Installer, and have sold *many* brands of the past 15 years we have been in business.
1. The safest warranty in Australia. There is no other panel in Australia, warranted by as large an Australian organisation as LG Australia!
2. The alternatives are by comparison 'shaky' in the long term: any Chinese manufacturer could be absorbed by another Chinese company at any time, due to the strange economic support of solar in China.
3. LG has the best *consistent* fit and finish of any panel we have ever seen! To us, it means that if they take that much care with appearance, they are most likely taking care with all the other aspects of the panel.
4. LG similarly has one of the best consistent electrical parameters – it means that your panels 'all match each other' to not degrade output on a string inverter.
The list goes on – we are in business for the long term, and want to minimise our risk against mass warranty failures – all the above is why we choose and recommend LG.
[LG260S1C-A3] PV's here in Auckland. I can't seem to find much about them that talks about any issues. Other options are Canadian Solar, Winaico and a host of other Chinese made stuff. Winaico isn't even sold in Auckland, so there are issues around shipping etc. How do you guys rate these panels? I'm looking to fit 20 to my carport with micro inverters. Thanks very much for any comments.
LG are a fantastic panel. They are very high quality, similar to WINAICO. I wouldn't rate Canadian Solar in the same league as these 2. Although there are quite a few cheaper panels which are also excellent quality. It just depends what's available at your location I guess. Either way, LG and WINAICO are some of the highest quality you can get.
BSPQ – thanks very much for your thoughts. I think I best grab these while they are available and I will post some photos and progress on my project as it unfolds.
like will actually have a warranty worth worrying about – the rest of the warranty cards are just useless paper.
Just purchased LG Mono 2 285w x 20 + Bosch 5kw inverter for $6,500 fully installed, SMA 5000 would have been $450 more expensive. For what LG offers (12 years warranty, 83% after 25 years performance AND reduced coeficiency – i'm quite happy). Brisbane – Dec 2015. Note some friendly sales companies offered LG+SMA configuration for $9,300. Seriously.
Where did you get that configuration for that money mate! I've been quoted above 7000 for the same..!
I am very interested as well. I got quoted much more than Jack.
Told it's not the string type – they are LG panels Black with black frames ( better looking) for a single storey house. been charged travelling costs for the panels Approx $500, from Sydney to Maitland. NSW – Total Cost $11,060.00 .
? is that too much.
Highly ineffective panels where there is snow fall.
If any cell in a row on the panel is covered that row does not produce electricity.
This means they are useless in winter. This was on the 400 watt panels.