LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels review. LG bifacial solar panels * KYOKUSHO.COM

Report: LG NeON H.

The N-Type monocrystalline solar module by LG to replace the decorated NeON 2 is the new generation LG NeON H. Embracing modern half-cell technology, the LG NeON H is marketed as a premium module for the investor serious about high-yields, and above-average performance from a household brand you can trust. The numbers behind LG’s most popular solar module are particularly interesting and worth considering towards an educated purchasing decision.

NeON H (120 half-cell); 370 / 375 / 380 / 385 / 390 W.

NeON H Black (120 half-cell); 370 / 375 / 380 W.

NeON H BiFacial (120 half-cell); 360 / 365 W.

NeON H (144 half-cell); 440W / 445W / 450W.

NeON H BiFacial (144 half-cell); 430 / 435 / 440 W.

The LG NeON H possesses Elite characteristics that exceed face value appeal while supporting a similar style to modern half-cell solar modules. Not to be discounted, this is an ultra-robust N-Type solar module built ready for installation in some of the world’s harshest environments. Dependable energy yields await the blue-chip investor.

The following detailed product analysis for the LG NeON H should be used as a guide only. Individual circumstances and compatibilities must always be taken into account when selecting the ideal solar module. This content comprises the Solar Analytica Module Assessment Criteria based on available product specifications at compilation (refer to post date). Solar Analytica product report cards are free from advertising for uninterrupted research purposes.

Video; LG NeON H Solar module preview.

Design: 80/100

H; 120 or 144 half-cell. H Black; 120 half-cell. H Bifacial; 120 144 half-cell.

H H Black; PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell). H Bifacial; Bifacial (Module power increases 5-25% generally (per different reflective condition).

Anti-Reflective, Tempered Glass superstrate WITH manufacturer nominated Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate.

Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.

DURABILITY: 81/100

Test load – 5400 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load.

Test load – 4000 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load.

(IEC TS 62804) PID determined by MQT 13, MQT 15 MQT 01 of IEC 61215-2 Clause 5.5 Voltage stress test (reference documents).

Image; LG NeON H bifacial solar module.

Efficiency: 80/100

LG NeON H data sheet section; Electrical properties, Module Efficiency (reference documents).
LG NeON H data sheet section; Electrical properties, Power Tolerance (reference documents).

Calculated, input source; LG NeON H data sheet; Module Power STC, NOCT, Temp Coefficient, Dimensions (LxW) (internal post).

Module efficiency; 20.79%, Temperature coefficient;.0.33% o C, Power tolerance; 0~3%, NOCT Power density; 157 W/m 2.

Module efficiency; 22.8%, Temperature coefficient;.0.33% o C, Power tolerance; 0~3%, NOCT Power density; 172W/m 2.

Module efficiency; 24.75%, Temperature coefficient;.0.33% o C, Power tolerance; 0~3%, NOCT Power density; 187 W/m 2.

Image; Illustration of the LG NeON H bifacial cell capturing reflective light (Albedo effect) from the cells rear.

PERFORMANCE: 88/100

IMPORTANT: The LG NeON H performance guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for LG Solar Module Limited Warranty document (global region-specific) or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the performance guarantee.

1.5% Power Output degradation for the first year. (PV Modules will be at least 98.5% of the Minimum Peak Power rating for the first year).

0.33% p.a (Power Output will decline by no more than 0.3% per year for the following 24 years after the initial 1st year).

Guarantee: 90/100

IMPORTANT: The LG NeON H product guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for LG Solar Module Limited Warranty document (global region-specific) or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the performance guarantee.

Image; Distinctive half-cell design defines the LG NeON H solar module.

LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels review

All you need to know about the technical information, costs and competitor comparisons in this LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels review.

The LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels offer one of the highest power outputs on the market. (Image Credit: LG)

LG is not a new face in the field of solar panels. In fact, the company has been developing solar technology since 1985 under the name GoldStar. In 1988, the company began the development of its solar cell manufacturing technology and officially rebranded to LG Electronics in the early 1990s.

LG began mass producing solar cells in the early 2000s by integrating various solar research institutes, and built its first solar panel in 2004. LG Electronics merged with LG Chemical First’s Solar Cell Research Team in 2008. Following the merger, LG invested in a 14-megawatt solar plant in South Korea to increase production.

The solar panels produced by LG are internationally acclaimed, and the company has won the prestigious Intersolar AWARD on three separate occasions. From 2016 to 2021, LG received the EUPD Research Award for Outstanding Brand PV every year.

However, LG has announced that it will halt solar panel production in June 2022 to FOCUS on other areas. This isn’t completely surprising, given the level of price competition and innovation in the market by new and existing companies. As part of its announcement, LG stated that the remaining balance stock of solar panels would be available for sale, apart from a specific portion which will be used to handle potential future warranty claims.

Key features

Pros and cons

Pros:

Great power output: With a high power output range of 430W to 440W, homeowners can install fewer solar panels to meet their energy demands.
High long-term performance: The solar panels can provide 96.4% power output in year 25, notably higher than the other best solar panel brands, such as SunPower, which offers 92% output in year 25.
Lengthy warranty period: The 25-year product, performance, and labour warranty make these solar panels an ideal choice for consumers that require performance and dependability.
Trusted brand: LG is a trusted and globally recognised brand with a global customer service network.

Cons:

Expensive: At a cost of £350 per panel, the LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels are one of the most expensive models in the UK.
LG solar panels no longer manufactured: As of June 2022, LG announced it would halt production of its solar panels and only offer stocked panels to handle warranty claims. This creates a level of uncertainty about the ongoing availability of the solar panels and, even more so, the customer service provision.
Efficiency: The maximum efficiency rating is 19.8%, which is not as high as brands like SunPower and Project Solar.

How do the LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels work?

The construction of the LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity than conventional solar panels. (Image credit: LG)

The LG NeON H BiFacial solar panel is made from 144 monocrystalline n-type NeON cells in a 6×24 configuration. These are sandwiched between a 2.8mm highly transmitted anti-reflective tempered glass sheet and a transparent backsheet. The panel is held together by a frame of anodised aluminium.

The solar panels employ highly efficient bifacial solar cells with “NeON” Cello technology. The bifacial cells are designed to absorb sunlight from the front and rear sides of the panel. The use of a transparent backsheet further improves the absorption of sunlight. Because of this Cello technology, the NeON H BiFacial solar panel can produce up to 30% more energy than a regular PV panel and even performs well on cloudy days.

The solar cells are made from high-purity n-type monocrystalline silicon cells that use phosphorus rather than boron. This helps prevent boron-oxygen reaction issues from forming, which reduce the solar panels’ efficiency by light-induced degradation (LID). According to LG, the NeON H BiFacial solar panel has near zero LID.

Another impressive feature of the NeON H BiFacial solar panel is the higher number of busbars, which reduces the internal power losses brought on by resistance. Because of its high module efficiency, a lower total number of solar panels is needed for your home, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient solar power system.

How much do LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels cost?

The LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels rank as one of the most expensive in the UK. However, the incredibly low performance degradation of 96% power output in year 25 and the high power output of 440W still make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. We compared the cost of the LG NeON H BiFacial solar panel with two other leading brands to provide you with a clear picture of the price ranges.

Solar panelPower rangeCost per panel

How does the LG NeON H BiFacial compare to other solar panels?

LG is known for manufacturing high-end solar panels and its NeON series is a testament to this. We compared the NeON H BiFacial solar panels with three of the other best solar panels available in the UK to give you a clearer idea of their quality and performance.

The table below shows that the LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels outperform the competition in terms of maximum power output (440W) and performance degradation (96.4% power output in year 25). The solar panels also come with a 25-year performance and product warranty, similar to brands like REC. Although the solar panels offer the lowest efficiency of the four, an efficiency rating of around 20% is considered good by industry standards, as most conventional solar panels only provide 15%–18% efficiency.

Solar panelMaximum power outputProduct warrantyPerformance warrantyPerformance degradation (% power output at year 25)Maximum efficiency

How to maintain LG NeON H Bifacial solar panels

LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels should be installed and maintained by trained professionals. (Image credit: LG)

The LG NeON H Bifacial solar panels require minimal maintenance and cleaning – this is actually discouraged, since poor maintenance may void the warranty. If you observe significant soiling, you can use a standard garden hose to spray the panels – just ensure you don’t use soap or cleaning chemicals. Before cleaning your solar panels, seek advice from LG or your installer, as this might save you from damaging them and voiding the warranty.

What the experts say

“LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels come at a premium price, but you really do get what you pay for. While it’s around 30% more expensive than standard modules, long-term performance is unparalleled.”

“The N-Type monocrystalline solar module by LG to replace the decorated NeON 2 is the new generation LG NeON H. Embracing modern half-cell technology, the LG NeON H is marketed as a premium module for the investor serious about high-yields, and above-average performance from a household brand you can trust. The numbers behind LG’s most popular solar module are particularly interesting and worth considering towards an educated purchasing decision.”

“With a long history in solar panel manufacturing, LG is considered an industry leader and has proven to produce some of the best performing and highest quality solar panels in the world. As opposed to most other manufacturers, LG uses higher-cost, premium N-type silicon cells on the popular NeON R, NeON 2 and the new NeON H panels which boost efficiency and increase lifespan by significantly reducing LID or light-induced degradation.”

What customers say

LG has done remarkably well with customers, with a 4.8/5 rating on Solar Quotes and a 4.79/5 rating on Solar Reviews. We have provided a few quotes from customers below.

“Early days however we are very impressed by how much energy collection the panels are achieving even on overcast days”

“Works so far. After 1 year the system was rated for 4KVA but never gets over 3 even on a full sun (no clouds) summer day, gets to 2.5 on most sunny \ partial cloudy and under 1 on cloudy \ rainy days”

“These are the best. Second highest average temperature rating and best value for my buck with parts and labor warranty 25 years.”

Our recommendation

The LG NeON H Bifacial solar panels are an excellent choice if you want to maximise the power you can generate from your roof area. The low-performance degradation also makes these solar panels attractive, since you still get a remarkable 96.4% power output in year 25.

However, the recent announcement from LG halting production of its solar panels does raise some concern about their future availability and whether the customer service will be as good as it used to be.

Methodology

Below are the factors and their weightings we considered when preparing this LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels review. Bear in mind these factors when selecting your system to ensure you choose the best solar panels for your home.

Cost: 20%
Power output: 15%
Product warranty: 15%
Performance degradation: 15%
Efficiency: 15%
Customer and expert reviews: 10%
Style: 5%
Customer care services: 5%

LG NeoN2 BiFacial 400-405Wp

The solar panel LG NeON2 BiFacial is based on the well-known high-performance module LG NeON® 2. The LG NeON2 BiFacial high efficiency photovoltaic module is designed to use both panel surfaces to absorb more light and generate more power.

Through the use of bi-facial cells and a transparent back sheet, the power of the LG NeON® 2 solar modules with CELLO technology can now be fully exploited. Thanks to the additional yield from the back side of the module (“bifacial bonus”) the overall performance of the LG NeON® 2 BiFacial module increases under optimal conditions.

How the BiFacial cells work (watch video for more info)

Traditional, single-sided active cells and modules can absorb incident light only on the front side and convert it to electricity. The BiFacial, however, has double-sided active cells and a translucent foil on the back. This enables to use both the light falling on the front side and on the back side, and increase energy yield under optimal conditions by up to 30% compared to a monofacial module of equal nominal power.

Optimal performance on sunny and even cloudy days

Thanks to the optimization of the temperature coefficients the module ensures a better performance in the sun, and also during the cloudy days guarantees excellent performance.

Almost Zero LID (Light Induced Degradation)

The N-type cells used in LG NeON ® 2 BiFacial have almost no boron, which often causes the initial efficiency drop, of conventional modules.

BOS (Balance Of System) Saving

LG NeON® 2 BiFacial can reduce the total number of strings due to its high module efficiency resulting in a more cost effective and efficient solar power system.

Extended Product Warranty

Annual degradation after 1st year 0.35% / year. For this reason LG guarantees a minimum power of 95.4% after 25 years.

LG NeoN2 BiFacial 335 N1T-V5 335Wp

LG NeoN2 BiFacial 400 N2T-J5 405Wp LG NeoN2 BiFacial 405 N2T-J5 405Wp

LG solar panels review 2023: Life was good

LG solar panels were among the best for many years. But the fierce competition on the market forced the South-Korean company to choose: either to downgrade the quality or abandon PV modules production completely. LG chose the latter. We won’t see new LG panels maybe ever, but the remnants are still up for sale. Let’s see what was so special about them in our LG solar panels review.

A few words about LG company

LG is a South Korean multinational electronics company that manufactures a wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances. It was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Seoul. The corporation has over 250,000 employees all over the world.

The company began research and development efforts in the area of solar power in 1985. The engineering team made the first LG solar panel in 2008 and since then the mass production of PV modules began. The company won the Intersolar Award in 2013, 2015 and 2016 for its technological innovations. That was until 2021 when the first news about LG leaving the market appeared.

The time of sunset for LG solar production

LG Electronics officially announced in February 2022 that it would stop producing and selling solar panels in order to FOCUS on other business areas. The company stated that it would continue to provide technical support and service to existing customers, but would no longer be developing new solar products or taking on new projects.

The decision to exit the solar panel business reportedly came after LG’s solar division struggled to compete with larger and more established players in the industry, such as Chinese manufacturers. LG also faced increasing pressure from falling for solar panels and the shift towards more efficient and lower-cost technologies. The company will continue to develop its energy storage systems.

What made LG panels so special — and expensive

LG engineers strived to make their panels as modern and high-tech as possible. An example of their efforts would be an IBC cell which they used in their NeoN R panels.A standard cell has 5-6 large ribbon busbars which are thin metal strips that conduct the electricity. The problem with standard busbars is that they shade the cell slightly. Interdigitated back contact cells have a grid of 30 or more conductors on their backside instead, and they don’t get in the way of solar production at all.

Another innovation that the LG team experimented with was N-type cells. A silicon wafer is treated with chemicals so it produces current. A P-type cell is “doped” with boron and an N-type solar cell uses phosphorus. P-type solar cells are dominant on the market because they are cheaper, but N-type cells are more efficient and lose less power in the first year of operation.

Modern design made Korean modules efficient and long-lasting. Unfortunately, they have also driven LG solar panels up by a lot.

LG solar panels: Specifications and pricing

Since LG used the most modern technologies that were available, Korean panels were active competitors for top efficiency numbers on the market. Neon R, for instance, was the second most efficient panel in 2022 reaching 22.3% conversion rate. Overall LG products show the best efficiency numbers on market which vary from 20 to 22.3%.

The quality of LG solar panels has always been high. One of the reasons for it is that LG never outsourced its production. All of their panels were made in their own in-house manufacturing facilities in Gumi, South Korea, and Huntsville, Alabama.

for labor, product and performance

LG provides a 25-year warranty on all of their solar panels, covering performance, labor and materials defects. The panels must be installed by an LG-certified installer though. After 25 years, LG panels are guaranteed over 90% of initial performance. This is one of the lowest degradation rates in the industry on par with REC and Panasonic.

The cost of LG solar panels can range from 1.3 to 2 per watt before installation. Unfortunately, the sophisticated design of solar panels and the brave decision to never outsource the production put LG panels among the most expensive ones on the market.

LG panels: Pros

We’ve looked at the specifications of LG modules closely. Now let’s list down their strong and weak sides separately. Let’s start with the strong ones:

High efficiency. LG solar panels can convert more sunlight into electricity than PV modules of most brands. NeoN R reaches 22.3% efficiency — in 2022 only Sunpower’s Maxeon 3 could do better. Quality. Solar panels are manufactured in the US and Korea and customers always highlight how well they are made. The panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy snow loads, making them suitable for a variety of climates. Warranty. LG offers a 25-year warranty package on its solar panels that cover the product, power output, and labor. The solar panels must be installed and maintained by a certified professional though, which may limit the choice of installers and increase the cost of installation. Variety of options. LG offers a range of solar panel options that are suitable for different types of applications, such as residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power systems.

LG panels: Cons

Amazing quality and impeccable performance come at a cost. Here are the drawbacks of LG panels:

Cost. LG solar panels are among the most expensive PV modules on the market. Limited availability. LG has left the market — there won’t be any new panels, at least for now.

LG solar panels overview: for home and business

Now that we’ve looked at the advantages and disadvantages of LG products, it’s time to discuss the actual panels. As usual, our engineer will take a look at the panels and say what he thinks.

LG NeON 2 — Solar bestseller

This is LG’s flagship solar panel and is known for its high production and durability. It has 60 N-type monocrystalline cells which lose less output in their year in operation and show higher efficiency numbers. A 385 Watt model shows a 21.2% conversion rate. NeON 2 had many variants over the years, including bifacial and all-black panels.

LG NeON R ACe — Top performer

The NeON R was an improvement over the NeON 2 classic. LG engineers added IBC cells which improve the production of a panel. All-black LG 370W solar panels are designed for residential use and are known for their sleek and modern design. These are AC panels: each module has a built-in microinverter, which allows for easy installation and better production.

LG NeON H series — Packs a punch

H series from LG are mostly panels for small commercial installations. All panels in this series provide over 400 watt output and feature a half-cut cell design for better shading tolerance. For example, a 450 watt PV module shows 20.5% efficiency. It has 144 half-cut N-type cells and retains over 90% of its output after 25 years.

A1SolarStore recommends LG NeON R 435W A6 Series

This is an AC variation of the Neon R LG 435 solar panel. AC panels are easier to set up and a micro inverter as a built-in part of each module provides better efficiency and shading protection. The downside of AC modules is the higher cost. It’s also harder to repair them if anything goes wrong.

The model from LG has 21.9% efficiency — well above the market’s average. The panel is resistant to PID, salt, acid, and ammonia, and it can withstand up to 5400 Pa mechanical load on the front and 4000 Pa on the back.

A1SolarStore verdict: Sad to see them go

Our LG solar panels review 2023 is nearing the end. Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about the brand and its product.

LG announced in 2022 that it would stop producing and selling solar panels in order to FOCUS on other business areas. The company will continue to provide technical support and service to existing customers who have installed LG’s solar panels. IBC cells and allow LG panels to reach top efficiency numbers — up to 22.3%. N-type cells make their modules last longer.The panels were made in Korea and the US. The quality of LG modules has always been high. LG solar panels are among the most expensive on the market. Panels come with 25-year warranties for labor, product and performance. The system has to be installed by a certified contractor. The panels retain over 92% of their power output after 25 years in service.

The fact that LG solar panels will soon no longer be with us is sad — they were a special one-of-a-kind product. Always high quality, always great production levels. At least they still make batteries and they make them well.

The solar market is still young and it always changes. Who knows — maybe LG will decide to come back after a few years. But as of now, we say goodbye. Are there any LG panels left for sale by the time you’re reading this review? Come and see for yourself.

Compare LG to other popular brands:

Andrey had been a news editor and freelance writer for a number of medias before joining A1SolarStore team. Climate change and its impact on people’s lives has always been among his interests and it partially explains his degree in Philosophy and Ethics.

Sources:

https://solaranalytica.com/LG-neon-h-report/
https://housemethod.com/en-gb/solar/LG-neon-h-bifacial-solar-panels-review/
https://www.dc-gap.com/product/LG-neon2-bifacial-solar-panel/
https://a1solarstore.com/blog/LG-solar-panels-review-2023-life-was-good.html