LG solar panels: The complete review

LG is well known for its high-quality electronics; its solar products are no different. LG's residential product line focuses on the NeON series of panels: the NeON 2 and NeON R variations. The LG NeON R ACe series is especially noteworthy as a high-powered smart module with an integrated microinverter.

We'll break down all of the details about LG solar panels to help you understand if they're right for you.

Note: We are no longer updating this review because, as of June 2022, LG has stopped selling solar panels. However, some solar installers may still include the remaining inventory in quotes. Learn more about why LG exited the solar industry.

There are four key metrics that you should consider when you evaluate solar panel quality: efficiency, performance, warranties, and price. EnergySage has developed LG reviews for each metric to help you decide. We've also created a comparison of LG solar panels against other leading panel manufacturers frequently offered to homeowners and businesses shopping for solar on the EnergySage Marketplace.

Efficiency

"Solar panel efficiency" refers to how well a solar panel captures sunshine and converts it into useful electricity. A high-efficiency solar panel can produce more electricity than a lower-efficiency panel of the same size in the same conditions. For this reason, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferable.

The efficiency of your LG solar panels will vary depending on the specific model that you choose for your home. On the lower end, LG panels have approximately 18.4% efficiency, while premium LG solar PV products can operate with as much as 22.1% efficiency. This range is ideal for many home solar systems – very high-efficiency solar panels like SunPower typically come with a premium price tag and aren't necessary unless your system size is constrained by the amount of space on your roof.

Performance of LG solar panels (temperature coefficient)

For this portion of EnergySage's LG panel reviews, we used the temperature coefficient to evaluate solar panel performance. The temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panel will perform in less-than-ideal conditions. Like other electronics, solar panels operate at their best when kept cool (ideally around 25° C/77° F). The temperature coefficient shows how your panel's performance will change during hot sunny summer days.

For every degree above 25° C (77° F), your solar panel's electricity production will decrease by its temperature coefficient. For example, LG's LG370A1C-V5 panel, from its NeON R ACe product line, has a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/° C. This means that if the panel's temperature increases by one degree from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), its electricity production will be reduced by -0.3%. If its temperature increases to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will decrease by 3.0%.

The temperature coefficient is an important metric because your solar panels will likely see more than a few hot and sunny days each year. Ideally, the temperature coefficient should be as close to zero as possible – a panel that has a temperature coefficient of -0.4%/° C is preferable to one rated at -0.5%/° C. LG's solar panels offer above-average temperature coefficient ratings, ranging from -0.40 to -0.29%/° C.

Warranties

Whether you're buying a TV, a car, or solar panels, the manufacturer should stand behind their product with a strong warranty. A solar panel's materials warranty (sometimes called the product or equipment warranty) guarantees that the manufacturer will replace your panel in case of an equipment failure due to manufacturing defects or environmental issues.

LG offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty against any defects in its solar panels.

Check out our in-depth review of LG Solar's warranty.

LG has an extensive offering across different categories. Here are some of their stand-out models. All models listed have a 25-year panel and inverter warranty.

• 345W NeON 2 Black Solar Panel: LG's best-selling model has an extremely high 20% efficiency. LG Neon2 uses bifacial solar technology to achieve higher efficiencies.

• 375W High-Efficiency LG NeON R: This option is designed for a high power output of DC 375W and AC 320W with 21.7% efficiency.

• 400W High-Efficiency LG NeON2 BiFacial Solar Panel: This model can absorb 30% more light compared to other options.

You can't decide on the right solar equipment for your home without considering the cost. The total price for a solar energy system with LG panels will vary depending on the other equipment (such as inverters and mounts) used in the installation. We reviewed quotes from installers on the EnergySage Marketplace that featured LG solar panels to identify the range of prices you can expect to pay for your system. Overall, we found that LG systems are typically priced between $2.46 and $3.38 per watt.

This means your gross cost for a 6 kW system will be anywhere from $14,760 to $20,280. Most homeowners, however, will pay much less than the total gross cost. Plenty of solar incentives and rebates help you reduce upfront costs, including the 30% federal tax credit for solar.

LG solar panels are some of the most popular products on the EnergySage Marketplace, and for good reason. The NeON 2 and NeONN R series are two of the most popular panel product lines on the market. They offer above-average efficiency, performance, and warranties for a reasonable price.

If you're shopping for solar for your home or business, reading EnergySage's LG solar panels review is a great place to start. LG has a 5-star manufacturer rating on the EnergySage buyers guide. Customers often mention the higher price of LG products but praise their customer service, quality, and industry-leading warranty. The best way to determine whether LG solar panels are the best for your home is to get multiple quotes with different solar equipment options before deciding.

When you compare your options on the EnergySage Marketplace, you'll find the right combination of price and quality that meets your needs. Many of our qualified, vetted solar installers offer LG solar panels in their quotes to EnergySage users. When registering, note in your profile that you're interested in receiving quotes that include LG solar panels for your home.