One of the hot topics in the solar industry contemplates the argument over LG vs Panasonic solar panels. Both Panasonic and LG Solar are excellent companies that set the bar high as to high-quality solar panels. In fact, these companies are known for offering premium solar panels.
Although both Panasonic and LG sell modules of incredible quality, we’ll explore the differences between LG vs Panasonic solar panels and try to see which one makes the best choice based on several factors. To do this review and comparison, we’ll choose one of the best models of each company: the Panasonic VBHN 330 SA17 and the LG NeON2 LG330N1C-A5. We’ll also present a short LG solar panels review, and a Panasonic solar panels review so you can have a comprehensive overview of both.
(Thinking about leasing your solar panels rather than purchasing? We’ve got you covered: Leasing Solar Panels: What are the pros and cons?)
Want to know which one is the winner? Keep on reading!
Table of Contents
About Panasonic Solar Panels
Let’s start first by learning a bit about each company. First let’s dive into Panasonic understanding their background, the type of panels they make, and their average cost.
Background of Panasonic
Panasonic is one of the world’s largest manufacturing leaders in the electronics industry, semiconductors, and household appliances from Japan. Besides their high prestige in electronics, the Japanese company has been pioneering solar technology for over 45 years, first under the brand SANYO and since 2012 under the brand Panasonic. The company has invested time and money in developing high-quality solar panels backed by innovation, experience, and rigorous testing.
What types of panels does Panasonic make?
Panasonic’s most popular solar panels are the ones from the HIT series, which the company has been manufacturing for over 17 years. HIT panels are designed with a unique cell structure that incorporates both crystalline and amorphous technology into the cell to retain more power that is lost through conventional crystalline cells. These durable panels specifically maximize efficiency for the entirety of the panels’ lifetime. The panels also have a high-strength frame that incorporates a unique water-draining system to help eliminate water stains or pooling on the panel which can attract dirt and dust, greatly reducing the efficiency of the panels.
The average cost of Panasonic solar panels
The average Panasonic solar panels price for residential installations is between $2.40 and $3.02 per watt. Given a 6 kW system, the gross cost for homeowners (without any tax credits or other incentives) would range from $14,400 to $18,120.
About LG Solar Panels
Now, a little information about LG covering the basics of the company as well as learning about the kind of panels they make and their average cost.
Background of LG
Another giant in the electronics industry, LG Electronics started manufacturing home appliances in 1950. In 1985, LG began research and development efforts in the area of solar power. After twenty-three years of its initial solar research efforts, LG Electronics created its first solar panel. Today, the South Korean company has a trajectory of 30 years manufacturing solar photovoltaics and is a favorite among homeowners.
What types of panels does LG make?
LG is known for producing ultra-high-performance solar panels that offer above-average efficiency, performance, and warranties for a reasonable price. Their most popular panels are the NeOn 2 module series, including LG330N1C-A5d, LG315N1C-G4, and LG350Q1C-A5. LG’s solar panels come with Cello technology, which increases their power output and reliability, making them one of the most powerful and versatile modules in the market. The company’s panels also boast a sleek and sophisticated design that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for any rooftop.
The average cost of LG solar panels
On average, LG solar panels prices are between $2.37 and $3.13 per watt. If homeowners install a typical 6 kW system, the gross cost would range from $14,220 to $18,780.
LG vs Panasonic Solar Panels Comparison
Like we said at the beginning, to carry out this LG vs Panasonic Solar Panel comparison, we’ll focus on two models, the VBHN 330 SA17 vs. NeON2 LG330N1C-A5.
Panasonic VBHN 330 SA17
The Panasonic VBHN 330 SA17 is a 96-cell high-efficiency solar power that belongs to the HIT series. It has an output of 300, providing homes with a powerful combination of immediate energy savings and long-term performance. The Panasonic VBHN 330 SA17 boasts a remarkably low-temperature coefficient of -0.258%/°C that helps to generate greater electricity output even on the hottest days. This solar panel also comes with an impressive performance warranty that guarantees a minimum power output of 90.76% after 25 years. The VBHN 330 SA17 also comes with a water drainage frame design to prevent rain accumulation and eliminate water stains from the panel surface. This panel is manufactured using heterojunction technology that uses ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers to reduce electron loss.
LG NeON2 LG330N1C-A5
Weighing in at 39.68, the LG NeON2 LG330N1C-A5 is a 72-cell solar panel that belongs to the popular LG’s NeON 2 series. A highly efficient solar panel, this module adopts Cello Technology, which replaces 3 busbars with 12 thin wires to enhance power output and reliability. LG has used n-type cells in this panel (which have almost no boron) to reduce the LID (Light Induced Degradation) right after installation. For this panel, LG has extended the warranty from 15 years to 25 years, including labor. Like the rest of the series, this panel has pleasing aesthetics thanks to its thinner wires that appear all black at a distance.
Here’s a table to clearly see the differences between the two.
| Brand | Panasonic | LG solar |
| Model | Panasonic VBHN 330 SA17 | LG NeON2 LG330N1C-A5 |
| Type | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage (W) | 330 | 330 |
| Module Efficiency | 19.70% | 19.30% |
| Annual power output degradation rate | 0.26 | 0.30 |
| Power warranty type | Linear | Linear |
| Output warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Power output warranty (25 years) | 90.76% | 90.80% |
| Height – inch | 62.60 | 66.38 |
| Weight – inch | 40.81 | 39.68 |
| Avg. cost per watt | $0.95 | $0.97 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0. 258% | -0. 37% |
The Verdict – Which One Should You Go With?
So, in the LG vs Panasonic solar panels battle, the winner is Panasonic!
Both are excellent products, boasting minimal differences in quality. But, when taking into account four of the most important factors to consider when getting a solar panel, Panasonic wins in three categories:
Efficiency. When compared, LG’s solar panel is not as efficient at 19.30%, whereas the Panasonic panel offers a module efficiency of 19.70%.
Temperature coefficient: Like most electronics, solar panels produce less energy the warmer they become. In this battle, Panasonic has the lowest temperature coefficient since the panel’s power output will only decrease by 0.258% for every degree Celsius over 25°C/77°F, whereas LG’s panel will decrease -0. 37%/ 25°C/77°F.
Cost: solar panel costs are usually measured by cost per watt. The cheapest brand is Panasonic, charging $0.95/ watt.
Warranty: Both Panasonic and LG are backed by a 25-year warranty. But, as regards the power output warranty, LG guarantees the lowest degradation at 90.80%, whereas Panasonic guarantees a degradation of 90.76%.
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