LG Solar panels vs REC: Who’s better?

When it comes to premium-class panels for home systems, these two brands always come to mind. Which one is better: REC from Norway or a Korean veteran LG? We’ll look at two companies side by side and their panels in our LG Solar panels vs REC comparison.

What we know about the LG solar panel brand

South Korean multinational electronics manufacturer LG makes a large variety of consumer electronics and household appliances. Its headquarters are in Seoul, and it was established in 1958. Over 250,000 people work for the company worldwide.

In 1985, the business started conducting research and development in the field of solar energy. In 2008, the technical team created the first LG solar panel, and since then, PV modules have been produced in large quantities.

In 2021 the first reports of LG's exit from the market surfaced. The company declared in February 2022 that it would stop solar panels production in order to focus on other ventures. LG assured the customers that it would continue to provide tech support and warranty service but it won’t design new solar products

What we know about the REC solar panel brand

REC is probably the most famous European brand that stayed in the business for over 20 years already. It was founded in Norway in 1996. It has around 1,300 employees worldwide. REC has manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Norway. Their panels are sold in more than 90 countries.

REC has won numerous awards and recognitions for its products and sustainability practices. In 2020, the company was ranked as the most sustainable solar panel manufacturer in the world by Corporate Knights, a leading sustainability publication. There is also an American solar installer by the name REC — don’t confuse the two.

LG solar panels vs REC solar panels: Pros and Cons

How do LG solar panels vs REC fare against each other? Let’s list down the pros and cons of two brands in a table.

LG solar panels

Pros:
1. High performance. LG solar panels can convert more sunshine into power than by PV modules from other manufactures.
2. Quality. The panels are made in Korea and the US.
3. Warranty. LG provides a 25-year warranty package on their solar panels that covers the components, electricity output, and labor. The fact that a certified professional must set up and maintain the solar panels may restrict your options for installers and drive up installation costs though.
4. Wide product line. LG provides a variety of solar panels for various uses, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power systems.

Cons:
1. High cost. LG Solar panels could very well be the most expensive ones in the industry.
2. LG Solar has left the solar market and there will be no more panels from the company — at least for now.

REC solar panels

Pros:
1. High efficiency: REC panels are known for their high efficiency, which means they can produce more power per square foot of panel than many other brands.
2. Durability: REC panels are built to last and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. They come with a 25-year warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry.
3. Sustainability: REC is committed to sustainability and has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental impact. For example, the company uses renewable energy in its production facilities and has a closed-loop system to recycle waste.
4. Wide range of products: REC produces a variety of solar panels for different applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial use. They also offer a range of sizes and styles to fit different roofs and installation needs.

Cons:
1. Higher cost: REC panels tend to be more expensive than some other brands, which can be a drawback for homeowners and businesses on a tight budget.
2. Limited availability: REC panels may not be available in all regions, which can make them difficult to source for some customers.
3. Mixed reviews: While REC panels are generally well-regarded by experts and customers, there are some mixed reviews regarding their reliability and customer service

Best solar panel LG vs Best solar panel Sunpower: By A1SolarStore

Let’s compare the two best panels that LG and REC has to offer. After that you’ll be able to decide the winner on your own.

LG NeON 2

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.

REC Alpha HJT

Here is a 360-380W 120-cell panel for home systems. The efficiency goes up to 21.7%. Heterojunction technology makes the panel a great choice for hot areas. Degradation rate is only at -0.25% power loss per year. The frame is reinforced so it is capable of withstanding the pressure of 146 lbs/sq ft. This amounts to 250 mph wind: the panel is ready for any kind of tornado.