LG Chem advances into solar panel frame business

LG Chem-developed LUPOY EU5201-installed solar panels / Courtesy of LG Chem

By Kim Hyun-bin

LG Chem has become the country's first company to develop plastic frames that could replace the metal ones for conventional solar panels, drastically reducing production cost and weight.

The firm used in-house techniques and manufacturing procedures, combining polycarbonate and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) to develop LUPOY EU5201 which has enhanced durability and helps maintain structural integrity through diverse temperature ranges.

The frames surround the edge of solar panels to protect them from external impact and help maintain their structure. Solar panels are generally installed on roofs and outdoor areas where they can absorb sunlight for a long period of time, requiring the use of materials that are resistant to heat and corrosion. The frames make up around 10 percent of the solar panel, and plastic ones could become a game changer in the market, where aluminum alloy is dominant.

LUPOY EU5201 is a high-performance engineering plastic material with fiberglass in a polycarbonate compound to strengthen durability.

The newly developed substance has similar durability to aluminum but is half the weight and is price competitive. In addition, it can endure diverse temperatures while maintaining its original form with enhanced safety. It also has reduced chemical degradation from ultraviolet exposure and drastically extends panel lifespans compared to ordinary plastics, the company said.

Replacing aluminum with LG Chem's newly developed plastic will not only reduce material costs but also drastically drop the weight of each solar panel, simplifying transportation and installation.

The company also holds the technology for post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonate that allows for the recycling of consumer plastics and use of PCR to develop the frames upon client requests for low-carbon products.

The company initiated mass production of the frames in the first half of the year and officially started to sell the frames starting this month.

“Solar panel frames made of plastic materials have a lot of advantages and massive market potential,” an LG Chem official said. “With the global top-tier compound technology at its base accompanied by continuous R&D, mass production and investment will show exponential growth for the company to lead the solar power materials market.”

Last year, LG Chem became the first local petrochemical company to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050, aiming to take part in the RE100 campaign which aims to switch all production to renewable energy sources.