LG Chem Develops Plastic Material to Replace Metal in Solar Panel Frames

LG Chem has developed a plastic material that can replace the metal in solar panel frames for the first time in Korea and starts full-scale market penetration.

LG Chem announced that the Company has developed ‘LUPOY EU5201’, a PC/ASA flame retardant material that maintains the material shape even during temperature changes due to its low thermal expansion levels, using their proprietary technology and manufacturing method.

Solar panel frames are located at the edge of solar panels to protect and support the panel from external impact.

Heat resistance and strong durability against corrosion are required as the materials are exposed outside for a long time, such as on exterior walls or the roof where there is direct sunlight. Solar panel frames account for about 10% of solar panels, and are mainly made of aluminum alloy.

The ‘LUPOY EU5201’, developed by LG Chem, is a high-performance engineering plastic material that supplements the mechanical properties of general plastics by adding glass fiber to polycarbonate compounds.

Steven Kim, Leader of the Engineering Materials Division at LG Chem, stated, “Solar panel frames made of plastic have many advantages that differentiate them from existing frames, such as ease of installation, and therefore have great market potential. Based on the world's best compounding technology, LG Chem plans to lead the rapidly growing solar material market through continuous R&D and investment into mass production capabilities.”