New Lightweight Plastic Replaces Aluminum in PV Modules, LG Chem New Technology Opens Up New Frontier for PV Installations

South Korean company LG Chem has developed a new plastic material that it claims can replace the metal frame of photovoltaic modules, making them lighter
.
The company said it has secured mass production capacity for the material and is starting to sell products in full
.

LG Chem is introducing a new plastic material specially designed for solar module frames
.
The company says its material has similar durability and price competitiveness to aluminum, the most common material for module frames, while significantly reducing the weight of the modules
.

The material, named LUPOY EU5201, is a flame-retardant plastic material made of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate mixed with a polycarbonate base, with glass fibers added to complement the mechanical properties
.
According to LG Chem, the material's low thermal expansion rate means it retains its shape and stiffness even at high temperatures
.

The company also says it has been able to engineer strong UV resistance into the material, meaning it won't break down or even begin to change color after years of exposure to intense sunlight
.
"It offers the same durability as existing aluminum, but at half the weight, and offers excellent price competitiveness," LG Chem said in a statement
.
"In addition, it has excellent dimensional stability, even in It retains its shape even when the temperature changes, so it is not easily deteriorated or deformed by the external environment
.
"

lightweight module

Reducing the weight of the modules could make the installation process easier and faster, and reduce shipping costs that have skyrocketed in recent months
.
Lighter modules can also open up new frontiers for photovoltaic installations, such as non-load-bearing roofs
.
"Solar panel frames made of plastic have many advantages over existing frames, such as easy installation, and therefore have huge market potential," said Steven Kim, head of LG Chem's Engineering Materials Division
.
"Based on the world's best compounding technology, LG Chem plans to lead the fast-growing solar materials market through continuous R&D and investment in mass production capabilities
.
"

A World Bank estimate suggests that the energy transition will require more aluminium than any other metal, largely thanks to its use in solar module frames
.
And its production is emissions-intensive and harder to decarbonize than many other sectors
.

LG Chem said it had secured mass production capacity for its new plastic frame material, but did not provide details on the location or scale of initial production
.
The company also said it has established the proper infrastructure to use post-consumer recycled polycarbonate in frame materials, and will also review methods for collecting frames at end-of-life and reinserting them into the supply chain
.

Although LG Chem initially aimed its new engineered material at the module frame market, expect LUPOY EU5201 to find other uses, especially in the automotive sector
.