Information about the LG Mono X™ Modules

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Module

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Most Durable Frame (Anodized Aluminum Frame)

Designed to reliably serve 10-year Product Warranty & 25-year Power Warranty

Mono X™ module’s Anodizing + clear coating thickness : 22um

[Anodized Aluminum Surface]

10 year 25year

Coa

ting

Thic

knes

s

22um

*10um

Reduction Rate of Coating Thickness by Time

(approx. 1um per year)

What is an “Anodization”?

- “Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.”

All frames of Mono X™ are anodized to lengthen the lifecycle of modules by forming thick and dense oxide(SiO2) that may help protect modules from electrochemically detrimental factors.

Description

Fact

Al2O3

Aluminum

*Average Coating Thickness of Competitor module frames

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Frame Binding with Screw

Why a Screw Type?

Although a typical “Maximum Load Tests” only utilizes a vertically-applied pressure to test a module’s durability, the modules are almost and always exposed to greater external perils/forces originating from multi-directions at an actual PV installation site,

Some good examples may be when 1) modules and racks are not well-aligned and consequently a lateral stress is being applied to a module 2) in case when a pile of snow is accumulated on a particular spot over a long period of time 3) when a strong wind causes a physical distortion of a module etc.

In the cases described above, the screw type modules are proven to be more reliable to damage than the conventional corner-key types.

Conner Key TypeScrew Type

Description

FactSince screws are used in assembling of all LG module frames, the modules are exposed to much lower risk from physical distortion that may be caused by external forces.

A majority of our competitors, on the other hand, uses the corner-key type (without screws) that leaves them at a much more vulnerable position to face future distortion from external pressures.

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Durable Frame

LG modules are designed to endure 5400Pa load of pressure which is equivalent to a pile of snow higher than 1.8 meters in height (weighs more than 800kg)

For durability against wind load, the back of LG frames are also designed to endure a pressure of 5400Pa, which is equivalent to a wind speed of 135m/s (=486km/h)

244.6km/h

227km/h

270km/hMaximum wind speed at the Hurricane Katrina

Maximum wind speed at the Typhoon Maemi

Andy Rodick’s fastest serve speed

(75m/s)

(68m/s)

(63m/s)

216km/h(60m/s)

Certified

Internally Tested486km/h( 135m/s)

Description

Fact

Is a wind load proof for a PV module really that important?

In most cases, PV modules are installed at a tilted angle from the ground to maximize the light-absorbing area. Therefore, the front of a module is less exposed in pressure to a heavy wind load than its back.

Mono X™ modules are designed endure strong external pressure applied on the back (tested internally with up to 5400Pa load of pressure)

(Assumption: The installation process must be strictly abided by LG’s Installer Guide)

Frame design that can endure 5400 Pa

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Perfect Water Drain Design

Why is a water drainage in a PV module important?

In cases of heavy rain, water drops can slide down the surface of a module and mix with micro particles. These mixtures often interferes with the performance of a module as they leave dirt-like remnants on the surface area after humidity evaporates. Over time, these micro particles are piled on a wider area and can negatively affect the power output causing the“shading effects”

Drain Hole Sliding design

Description

FactFront Side: 4 Capillary Drains placed in every corner

Liquid sliding design between Front Glass & Frame

Rear Side: 12 Drain Holes

Capillary Drain

Difference in Design

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Precise Size Control

Installers are strictly advised to reflect the figures specified on LG module datasheets when 1) they make up their installation kits 2) design integrated PV systems.

Our modules perform very much exactly as per the data supplied in the relevant datasheets.

No soldering missConsistent bus bar position

25mm

Matrix Align criteria No inter ribbon align miss

Description

FactMono X™ Module production is tightly managed under um & mm level tolerance managementUnder LG’s close quality control tour modules are built to very precise specification which ensures consistent out put and quality.

Cell

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+

+ ---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

+

+ --

- +

SiNx:H

ARC

Emitter (n+)

BSFAl Electrodes

Selective Emitter

Selective emitterConventional structure

“Selective Emitter” structure can selectively increase the density of dopants that connects the frontal areas with electrodes. By successfully

applying this technology, cells are left with reduced impurities in the light absorbing area.

Increased Cell Efficiency up to 0.6 % Increased Module Power Output : 8W

- Structure : Allows a module to have a lower dopant density in the light absorbing fronts while maintaining higher dopant density in the area that connects the frontal areas with electrodes- Effects : Lower dopant density in the light absorbing front improves recombination loss and higher dopant density in the electrical contacts reduces contact resistance loss- Simplifying of Production Process

: Emitter’s selective wet etching is applied after mask patterns (using the “screen printing” technology) are formed.- LGE’s high level R&D capability allows continuous development in coming up with mask materials as well as in finessing the mass production process

(100)

(60) (80)

(100)

Description

Fact

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Fine Line Electrode (Skyscraper Patterning)

Narrow and Thick Electrode-Forming Technology

The “Double Printing” technology applied to LGE PV cells was widely used in the PDP display industry.

A typical width of a cell’s finger (using the conventional electrode printing methodology) is considerably wider than cells using the

“Skyscraper Patterning” methodology.

LGE’s technology enables the finger widths to remain as narrow as possible as the electrodes are vertically stacked instead.

Without a significant surface area loss, a wider light-absorbing area can be realized and therefore,

customers can acquire maximized currents for electricity generation with the slightest reduction

in electrode resistance.

Increased Cell Efficiency~ 0.2 % Increased Module Power Output : 3W, Application of PDP’s “Double Printing” technology

Conventional Electrode

Double Printing

Description

Fact

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DLDP (Double Layer Defect Passivation)

SiNx:H

SiOx:H /

: SiOx layer (which lowers the refractive index) is added onto the conventional SiNxlayer using PECVD.

a. Low Frontal Reflectance

Maximizing light source

b. Passivation of Surface defects by having double layers

Electrons’ recombination loss from the frontal surface is reduced

Conventional type cell DLDP cell

Improvement in Jsc, Voc

Increased Cell Efficiency up to 0.3 % Increased Module Power Output : 4W

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

300 500 700 900 1100

IQE,

Refle

cta

nce

(%)

Wavelength (nm)

18.7 % 2월 21 2.1 mm

LG SE

Single AR

DLDP

Fron

t Rat

e of

Ref

lect

ion

(%)

Reflectance (*AWR 300 nm ~ 1200 nm, %)

Single AR 8.1 %

DLDP 6 % Improvement in

Reflection Rate up to 2 %

*Weighted Average Reflectance:

Weighted average value of Reflectance based on solar spectrum.

DLDP technology induces a module to absorb more ultraviolet rays, which are typically easier to be absorbed for generation of energy. DLDP helps to harvest more power in the real field by using UV rays effectively.

SiNx:H100%

6%

92%

8% 100%

94%

Description

FactDouble Layer Defect Passivation (Multi-coating technology widely used in camera lenses)

Reliability

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LG Solar Production site was originally designed to produce PDP displays, which requires to operate under meticulous production conditions

Class 100 achieved: This is close to a “Dust-free” environment and can only be achieved when a dimension of 1ft3 contains (less than) 100 debris. This level of sanitation is comparable to a production lines of semi-conductors.

To illustrate this point , typical air in real life is categorized as Class 35,000,000 (containing 35million debris)

Utilizing our industry expertise in PDPs and semi-conductors, LGE Solar cells are produced in much cleaner state (2.9ppm) than that of our competitors. This helps us to maintain good product quality, with minimum impurities.

Semiconductor-Level Manufacturing Environment

Types of defects on poor quality modules

Cell Chipping

Cell Debris

Lead Debris

EVA Bubbles

External Debris

Bubbles

100% EL Tested Products

The functionality of the EL tests is similar to that of x-rays in medical equipment!EL tests help spotting out “invisible” cracks that are difficult to be detected by naked human eyes. Avoiding micro cracks in any of our product

achieves a minimal failure rate in the final product

Conducting EL inspection on all of our modules helps LG spotting out any physical defects with micro cracks prior to any outbound shipment

X-ray EL test

EL Test : OK EL Test : No Good

Qualification for Outbound Shipment : ALL modules produced by LG solar must undergo EL testing and only the passed products

will be allowed to proceed to shipment

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Extended Reliability Test

Standard

1 Day

Tem

p / H

umid

ity

Time

X 1

Accelerated Testing

TimeTe

mp

/ Hum

idity

1Day

X 45

90°C

-45°C

Accelerated Lifecycle TestIn order to verify if our modules can last 25 years or longer without any significant performance loss, LGE Solar conducts Accelerated Lifecycle

Tests. Aggressive test condition profiles and potential rates of change are applied to each tests. Conditions that can be varied include

temperature, humidity based on daily/seasonal changes.

USP: While the testing standards typically recommend 200 cycle, 1000-hour testing, LGE’s internal reliability tests are

twice harsher (400 cycle, 2000hours) to make sure we offer best reliability to our clients.

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Comprehensive Durability TestIn addition to our stringent internal tests to ensure durability of a module, LGE solar conducts additional module

testing through an internationally recognized testing organizations such as ATLAS.

Sample modules are tested outdoor for at least a year and periodically inspected in two completely different sites (humid & arid)

LG modules have gained the highest recognition from ATLAS for its top-notch durability in outdoor environment.

Atlas is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and with its European headquarters in Linsengericht, Germany. Atlas has two design and manufacturing sites worldwide for the internationally accepted Weather-Ometer® and Xenotest® line of test instruments: Chicago, Illinois and Linsengericht, Germany.

With the combined resources of Atlas Material Testing Technology clients can have expert assistance in all areas related to natural and laboratory weathering and material testing solutions. They provide a wide range of clients with a test program that will supply the data needed to make informed material performance decisions.

ATLAS Profile

- Meet your durability and testing goals with world-class expertise and testing experience

- Over 30 years of testing and measurement experience supporting the solar industry

- Achieve best possible correlation, precision, and acceleration of your tests with state-of-the-art test methodology, testing equipment, and ISO accredited test laboratories and exposure sites

- Validate warranty and service lifetime statements

- Avoid premature failure of materials, cells, modules, and systems by performing comprehensive testing programs

- Perform qualification screening tests for UL 1703, IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 prior to certification testing submission

- Perform proprietary R&D testing and exposures in a secure and confidential setting

- Complete system installation and performance validation testing to ensure stated results

Benefits

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Comprehensive Durability Test

Phoenix, Arizona

Miami, Florida

Outdoor Tests for LG modules are operated in 25 different locations that represents each climate conditions

(for example in Arid Desert, Tropical/Subtropical, Northern Temperature etc.)For the Global Composite testing, modules are tested in Arizona / Florida, USA for at least a year

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Extreme Mechanical Test

Robustness testMechanical Load Hail Impact

LG Solar PV modules undergo a very harsh durability testing.

During a lifecycle of a PV module, it may face a wide variety of unforeseeable events that may threaten longevity of the product.

One of the main concerns for clients is a module’s physical durability.

‘is the module safe even with a heavy snow?’ ‘Is the frontal glasses strong enough for hail?’ …

To provide our clients with the best reliability and assurance, LGE solar constantly conducts the following tests:

- 5400Pa Mechanical Load Test: : 800kgequivalent mass placed on a module – No problem!

- Hail Impact Test: Throwing an ice chunk (diameter of 75mm) at a speed of 140km/h – No Problem!

- Robustness Test: 45kg metal ball hitting a module- No Problem!

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Positive power tolerance

LG Solar PV modules are guaranteed to ALWAYS provide HIGHER power output than what is printed

on its datasheets (Positive Tolerance Only Policy). While competitors’ module power outputs does have +- tolerance range in power output

250 W 250 W

253.8 W

3.8 W

Thank you for your time