Solar technology has been rapidly advancing, with one major breakthrough being the widespread use of bifacial solar panels. These innovative photovoltaic (PV) panels have the capability to harness solar power from both the front and rear sides, allowing for increased energy production per unit area.
Research has shown that bifacial solar panels can significantly boost energy production in certain environments compared to traditional one-sided panels. The ability of bifacial panels to generate energy from both sides presents a promising development in optimizing solar panel efficiency and overall energy output for PV installations. This article examines the pros and cons of the technology and is a bifacial solar panel installation guide.
What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panels are innovative due to their unique design, which allows them to capture sunlight on both the front and rear surfaces of the PV module. This is a stark contrast to traditional solar panels, which solely rely on the front side to convert sunlight into electricity. By harnessing solar energy from both sides, bifacial PV panels significantly increase overall solar energy production, making them a superior choice in the world of solar technology.
The ability to capture light from multiple angles, including reflected light from the ground or nearby surfaces, gives bifacial panels an advantage in certain environments, particularly in areas with highly reflective surfaces such as snow, sand, water, or light-colored rooftops. This increased efficiency and versatility make bifacial solar panels a compelling option for PV installers seeking to maximize energy output and adapt to varying environmental conditions. However, proper bifacial solar panel installation is critical for optimum energy output.
What Are the Best Applications for Bifacial Solar Panel Installations?
Bifacial or bilateral solar panels have a range of applications due to their ability to capture sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces. Here are some of the best applications for bifacial solar panels:
Ground-mounted bifacial solar installations: Bifacial panels are well-suited for ground-mounted solar systems as they can capture sunlight reflected from the ground, increasing energy production. These systems allow for optimal tilt angles and heights, enhancing the albedo effect. The albedo effect refers to the reflection of sunlight from the ground back onto the rear side of the panels, thereby increasing their overall efficiency.
Rooftop solar power systems: Bifacial panels can also be installed on roofs, especially on light-colored or reflective rooftops. This can enhance sunlight reflection and boost renewable energy production even further in urban and commercial settings. Use mounting systems that elevate the panels above the roof surface to capture more reflected light from below.
Vertical solar installations: When bifacial panels are installed vertically, they can capture sunlight during the morning and evening, harvesting energy at different angles of the sun's path. This makes them beneficial for installations where the panels can be oriented vertically.
Solar systems near reflective surfaces: Bifacial panels perform well in environments with highly reflective surfaces like snow, water, or sand. Installing them near water bodies or snowy areas can maximize their energy output by utilizing the reflected sunlight to produce more solar electricity.
Pros & Cons of Bifacial Solar Panel Installations
Although bifacial solar panels offer increased energy generation potential and versatility, they also come with higher upfront costs, installation complexities, and dependencies on environmental factors that should be carefully considered when evaluating their suitability for a specific project.
Pros of Bifacial Solar Modules:
Increased Energy Generation: Bifacial solar panel installations can capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy generation by up to 20% compared to monofacial solar panels. This makes them more efficient in certain conditions, such as when light reflects off surfaces like snow, sand, or nearby structures.
Versatility: Bifacial panels can be installed in various configurations, including tilted or elevated off the ground, which can optimize their performance based on specific site conditions.
Improved Module Durability: Many bifacial panel installations are designed with durable materials and protective measures to shield both sides from environmental factors, potentially extending their lifespan. Many bifacial modules performed exceptionally well in the 2024 PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
Lower LCOE: With higher energy yields on certain surfaces, bifacial panels can lead to a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over their lifetime compared to monofacial panels, making them economically attractive in certain applications.
Aesthetic Appeal: Bifacial panels can have a sleeker appearance since they may be frameless or have a translucent backsheet, which may be more visually appealing to some customers.
Cons of Bifacial Solar Panel Installations:
Higher Initial Cost: Bifacial solar panels tend to be more expensive than traditional monofacial panels due to increased module costs and possibly requiring more expensive solar racking systems. The additional cost can deter some installations, especially those prioritizing a lower solar system cost.
Dependent on Reflective Surfaces: The increased energy generation of bifacial panels is heavily reliant on the availability of reflective surfaces such as light-colored ground cover or nearby structures. In areas with limited reflectivity, the performance advantage is likely significantly diminished.
Installation Complexity: Bifacial solar panel installation may require more planning and expertise than installing monofacial PV panels, especially considering factors like tilt angle, ground cover, proper mounting, and potential shading issues. These can add complexity and cost to the installation process.
Limited Data and Standards: Bifacial technology is still relatively new compared to traditional solar panels, which means there may be fewer industry standards, less data on long-term performance, and potentially higher uncertainty regarding reliability and bankability.
Potential for Soiling: Bifacial panels can accumulate dirt and debris on both sides, potentially reducing their effectiveness if not cleaned regularly. This can be more challenging than cleaning just one side of monofacial PV panels.
Tips For Bifacial Solar Panel Installation
Due to several factors, installing bifacial PV panels can be more complex than traditional monofacial panels. Although the basic principles of installation remain similar, there are some additional considerations for bifacial solar panel installation:
Optimal Orientation: Bifacial panels can capture sunlight from both sides, which means their orientation and tilt angle are crucial for maximizing energy generation. Installers must carefully assess the site conditions and position the panels to optimize their exposure to sunlight.
Ground Cover and Reflectivity: Bifacial panels can benefit from reflective surfaces such as light-colored ground cover or nearby structures that bounce sunlight onto the underside of the panels. Consider ground cover options and adjust panel height or tilt to maximize the use of reflected light.
Mounting Systems: Solar installers should choose special mounting systems that elevate bifacial panels to optimize the capture of reflected light, considering the site’s albedo and structural stability. Installers may need mounting systems specifically designed for bifacial solar panel installation, which could add complexity to the construction process.
Shading Considerations: While bifacial panels can capture light from both sides, shading on either side of the panel can still impact their performance. Installers need to carefully assess potential shading issues and take steps to minimize shading from nearby obstructions such as trees, buildings, or other panels.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Bifacial panels can accumulate dirt and debris on both sides, impacting their performance if not cleaned regularly. Installers may need to factor in regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to ensure optimal energy generation.
Electrical Wiring and Connections: Wiring bifacial panels may require additional planning to ensure proper electrical connections for both sides of the panel. Contractors must pay attention to the wiring layout and connections to ensure efficient energy production and system reliability during bifacial solar panel installation.
Power Optimizers: Consider installing power optimizers to maximize energy generation from bifacial solar panels by ensuring optimal performance even during times of uneven sunlight exposure.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Bifacial Solar Panel Installation
Installing bifacial solar panels requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, from site assessment to ongoing maintenance.
Site Assessment
Evaluate Site Conditions: Begin the bifacial solar panel installation process by assessing the site for optimal sunlight exposure. Consider factors such as shading from trees or buildings, geographical orientation, and available space.
Determine Ground Reflectivity: Identify the ground surface type and reflectivity (albedo). Light-colored materials or gravel can enhance energy capture by reflecting sunlight onto the underside of bifacial panels.
Select Appropriate Bifacial Solar Panel Mounting Systems
Choose Specialized Mounts: Opt for mounting systems designed for bifacial panels that elevate them off the ground, allowing for better light capture from the ground surface. Ensure the chosen system provides structural stability and meets local building codes.
Adjust Height and Tilt: Set the height and tilt angle to optimize sunlight exposure and maximize the capture of reflected light. A tilt of 20 to 30 degrees is typically effective, but this can vary based on geographical location.
Install the Mounting Structure
Secure the Mounts: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the mounting structure securely, ensuring it is level and stable. This may involve anchoring posts into concrete or using ground screws.
Check Alignment: Ensure all mounts are aligned correctly to facilitate the bifacial solar panel installation.
Mounting Bifacial Solar Panels
Attach Panels to Mounts: Carefully place the bifacial solar panels onto the mounting structure, ensuring they are securely fastened. Use brackets and clamps specifically designed for bifacial panels to maintain their optimal orientation.
Ensure Proper Spacing: Maintain adequate spacing between panels to prevent shading from one panel to another and to allow for air circulation, which helps with cooling.
Electrical Wiring and Connections
Plan the Wiring Layout: Determine the most efficient way to wire the bifacial solar panel installation. Pay attention to the electrical connections for both sides of the panel, ensuring that they are correctly configured for maximum energy output.
Install Power Optimizers: If applicable, install power optimizers to enhance energy generation. These devices help balance the output of each panel, particularly when they receive uneven sunlight exposure.
Testing and Commissioning
Conduct System Checks: After the bifacial solar panel installation, perform tests to verify that all electrical connections are secure and the system is functioning correctly. This includes checking voltage output and ensuring that the panels are capturing energy efficiently.
Monitor Performance: Implement a monitoring system to track the performance of the bifacial panels and identify any potential issues early on.
Establish Cleaning and Maintenance Protocols
Regular Cleaning Schedule: Create a cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris from both sides of the bifacial solar panel installation. This is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and energy output.
Ongoing Maintenance: Periodically inspect the installation for any signs of wear, damage, or shading from nearby structures, and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued efficiency.
Are Bifacial Solar Panel Installations Durable?
Bifacial solar modules are generally considered to have higher durability than monofacial panels for a couple of reasons. These two-sided solar panels often have a stronger build quality and are designed to withstand various environmental conditions. They are typically made with advanced materials and construction techniques that increase their resistance to physical damage and degradation.
Also, the double-sided nature of the bifacial panels allows for more uniform stress distribution, which can contribute to their overall durability. Monofacial panels, on the other hand, are typically more vulnerable to potential issues like hotspots and potential-induced degradation (PID) due to uneven stress distribution.
Reliability Test Data for Bifacial Solar Panels
Many models of bifacial solar panels are rated as top performers on the 2024 PVEL Module Reliability Scorecard. Their robust performance across multiple test categories reaffirms their reliability and suitability for a wide range of solar installations, offering enhanced energy production and durability.
Notably, they excelled in tests such as thermal cycling, damp heat, mechanical load, UV exposure, and hail resistance. Their resilience to extreme weather conditions and superior efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides reaffirm their suitability for diverse solar installations, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
Offering Bifacial Solar Panel Installation
Completing bifacial PV modules showcases your commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. This can attract customers who value cutting-edge solutions and separate you from competitors offering only conventional solar panels. By showcasing the advantages of bifacial modules, you can position yourself as an industry leader and preferred choice for customers who seek innovative solutions.
Do you need help designing a solar system with bifacial panels? The GreenLancer platform offers solar system design services, including permit-ready plan sets, engineering reviews, and solar interconnection applications. Create a GreenLancer account to begin shopping for solar design services for residential and commercial projects, or complete the form below to learn more.
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