Do you know how bifacial solar panels work? If not, don’t worry: this guide is for you. It explains the technology, why it is exciting, and whether you should install these panels on your property.
How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?
Bifacial solar panels work by enabling both sides of the solar panel to light collection. Usually, solar energy approaches solar photovoltaic (PV) panels from above, hits the silicon semiconductor material inside, and converts some of the incoming photons into electrons to create an electric circuit.
However, this setup isn’t maximally efficient. Some light passes through the PV material and onto the surface below. Therefore, the idea of bifacial panels is to capture this reflected energy and pass it back through the solar panel for additional energy generation.
Most “monofacial” solar panels have an opaque back sheet (which prevents light from reflecting or coming back through). But bifacial PV panels have a second semiconducting PV layer, which allows additional photon-to-electron conversions, albeit at a reduced rate (given the lower light intensity).
You usually see bifacial solar PV used in areas with highly reflective surfaces. The underside picks up photos from the natural albedo of these surfaces (like snow, ice, sand, or white paint), amplifying overall panel performance.
Most monofacial solar panels convert 20% to 24% of incoming solar energy into electricity (which isn’t bad). However, bifacial units can increase this figure by 5% to 30%, potentially increasing absolute efficiency above 30% in some high-albedo settings.
What Makes Bifacial Solar PV So Exciting?
Bifacial solar PV is exciting for several reasons.
The first is the fact that it can generate more power from the same surface area. For most surfaces, you get a 5% to 10% bump, but it could be as high as 30% (as mentioned) if you place them in a reflective area.
This option is ideal for houses with limited roof space (like terraces or townhouses). You can make the most of every square inch without falling foul of zoning or planning regulations.
Research shows that the difference in energy production per year can be quite significant. For example, monofacial panels on black asphalt (with a 12% albedo) generate 132,877 kWh/year while bifacial PV generate 142,182 kWh/year.
The story is similar for artificial grass with a 26% albedo. Monofacial PV generates 133,463 kWh/year while bifacial PV generates 142,820 kWh/year.
White paint had the highest albedo in the research at 90%. Monofacial PV generated 136,122 kWh/year while bifacial PV generated 145,719 kWh/year–nearly 8% more.
Because of this, evidence suggests that bifacial PV makes a significant difference. And while, traditionally, the cost has been higher, the reduced requirement for adhesive paste in these units has the potential to lower their installation price significantly.
Besides the higher yield, homeowners are also excited about the fact that bifacial PV is built to last. Many have a double-glass design, making them tougher when left outside to endure the environment. Because of this, leading installation companies offer warranties in excess of 25 years.
For example, we will cover 100% of the repair or replacement cost of solar panels for 25 years if they experience a mechanical fault. We will also guarantee your panels won’t lose more than 8% of their DC power output over the same period.
Finally, bifacial solar panels are flexible. You can mount them on flat roofs, regular pitched roofs, car ports, and more, offering similar benefits as conventional PV.
Should You Use Bifacial Solar PV On Your Property?
Whether you should use bifacial solar PV on your property is a personal decision. However, it is always worth considering the following:
- Goals: Bifacial PV makes sense on small homes or commercial sites where space is limited but energy demands are extensive.
- Costs: Bifacial solar panels cost between 10% and 20% more than monofacial, but may not offer an equivalent increase in energy generation.
- Mounting Issues: Bifacial panels can be more challenging to mount because they require space for light to bounce and hit the back. Unfortunately, the underside of the PV panel doesn’t see much reflectivity on sloped roofs.
- Underlay: Finally, bifacial PV panels thrive when placed atop a high-albedo surface.
So, Is Bifacial PV Technology Worth It?
Bifacial PV technology is exciting because these panels collect light from both sides. However, these installations work best if you have a setup that will enable you to benefit from them.
Are you interested in bifacial solar panels? Contact our team or request a free quote online.
