Bifacial Solar Panels advantages and uses
As we discussed in the post on the rise in prices of solar panels , the use of bifacial technology is on the rise. More and more projects are being carried out with bifacial panels, although in Spain the pace is not rising too fast. For this reason, we are going to explain the uses and advantages of a bifacial solar panel, but first of all let’s see what a bifacial solar panel is.
What is a Bifacial Solar Panel?
A bifacial solar panel is made up of double-sided solar cells, that is, it is a solar panel that can produce energy from both sides, not just from the front, like conventional solar panels. On the front part it takes advantage of direct solar radiation and on the back face reflected solar radiation. For better understanding here we have a graphic that explains the components and the capture of a bifacial photovoltaic panel.
As can be seen in this image from the Fraunhofer Institute , both parts of the bifacial panel are made of glass, before reaching the encapsulation that protects the bifacial cell, which captures energy on both sides. They are normally thinner panels, without a frame or with a reduced frame because a conventional frame could cast shadows on the panel itself, which would take a lot of production out of the system. As the panels have to have good reflected solar radiation, the installation conditions are not the same, so we are going to see the uses and applications of bifacial solar panels.
Uses and applications of bifacial solar panels
Bifacial photovoltaic modules are usually used, both in installations on flat roofs, and in installations on the ground. It cannot be installed in any way, there are several ways to make it efficient, obviously the most recommended, if we do not take into account the price, is with a tracker, which ensures that at all times, the inclination is optimal to maximize the production of Energy. But as this may not always be the case, let’s see the key points for the installation of a system with bifacial solar modules.
1. Tilt
An optimal inclination must be given so that the panels obtain both the maximum direct and indirect solar energy.
2. floor
The albedo is the percentage of radiation that a surface reflects, so that the albedo is greater, the color of the ground must be taken into account, the lighter it is, the greater the performance of the bifacial solar panels.
3. The distance between rows
The separation between rows of bifacial solar panels must be taken into account, since the shadow they can cast on the ground can reduce the albedo.
4. Components and structures
In addition, all the elements that surround the bifacial solar panels must be taken into account, special care must be taken with the structures and cables, which do not give excessive shadows.
As a counterpart, bifacial solar panels have other advantages.
Advantages of bifacial solar panels
The advantages of bifacial solar modules are several, among them, are the following.
1. Highest performance
By capturing solar energy from both sides, the use of bifacial solar modules increases the performance of the installation between 5% and 30%.
2. Price/Performance
Bifacial solar panels are not much more expensive than traditional (monofacial) panels, but they increase the performance of the systems. So it is more profitable. In addition, in our Solar Purchasing Center you can find any type of panel at a better price.
3. Aesthetics
Another of its advantages is that by not having a large frame, it is much more aesthetic since it can be used for pergolas.
Conclution
Bifacial solar panels are somewhat more complicated to install, but by taking into account some key points, we can obtain higher performance and therefore faster amortization, which gives us competitiveness.
