Solar energy technology is developing rapidly, and one major breakthrough is the widespread use of bifacial solar panels. These innovative photovoltaic panels are capable of utilizing solar energy from both the front and back, thereby increasing energy production per unit area. Research has shown that compared to traditional facial solar panels, bifacial solar panels can significantly increase energy production in certain environments. Bifacial solar panels can generate energy from both sides, which brings enormous development potential for optimizing the efficiency of solar panels and the total energy output of photovoltaic devices.
What is bifacial solar panel?
Bifacial solar panel are innovative due to their unique design, which allows them to capture sunlight on both the front and back of photovoltaic modules. This is in stark contrast to traditional solar panels, which rely solely on the front to convert sunlight into electricity. By utilizing bifacial solar energy, bifacial solar panels have significantly increased overall solar energy production, making them an excellent choice in the field of solar technology. Due to the ability to capture light from multiple angles, including light reflected from the ground or nearby surfaces, bifacial solar panels have advantages in certain environments, especially in areas with strong reflectivity such as snow, sand, water, or light colored roofs. This higher efficiency and versatility make bifacial solar panels a powerful choice for photovoltaic installation personnel seeking to maximize energy output and adapt to different environmental conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages of installing bifacial solar panels
Advantages of bifacial solar panels：
- Enhance power generation: Bifacial solar panels can capture sunlight from both sides, resulting in a 20% increase in power generation compared to single-sided solar panels. This makes them more efficient under certain conditions, such as when light reflects off surfaces like snow, sand, or nearby buildings.
- Multi functionality: Bifacial solar panels can be installed in various configurations, including tilted or raised above ground, allowing for optimized performance based on specific site conditions.
- Improve module durability: Many bifacial solar panels are designed with durable materials and protective measures to protect both sides from environmental factors, thereby extending their service life.
- Lower Leveling Cost (LCOE): Due to the higher energy production of certain surfaces, bifacial solar panels can generate lower LCOE throughout their entire lifespan compared to single-sided panels, making them economically attractive in certain applications.
- Aesthetic appeal: Bifacial panels can have a more stylish appearance as they may be frameless or have a semi transparent back panel, which may be more visually appealing to some customers.
Disadvantages of bifacial solar panels:
- Higher initial cost: Bifacial solar panels are often more expensive than traditional single-sided solar panels because module costs increase and may require more expensive solar support systems. Additional costs may hinder some installations, especially for those who prioritize lower solar system costs.
- Dependence on reflective surfaces: The increase in power generation of bifacial solar panels largely depends on the availability of reflective surfaces, such as light colored ground vegetation or nearby buildings. In areas with limited reflectivity, the performance advantage may be greatly weakened.
- Installation complexity: Installing bifacial solar panels may require more planning and professional knowledge than installing single-sided photovoltaic panels, especially considering factors such as tilt angle, ground coverage, correct installation, and potential shading issues. These factors will increase the complexity and cost of the installation process. We have summarized the installation considerations and can download them on the page Downloads with title "Double Glass Solar Panel Installation Manual".
- Limited data and standards: Compared to traditional solar panels, bifacial technology is still relatively new, which means there may be fewer industry standards, less long-term performance data, and higher uncertainty in reliability and financing capabilities.
- The possibility of pollution: Both sides of the bifacial solar panel will accumulate dirt and debris, which may reduce its efficiency if not cleaned regularly. This is more challenging than cleaning only one side of a single-sided photovoltaic panel.
Overall, bifacial solar panels perform well in tests such as thermal cycling, humidity, mechanical load, UV irradiation, and hail resistance. Their adaptability to extreme weather conditions and excellent efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides once again demonstrate their suitability for various solar installations, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.