What are bifacial solar panels?
Bifacial solar panels are an innovative and efficient solution for utilizing solar energy. Unlike traditional single-sided solar panels, bifacial panels are able to collect sunlight from both sides, improving their energy efficiency and yield. In this article, we look at what bifacial solar panels are, how they work, and what their benefits and challenges are.
What are bifacial solar panels?
Bifacial solar panels are solar panels designed to collect sunlight from both the front and back. This is achieved by using transparent or semi-transparent materials on the back of the panel, allowing light to pass through and be reflected back onto the panel. Bifacial panels can utilize direct sunlight as well as light reflected from the ground, water or other surfaces.
How do bifacial solar panels work?
The operation of bifacial solar panels is based on light collection on two sides. The front side collects direct sunlight, like traditional solar panels, but the back side collects reflected light from the environment. This reflected light can come from, for example, the ground, water or the surfaces of buildings. The efficiency of the panels largely depends on how much light is reflected back to the panel, so choosing the installation location and angle is important.
Advantages of bifacial solar panels
- Efficiency: Bifacial panels can produce up to 30% more energy than traditional single-sided panels because they utilize both direct and reflected light.
- Versatility: They can be installed in different environments, such as on the ground, on roofs or even on water, which increases their possibilities of use.
- Durability: Bifacial panels are often more durable and long-lasting because they are designed to withstand different weather conditions and mechanical wear.
The challenges of bifacial solar panels
- Costs: Bifacial panels are generally more expensive than traditional panels, which can be an obstacle to their large-scale adoption.
- Installation: Installation requires more precise planning and optimization in order to use the reflected light as efficiently as possible.
- Environmental effects: The effectiveness of the panels depends on the reflectivity of the environment, so they are not necessarily equally effective in all installation locations.
Summary
Bifacial solar panels represent a significant step forward in the utilization of solar energy. Their ability to collect light from both sides makes them more efficient and versatile than traditional solar panels. Although their costs and installation requirements may be higher, the benefits they offer can offset these challenges in the long run. Bifacial panels are especially useful in places with a lot of reflective surfaces, such as snowy areas or near water.
You can read more about bifacial solar panels from, for example, the following sources:
U.S. Department of Energy and PV Tech.
