Climates Favorable for Bifacial Solar Panels
Cold Climates
- Advantages: Bifacial panels perform well in cold climates if installed at least a meter off the ground, allowing for reflective surfaces like snow and good air circulation. This setup is beneficial because it helps the panels to recover quickly from snowfall events.
- Performance: Cold temperatures generally enhance solar panel efficiency due to the physical properties of semiconductors. The reflective surface in snowy conditions can significantly increase energy production.
Areas with High Reflectivity
- Advantages: Bifacial panels are most effective in environments with high reflectivity, such as snow-covered or light-colored surfaces. This enhances their ability to capture additional sunlight from the rear side.
- Performance: High reflectivity boosts energy yield, making bifacial panels particularly beneficial in regions where such conditions are common.
Climates Where Bifacial Panels Might Not Be the Best Choice
Desert or Hot Climates with Limited Elevation
- Challenges: While bifacial panels can perform in deserts, they might not be the best choice if panels are installed close to the ground or in areas without adequate airflow. High temperatures and intense sunlight can also affect their performance.
- Alternative Options: Traditional monocrystalline panels might be more suitable for desert environments without specific reflective conditions.
Areas with High Shading or Obstructions
- Challenges: Shading from trees or buildings significantly reduces bifacial panel performance by blocking light to the rear surface. In such environments, choosing an installation site carefully to minimize shading is crucial.
In summary, bifacial solar panels are particularly beneficial in cold climates with snow cover and in areas with high reflectivity, but they may not be the best choice in environments with heavy shading or in very hot climates without optimized installation conditions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-climates-where-bifacial-solar-panels-offer-greater-benefits/
