Bifacial solar panels do require specific mounting systems that differ from those used for traditional monofacial panels, mainly to optimize their unique ability to capture sunlight on both their front and rear surfaces.
Key Features of Mounting Systems for Bifacial Solar Panels
- Elevation and Air Gap: Bifacial panels must be mounted with a certain height above the ground or roof surface to allow light to reflect onto their backside. This elevation is essential to maximize energy capture from reflected and diffuse light. For example, specialized mounts often provide a significant air gap (e.g., 160 mm in some roof systems) to enhance ventilation and rear-side irradiance.
- Avoidance of Shadowing: The mounting system should avoid casting shadows on the back of the panels, as shading decreases the bifacial gain. Designs like ground-mounted Sigma II systems are explicitly optimized to prevent shading on the module’s backside to maximize bifacial performance.
- Tilt and Orientation Adjustments: Mounts for bifacial panels generally allow adjustment of tilt angles (commonly around 20 to 30 degrees but customizable based on location) and orientation to optimize direct and reflected sunlight exposure. Ground mounts sometimes include vertical bifacial configurations to capture reflected light more efficiently.
- Compatibility with Surface Reflectivity: Bifacial mounts are often combined with reflective or light-colored ground surfaces (gravel, white steel decks) to increase albedo, boosting the panels’ rear-side generation.
- Wind and Snow Load Resistance: Bifacial mounting systems must maintain structural stability while providing elevation and freedom on the back side. Systems such as Sun Ballast are designed to offer maximum wind and snow load resistance while minimizing contact surface on flat roofs and keeping the panel backs free of obstacles.
Examples of Specific Mounting Systems
- D160 Bifacial: A patented photovoltaic fastening system designed for pitched metal roofs with dry coverings. It provides a 160 mm air gap under the module for ventilation and optimized rear side illumination, ensuring durability and technical compliance.
- Sigma II Ground-Mounted System: Designed to maximize bifacial gain by preventing backside shading, suitable for utility-scale projects.
- Sun Ballast Systems: Ideal for flat surface installations, allowing adjustable heights and inclinations, minimal shadowing, and maintaining panel backs free of obstructions to enhance performance and reduce payback time.
Summary
Mounting systems for bifacial solar panels are specialized to:
- Elevate the panels for rear-side light capture,
- Prevent shadowing on the backside,
- Allow tilt and orientation optimization,
- Provide structural stability against environmental loads,
- Work with reflective surfaces to enhance energy yield.
Therefore, specific mounting systems are indeed required to fully leverage the benefits of bifacial solar panels and ensure their long-term efficiency and safety.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-mounting-systems-required-for-bifacial-solar-panels/
