Bifacial solar panels tend to be more cost-effective in specific regions where environmental conditions and economic factors align to maximize their energy yield and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
Regional Factors Affecting Cost-Effectiveness
1. High Solar Irradiation Regions
- Regions with strong sunlight and high albedo (reflective surfaces like deserts or snowy areas) improve the energy capture from the rear side of bifacial panels, thereby enhancing their output and cost-effectiveness. The Middle East and Africa, including countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, are highlighted as having favorable solar irradiation that makes bifacial systems attractive for large-scale projects.
2. Asia-Pacific
- The Asia-Pacific region, especially China, is a major growth market for bifacial solar panels due to large-scale solar investments, strong government support for renewables, and economies of scale lowering costs. This region’s commitment to renewable energy infrastructure and favorable policies drive the adoption and make bifacial panels more financially viable.
3. North America
- The United States and broader North American market show significant growth potential for bifacial panels, driven by utility-scale projects and increasing emphasis on sustainability. U.S.-based studies have found bifacial systems competitive on LCOE with traditional monofacial systems, especially when considering lifetime energy gains. The NREL study found typical LCOE ranging from $25–45 per MWh depending on location, indicating cost-competitiveness in various U.S. sites.
4. Europe
- European countries, including Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, support bifacial solar adoption through favorable policies and renewable energy targets. The region’s commitment to clean energy and solar integration makes bifacial panels potentially more cost-effective, especially in locations where land use efficiency and higher energy density per area are important.
Summary of Cost-Effectiveness Drivers
- Bifacial solar panels generally become more cost-effective where:
- There is strong direct and reflected sunlight (high solar irradiation and reflective ground conditions).
- Large-scale projects or utility-scale installations benefit from higher energy yields (up to 35% more energy production reported with bifacial + tracking systems).
- Policies and market conditions support renewable energy investments.
- The initial cost premium (~5-6¢/W more) is offset by energy gains over system lifetime, reducing LCOE equivalently or below that of monofacial panels.
In conclusion, bifacial solar panels are most cost-effective in regions with abundant sunlight, reflective surfaces, and supportive market conditions. These include parts of the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific (notably China), North America, and Europe, where their superior energy yield and improving cost structure combine to lower the levelized cost of electricity.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-regions-where-bifacial-solar-panels-are-more-cost-effective/
