Bifacial solar panels can technically be installed on rooftops, but their performance and efficiency gains in this application are generally limited compared to other installation types like ground-mounted systems.
Suitability of Bifacial Panels on Rooftops
- Energy Generation: Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight on both sides, potentially producing up to 30% more energy than traditional monofacial panels under optimal conditions. However, this increased efficiency heavily depends on reflected light (albedo) reaching the underside of the panels.
- Rooftop Reflection Factor: For bifacial panels to capture reflected light from the roof surface effectively, the roof needs to be light-colored or highly reflective. Typical dark or shingled roofs minimize the reflected sunlight and thus reduce the rear-side generation advantage.
- Installation Design: Elevated mounting that allows light to reach the back of the panel can improve rooftop bifacial performance. The panels should be mounted with enough clearance from the roof surface to exploit reflected light.
- Practical Limitations: On standard residential roofs, bifacial panels often sit close to shingles or tiles, limiting light reflection and thus the energy gain from the rear side. As a result, the additional energy output compared to standard panels may be minimal or negligible.
- Cost Considerations: Bifacial solar panels may cost more upfront and require more careful installation to optimize their performance on rooftops. This can reduce their cost-effectiveness versus traditional panels in residential rooftop applications.
Ideal Use Cases for Bifacial Panels
- Ground-mounted systems where panels are elevated and can capture reflected sunlight from a reflective ground surface (e.g., white gravel, sand, snow) are optimal for maximizing bifacial panel efficiency.
- Commercial or large-scale solar farms where bifacial panels are installed with sufficient clearance and in highly reflective environments see the most benefit.
Summary
- Bifacial solar panels can be installed on residential rooftops but generally yield minimal efficiency gains unless the roof is reflective and the panels are mounted with enough space underneath for reflected light to reach the back of the panels.
- For most typical residential roofs, standard monofacial panels are more practical and cost-effective due to installation simplicity and minimal additional energy gains from bifacial technology.
- Bifacial panels are best utilized in ground-mounted or specialized installations with high reflectivity and optimized mounting height to fully realize their efficiency potential.
Therefore, while rooftop installation of bifacial panels is possible, the decision should weigh cost, roof characteristics, and desired energy gains carefully.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-bifacial-solar-panels-be-installed-on-rooftops/
