Bifacial solar panels exhibit specific advantages and considerations in hot weather conditions:
Heat tolerance and performance
Bifacial panels are generally more heat-resistant than traditional monofacial panels due to their dual-sided glass construction and improved heat dissipation. The design allows better airflow and cooling, reducing the risk of overheating and maintaining higher efficiency under high temperatures.
Key factors influencing performance
- Installation height and airflow: Elevated installations (common with bifacial systems) promote airflow beneath panels, lowering operating temperatures compared to rooftop-mounted setups.
- Surface reflectivity: Light-colored surfaces (e.g., sand or white gravel) enhance rear-side light capture while reflecting heat away, particularly beneficial in hot climates.
- Efficiency retention: Bifacial panels demonstrate improved low-light performance (e.g., cloudy skies or dawn/dusk), which can compensate for efficiency losses during peak heat hours.
Trade-offs
While their glass-on-glass construction enhances durability, it may lead to higher surface temperatures in direct sunlight compared to monofacial panels. However, this is offset by their ability to generate additional power from reflected light, maintaining competitive energy yields.
In summary, bifacial panels perform well in hot climates when installed optimally—elevated above reflective surfaces to maximize cooling and bifacial gain.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-bifacial-solar-panels-perform-in-hot-weather/
