How does the cost of bifacial solar panels compare to traditional solar panels over time

The cost comparison between bifacial and traditional (monofacial) solar panels over time involves considering initial purchase and installation costs, energy output efficiency, maintenance, system design, and long-term financial returns.

Initial Cost Differences

• Bifacial solar panels generally have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional monofacial panels. For residential-scale systems, bifacial panels can add about 10 to 20 cents more per watt, translating to approximately $600 to $1,200 extra for a 6 kW system. Utility-scale projects see smaller price premiums of 1 to 5 cents more per watt for bifacial panels. This cost premium is due in part to their dual-glass design, which increases durability but also material and manufacturing complexity, as well as the need for ground mounts or solar tracking systems to maximize their performance.
• Monofacial solar panels have a lower initial cost and are more common for residential rooftops and cost-sensitive projects, with prices generally lower by the amounts noted above.

Energy Efficiency and Production Over Time

• Bifacial panels capture sunlight on both their front and back sides, typically producing 5% to 30% more energy compared to monofacial panels, depending on ground reflectivity (albedo), installation height, and system design. This higher energy output can justify their higher initial cost because they generate more electricity over the panel’s lifetime.
• Studies have shown bifacial panels can deliver energy production gains of about 5.5% or more compared to monofacial panels in utility-scale installations. The additional energy results in better capacity factors and increased revenue from electricity generation.

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

• The LCOE metric, which accounts for all costs versus total energy produced over the system’s life (typically 25-30 years), is crucial to assessing cost-effectiveness over time.
• While bifacial panels have higher upfront costs and often higher balance of system (BOS) and installation costs (due to trackers and special mounts), their increased energy yield can lower the LCOE, making them financially beneficial in many cases, especially in locations with high ground reflectivity or at higher latitudes.
• For example, a utility-scale case study found that the extra capital cost for bifacial modules (around $10,000 per MW) could be recovered in less than 2.5 years thanks to increased energy generation, meaning bifacial panels deliver better returns after this payback period.

Durability and Warranty

• Bifacial panels tend to be more durable, often featuring dual-glass construction that resists environmental degradation better than the polymer-backed monofacial panels. Their design reduces issues like potential-induced degradation, potentially extending panel lifespan and maintaining efficiency longer.
• The warranty period for bifacial panels may be longer by several years compared to monofacial panels, contributing to their value proposition over time.

Installation Considerations and Impact on Costs

• Bifacial modules often require ground mounts, tracking systems, or specially optimized rooftops to maximize the rear-side energy gain, adding complexity and expense to installation.
• Monofacial panels are more versatile and easier to install on a wide variety of roof types and configurations, which can reduce installation labor costs and complications.

Summary Table

Conclusion

Although bifacial solar panels have a higher initial cost, their enhanced energy production, greater durability, and potential for lower LCOE over the lifespan often translate into better financial returns over time, especially in commercial or utility-scale projects and in locations with favorable solar and ground-reflectivity conditions. For residential or small-scale installations where budget and flexibility are priorities, monofacial panels may remain more cost-effective upfront, but bifacial panels can offer improved long-term value where conditions allow.