Comparing the Durability of Bifacial and Traditional Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels generally offer superior durability compared to traditional monofacial panels due to their construction and design. Here’s a breakdown of their durability comparison:
Construction and Durability Features
- Bifacial Panels: These panels are typically built with glass on both sides, which enhances their resilience against environmental factors like wind, hail, and temperature fluctuations. This double-glass construction contributes to a longer lifespan, often extending up to 30 years.
- Monofacial Panels: Traditional monofacial panels, while robust, do not offer the same level of protection as bifacial panels. They are usually less durable due to their single-sided glass or backsheet design, making them more susceptible to environmental stressors and typically lasting around 25 years.
Durability Advantages of Bifacial Panels
- Enhanced Environmental Resilience: Bifacial panels are better equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and hail, due to their double-glass design.
- Reduced Degradation: The glass backing on bifacial panels helps reduce degradation from environmental factors, even when not framed, which can lead to a longer operational lifespan.
- Versatility in Installation: Bifacial panels can be installed in various orientations, including vertical setups that are less prone to snow and debris accumulation.
Cost and Warranty Considerations
- Initial Cost: Bifacial panels are about 10% more expensive than monofacial panels upfront.
- Warranty and Longevity: They often come with longer warranties due to their durable design, which can offset the higher initial cost over time.
Overall, while bifacial panels cost more initially, their enhanced durability and longer lifespan can provide better long-term value, especially in challenging environmental conditions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-durability-of-bifacial-panels-compare-to-traditional-panels/
