The mounting type plays a significant role in affecting the energy production variability of bifacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels are designed to capture sunlight from both their front and back sides, which can increase their efficiency compared to monofacial panels. However, to maximize this advantage, the mounting system must be carefully selected and configured.
Types of Mounting Systems and Their Effects
- Fixed-Tilt Mounting Systems: These are the simplest and most common systems. They keep the panels at a fixed angle, which can be optimized based on the geographical location. However, they might not fully capture the benefits of bifacial panels in varying conditions.
- Single-Axis and Dual-Axis Tracking Systems: These systems adjust the panel’s angle to follow the sun, potentially increasing energy output by optimizing both front and rear side exposure. Dual-axis trackers can adjust both vertically and horizontally, providing the highest energy production gains, especially on surfaces with high reflectivity like snow or water.
- Ground-Mounted vs. Rooftop Mounts: Ground-mounted bifacial panels can benefit from reflected light off surfaces like sand or gravel, increasing energy output significantly. Rooftop installations can also use bifacial panels if there is no obstruction to the rear side, but gains may be less pronounced due to typical roof surfaces having lower reflectivity.
Factors Influencing Energy Production Variability
- Reflectivity of the Surface Beneath: Higher reflectivity surfaces like snow, sand, or light-colored gravel can significantly enhance rear side energy capture, thus improving overall efficiency.
- Shading: Any shading on the rear side can reduce the effectiveness of bifacial panels. Mounting systems should be designed to minimize this issue.
- Panel Height and Clearance: Elevating bifacial panels increases the amount of reflected light captured by the rear side. Adequate clearance is crucial for maintaining airflow and allowing light to reflect onto the back of the panels.
Best Practices for Maximizing Energy Production
- Optimize Panel Orientation and Tilt: Ensure that the tilt and orientation are optimized for both front and rear side exposure based on the site’s geographical conditions.
- Use Reflective Mounting Components: Utilize light-colored or reflective materials in the mounting structure to enhance rear light reflection.
- Incorporate Diffusers: Strategically use diffusers or reflective surfaces around the panels to increase rear illumination.
By carefully selecting and configuring the mounting system based on these factors, bifacial solar panels can significantly reduce energy production variability and maximize their potential efficiency gains over monofacial panels.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-mounting-type-affect-the-energy-production-variability-of-bifacial-solar-panels/
