The performance of bifacial solar panels varies significantly across different climates due to factors including sunlight availability, temperature, and surface reflectivity (albedo).
Influence of Climate on Bifacial Solar Panel Performance
1. Albedo and Reflectivity Effects
Bifacial panels generate power from both their front and rear sides, making the reflectivity of the ground beneath them crucial. In climates with high albedo surfaces such as snow-covered ground, sand, or light-colored rooftops, the panels can capture substantial additional irradiance on their rear side, boosting overall energy yield. For example, snow can increase bifacial gain by about 20% due to its high reflectivity, significantly improving energy capture compared to monofacial panels. This is especially evident in colder climates where snow cover helps bifacial panels recover quickly after snowfall, resuming normal operation faster than monofacial panels that may remain obstructed longer.
2. Sunlight and Latitude
Bifacial panels perform best in sunny regions where the combination of direct and reflected sunlight is maximized. In lower-latitude regions below 30°, bifacial gain tends to be under 10% if the albedo is moderate (~0.25), as found in studies conducted in Nigeria and other tropical/subtropical zones. Here, bifacial panels still receive higher in-plane irradiance than monofacial ones but the relative gain is smaller due to less ground reflection.
3. Temperature Effects
While bifacial panels benefit from dual-sided irradiance, higher temperatures common in hot climates can reduce their efficiency, as all solar panels experience thermal losses. Some modeling studies show slight overestimation of power generation at higher temperatures, indicating that heat adversely impacts performance. Thus, in very hot climates, the efficiency advantage of bifacial panels may be somewhat diminished compared to cooler regions.
4. Soil and Ground Cover Variations
The nature of the ground covering—whether organic soil, grass, or artificial surfaces—affects bifacial performance by altering albedo. Studies in Brazil’s tropical climates demonstrated variable bifacial gains depending on local soil and vegetation types, showing that managing ground covers (e.g., using organic materials with higher reflectivity or limiting shading vegetation) can optimize bifacial system output.
Summary Table of Climate Influence on Bifacial Panel Performance
| Climate Type | Key Factors | Bifacial Gain / Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Snowy / Cold | High albedo from snow cover | Up to ~20% gain; faster recovery after snowfall |
| Sunny / Tropical | Moderate albedo, abundant sunlight | Moderate gain (~<10%); higher irradiance on bifacial modules |
| Hot / Arid | High temperatures, varying albedo | Efficiency reduced by heat; gain dependent on ground reflectivity |
| Varied Soil Types | Ground reflectivity and vegetation | Performance varies; albedo enhancement via ground management |
In conclusion, bifacial solar panels exhibit superior performance in climates with high ground reflectivity and moderate temperatures, especially snowy or lightly colored surfaces. Their efficiency gain diminishes in hot climates due to thermal losses but can still outperform monofacial panels if albedo is managed well. Understanding and optimizing the interaction of local climatic factors, ground reflectivity, and system configuration is essential for maximizing bifacial photovoltaic system yields.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-performance-of-bifacial-solar-panels-vary-in-different-climates/
