How Ground Reflectivity Affects the Efficiency of Bifacial Solar Panels
The efficiency of bifacial solar panels, which can generate electricity from both the front and rear sides, is significantly influenced by the reflectivity of the ground beneath them. This effect is known as the albedo effect. Here’s how ground reflectivity impacts bifacial solar panels:
Albedo Effect and Its Impact
- Increased Energy Yield: Bifacial solar panels benefit from high-albedo surfaces, such as snow, sand, or light-colored rooftops. These surfaces reflect additional sunlight onto the rear of the panels, boosting their energy yield. For instance, bifacial panels installed over snow can increase energy output by 20% to 40% compared to conventional monofacial panels.
- Surfaces with High Reflectivity: High-albedo surfaces like white gravel or snow can enhance the performance of bifacial panels by reflecting more sunlight onto their back sides. In some cases, using high-albedo reflectors can increase the yield by up to 4.5%.
- Surfaces with Low Reflectivity: In contrast, surfaces with low reflectivity, such as dark soil or asphalt, offer fewer benefits for bifacial panels since they reflect less light onto the panel’s back.
Optimizing Performance
To maximize the efficiency of bifacial solar panels:
- Environmental Considerations: Choose locations with naturally high-albedo surfaces or apply artificial albedo enhancement methods, such as using reflective materials on the ground.
- Technology Selection: Select solar panel technologies that perform well in different albedo conditions. For example, HJT technology excels in high reflectivity environments like snow.
Conclusion
In summary, the reflectivity of the ground is a crucial factor in enhancing the efficiency of bifacial solar panels. By selecting sites with high-albedo surfaces or using reflective materials, one can significantly improve the energy yield of these panels.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-reflectivity-of-the-ground-affect-the-efficiency-of-bifacial-solar-panels/
