The tilt angle of bifacial solar panels significantly impacts their efficiency by influencing the amount of sunlight captured by both the front and rear sides of the panel. Here’s how different tilt angles affect bifacial panels:
Impact of Tilt Angle on Bifacial Panels
- Optimal Tilt Angle for Efficiency: Studies suggest that bifacial panels achieve optimal efficiency when tilted at around 30 degrees. This angle balances direct and reflected irradiance, maximizing energy production, particularly when installed on reflective surfaces like white-painted grounds.
- Increasing Rear-Side Irradiance: Increasing the tilt angle beyond 30 degrees can increase rear-side irradiance, enhancing bifacial gains. However, if the tilt is too steep, it can reduce front-side gains during peak sun hours, potentially offsetting some of the benefits.
- Vertical Installation: Bifacial panels installed vertically (at 90 degrees) can capture sunlight throughout the day, spreading energy production more evenly and reducing peak clipping losses. This setup is beneficial in maximizing energy capture during morning and late afternoon hours.
Key Factors Influencing Efficiency
- Albedo Effect: Reflectivity of surfaces beneath the panels significantly impacts efficiency. Higher albedo surfaces like white paint can increase energy gain by up to 19% compared to lower albedo surfaces.
- Environmental Conditions: Climate and weather conditions affect performance. Sunny areas with high reflectivity are ideal, while extreme temperatures may reduce efficiency.
Conclusion
Adjusting the tilt angle of bifacial solar panels is crucial for optimizing their performance. While a 30-degree tilt is often optimal, considerations like surface reflectivity, installation height, and environmental conditions also play significant roles in maximizing energy yield.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-tilt-angle-of-bifacial-panels-impact-their-efficiency/
