Bifacial solar panels offer several notable benefits over traditional monofacial solar panels by capturing sunlight on both their front and rear sides. Here are the key advantages:
Increased Energy Production
- Bifacial panels can produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels because they collect sunlight from both sides, including reflected light from the ground or surrounding surfaces. This dual absorption significantly boosts total energy output.
- The “albedo effect,” or light reflected from surfaces like snow, sand, or light-colored roofs, enhances the rear-side energy harvesting and improves overall efficiency.
- When paired with tracking systems that tilt panels to follow the sun, energy gains can reach approximately 27% or more.
Better Performance in Various Lighting Conditions
- They excel in low-light and diffuse light situations by capturing indirect sunlight that conventional panels usually miss, extending operational hours and enhancing energy production during cloudy or shaded conditions.
- Vertical installation options allow bifacial panels to capture sunlight during sunrise and sunset, further increasing total energy generation.
Durability and Longevity
- Most bifacial panels are built with double-glass construction, making them more resilient to environmental factors like hail, wind, UV radiation, and temperature extremes. This robust design typically translates to longer warranties and extended operational life compared to monofacial panels.
- Reduced risk of potential-induced degradation (PID) due to the absence of metal frames in some designs improves reliability and lifespan.
Versatility and Installation Flexibility
- Bifacial solar panels are suitable for a wide range of installation types, including ground-mounted arrays, carports, pergolas, and large-scale utility projects. They perform best where reflected light can reach the back side, such as open areas with reflective ground surfaces.
- They can be installed vertically or at various angles, adapting to unique architectural and geographic needs.
Aesthetics and Maintenance
- Bifacial solar panels often feature sleek, frameless designs with transparent glass on both sides, offering superior aesthetic appeal for commercial and residential applications.
- Many models have stain-resistant and hydrophobic surfaces that reduce dirt accumulation and simplify cleaning, contributing to lower maintenance efforts.
Economic Benefits
- Although bifacial panels tend to have a higher initial cost, the increased energy output can reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) over time, especially in commercial and large-scale projects where space and reflective conditions are optimized.
- Their longer warranties and durability also contribute to better long-term investment returns.
In summary, bifacial solar panels significantly enhance energy production efficiency by capturing sunlight on both sides, perform better under various light conditions, offer superior durability, and provide installation versatility with appealing aesthetics. They are especially advantageous for commercial, utility-scale, and ground-mounted residential systems where reflected light can be maximized.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-bifacial-solar-panels/
