Design and Installation
- Conduct comprehensive shading analysis: Use solar pathfinders or 3D modeling software to assess shading patterns across seasons. For bifacial systems, evaluate both front and rear sides, including reflections from nearby structures or vegetation.
- Optimize tilt and height: Higher tilt angles (e.g., 30–45°) and elevated mounting (≥1 meter) improve rear-side light capture by increasing exposure to reflected sunlight.
- Position panels strategically: Prioritize south-facing orientation (Northern Hemisphere) and avoid proximity to obstructions like trees, chimneys, or parapet walls.
Site and Surface Optimization
- Maximize ground reflectivity (albedo): Use light-colored surfaces (e.g., white gravel, snow, or specialized reflective materials) beneath panels to enhance rear-side absorption.
- Trim vegetation and clear obstructions: Remove overhanging branches and relocate objects casting shadows on either side of panels.
- Avoid self-shading in arrays: Use landscape orientation and wider spacing between rows to minimize inter-row shading.
Technological Solutions
- Install microinverters or DC optimizers: These module-level power electronics (MLPEs) mitigate shading losses by allowing each panel to operate independently.
- Leverage multi-MPPT inverters: Assign shaded and unshaded panels to separate Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) channels to prevent system-wide performance drops.
- Select half-cell or bifacial-specific panels: Half-cell designs reduce resistance losses, while bifacial panels with durable coatings handle snow/ice accumulation better.
Maintenance and Monitoring
- Clean panels regularly: Ensure both sides remain free of dust, snow, and debris, which disproportionately affect bifacial efficiency.
- Use specialized monitoring systems: Track rear-side performance separately to identify shading issues quickly.
- Inspect mounting systems: Ensure racks or frames do not cast shadows on rear surfaces, especially during low-angle sunlight.
Advanced Strategies
- Seasonal tilt adjustments: Adapt panel angles to account for winter shading from longer shadows.
- Bypass diode integration: Modern panels include diodes to reroute current around shaded cells, reducing output drops.
- Urban environment adaptations: Analyze reflections from nearby buildings to exploit beneficial light or avoid disruptive glare.
By combining precise site design, advanced technologies, and proactive maintenance, you can maximize the energy yield of bifacial solar systems despite shading challenges.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-best-practices-for-minimizing-shading-on-bifacial-solar-panels/
