While bifacial solar panels are more commonly associated with commercial and utility-scale installations, they can also offer several advantages in residential settings, particularly in specific conditions:
Main Advantages in Residential Settings
- Increased Energy Production: Bifacial solar panels can capture sunlight from both the front and back sides, potentially increasing energy production by up to 30% compared to traditional monofacial panels. This advantage is especially pronounced in environments with reflective surfaces like snow or light-colored roofs.
- Durability: These panels typically feature a double-glass construction, enhancing their resistance to environmental factors such as wind and hail, and often come with longer warranties—up to 30 years.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Bifacial panels can be installed in various configurations, including vertical installations to capture sunlight at different times of the day, which can be beneficial for residential areas with diverse architectural designs.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal upkeep, similar to traditional solar panels, with only periodic cleaning necessary. Their design, often frameless and glass-encased, helps reduce dirt and debris accumulation.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Bifacial panels have a sleek appearance due to their transparent covers, making them visually appealing for residential installations.
However, it’s important to note that bifacial panels may be less practical for rooftop installations in residential settings unless there is sufficient clearance to allow reflected light to reach the back of the panels. Ground-mounted systems are typically more effective for residential bifacial installations.
Despite these advantages, bifacial solar panels generally have a higher initial cost compared to monofacial panels, which can affect the return on investment in residential settings.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-using-bifacial-solar-panels-in-residential-settings/
