The main disadvantages of bifacial solar panels include:
- Higher Initial Cost: Bifacial solar panels are generally more expensive than traditional monofacial panels due to their more complex design, including glass on both sides, and advanced manufacturing technology. This results in a higher upfront price, which can be a barrier for some residential or budget-conscious projects.
- Installation Complexity and Costs: Proper installation of bifacial panels is more complicated and often requires specialized mounting systems, such as tilted racks or raised structures, to maximize energy capture from both sides. This complexity can increase labor and material costs. Installers must carefully consider tilt angles, elevation, and the reflectivity of the ground or surrounding surfaces to optimize performance.
- Dependence on Reflective Surfaces: Bifacial panels rely significantly on the reflectivity (albedo) of the surface beneath and around them to gain extra energy from the rear side. Surfaces like white rooftops, sand, or snow enhance output, but darker surfaces such as asphalt, dark soil, or grass absorb less light, reducing the efficiency boost from the backside. This makes bifacial panels less effective in many common rooftop or non-reflective ground installations.
- Limited Suitability for Typical Rooftop Installations: Because bifacial panels need space underneath to capture reflected light, typical flush-mounted rooftop installations often limit rear-side exposure, reducing the potential energy gains. Also, shading from the roof or nearby objects can block light to the backside, further limiting effectiveness.
- Potential for Dirt Accumulation: The silicone surface on bifacial panels can have a slight tacky feel which may cause dirt to stick more easily. While not a major issue, it could require more frequent cleaning in some environments to maintain optimal performance.
In summary, while bifacial solar panels offer improved energy yield and durability, their higher cost, installation challenges, and dependence on favorable site conditions—particularly reflective surfaces and mounting clearance—are the main drawbacks to consider. They tend to be best suited for ground-mounted or elevated systems rather than typical residential rooftops.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-disadvantages-of-bifacial-solar-panels/
