1. Panel and Module Costs
- Higher initial module cost: Bifacial solar panels generally have higher upfront costs compared to traditional monofacial panels because of their dual-sided design and advanced technology. This increases the base price per watt.
- Type of panel: Monocrystalline bifacial panels tend to be more expensive but more efficient than polycrystalline variants, affecting overall costs.
2. Installation Complexity
- Specialized mounting systems: Bifacial panels often require more sophisticated racking systems to optimize light capture on both sides, which can be more expensive than standard mounts for monofacial panels.
- Tilt and orientation considerations: Proper tilt angle and positioning are crucial to maximize reflected light and energy yield, adding planning complexity and potential labor costs.
- Ground reflectivity and site preparation: The performance advantages depend heavily on reflective surfaces like light-colored ground covers or nearby reflective structures. Preparing or modifying these surfaces might add to installation expenses.
- More advanced expertise needed: The newer technology demands more specialized installation knowledge, which can increase labor costs relative to traditional solar panels.
3. Location and Environmental Factors
- Reflective environment: Sites with low ground reflectivity reduce the effectiveness of bifacial panels, potentially making the extra installation cost less justifiable.
- Soiling and maintenance: Because bifacial panels capture light on both sides, they can accumulate dirt on front and rear surfaces, necessitating more regular cleaning and maintenance, which can increase long-term operational costs.
4. System Size and Design
Larger systems may benefit from economies of scale but require more materials and labor, influencing the overall installation cost.
5. Market Factors and Uncertainties
Limited industry standards and long-term performance data for bifacial technology can cause uncertainties, potentially affecting financing and insurance costs linked to installation.
Summary Table of Cost Influencing Factors
| Factor | Influence on Installation Cost | Details/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel type | Higher cost for monocrystalline bifacial panels | More efficient but pricier |
| Mounting system complexity | Increase due to special racks and tilt mechanisms | Needed to capture rear-side irradiance |
| Reflective site preparation | Potential cost if ground cover modified | Critical to maximize bifacial gains |
| Labor and expertise | Higher due to newer technology | Specialized skills required |
| Environmental maintenance | Higher operational cost for cleaning both panel sides | To maintain efficiency |
| Market and financial factors | Indirectly affect cost due to risk and standards | Less mature technology |
In general, the national average installation cost for bifacial solar panels ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 for about 10 panels, with an average around $8,000, but this varies widely based on the above factors. The average panel cost is roughly $0.50 to $0.70 per watt, higher than traditional panels due to technology and installation complexity.
Therefore, the key factors influencing bifacial solar panel installation costs are the higher panel price, specialized mounting and installation needs, site reflectivity requirements, and the need for more advanced expertise and maintenance considerations. These factors collectively result in higher upfront costs compared to traditional solar panels.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-factors-influence-the-installation-cost-of-bifacial-solar-panels/
