The need for clean sources of energy has been a leading force behind the advancement of solar technology, and among the advances in this direction has been the rise of bifacial solar panels. The next generation of solar panels seeks to harness energy from both sides, thereby optimizing electricity generation. What are bifacial solar panels, how do they work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages compared to other traditional solar technologies?
What is Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panels are solar panels with the capacity to collect sunlight on both sides of the panel, both front and back. Their two-sided nature assists them in collecting more ground-reflected sunlight or other ground-surfaces’ reflected sunlight, thus more energy. The general purpose of bifacial solar panels is maximizing solar collection, thus their high efficiency in installations where ground light reflects well, i.e., snowy grounds or sandy grounds.
Bifacial Solar Panel Efficiency
One of the superior attributes of bifacial solar panels is that they are more effective compared to typical monofacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels produce 30% more power up to as high as double what traditional solar panels can produce, depending on installation alignment. To mean that using the same amount of solar panel space, bifacial solar panels produce more electricity, thus rendering them highly fitting to be employed in residential and business solar installation aloso on grid solar inverter.
Bifacial Solar Panels vs Monocrystalline
Comparison of bifacial solar panels and monocrystalline panels is based on their efficiency, cost, and installation. Monocrystalline panels are made up of a single crystal structure and are highly efficient but get sunlight on one side alone. Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, can take power from both sides to generate energy, with the possibility of producing more total energy.
Bifacial Solar Panels Advantages and Disadvantages
Like all technologies, bifacial solar panels have advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comprehensive table of these information:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Increased energy production with bifacial advantage | Usually more expensive than monofacial modules |
| Improved performance in reflective conditions | Need special mounting considerations |
| Longer lifespan because less thermally stressed | Can necessitate additional frames for mounting |
| Lower land area utilization for the installations | Dirt and dust on the back side affect efficiency |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bifacial Solar Panels
Even with the positives, there are some disadvantages to bifacial solar panels. The bifacial panel is usually higher in price as compared to ordinary monofacial panels when considering buying them. There must also be optimized setup for the rear side of the panel in order to be capable of harnessing reflected sun efficiently. This means that not every location will prove to be fitting for bifacial panels; under some specific circumstances, where sunlight is being efficiently reflected off the ground surface, they will work optimally.
Roof Installation of Bifacial Solar Panels
Roof mounting of bifacial solar panels is a new trend for homeowners who desire to get the most out of their solar power. When considering installing bifacial solar panels on a roof, one should look at the roofing material and the surroundings. The roof surface, if light-colored, will enhance the bifacial gain because it reflects more light to the back of the panels.
What Is Bifacial Gain in Solar Panels?
Bifacial gain refers to the additional energy that the rear side of bifacial solar panels produces from light reflected back to them. How much bifacial gain occurs varies significantly based on everything from what surface is under the panels to the installation height and location. Getting all of these factors optimally in the correct manner can produce enormous discrepancies in energy yields.
Bifacial Solar Panel Installation
Bifacial solar panel installation needs planning to make them as efficient as possible. Some of the most important considerations in bifacial solar panel installation are:
Surface Type:
An ideal surface for bifacial solar panels is one that reflects light. White or light surfaces like gravel or concrete are best to achieve maximum bifacial gain.
Angle:
The ideal angle for bifacial solar panels will likely be near the latitude of the installation location. A maximum tilt angle of 30-40 degrees is normally recommended.
Height:
The ideal height for bifacial solar panels will be high enough to have good airflow and prevent shading by nearby buildings or trees. A height of 1-2 meters above the ground level is normally recommended to optimize performance.
What is the Purpose of Bifacial Solar Panels?
The primary role of bifacial solar panels is to realize maximum energy generation with the utilization of sunlight on both sides. The technology is most beneficial in applications where sunlight can be reflected from the ground and, as a result, optimal overall production of solar energy systems. With the utilization of bifacial panels, customers are able to enjoy higher energy outputs, reduced land area usage, and improved return on investment.
Price of Bifacial Solar Panel
The price of bifacial solar panels is typically higher than monofacial ones. The manufacturer, the value of efficiency, and the specific technological advancements are some parameters determining the price of bifacial solar panels. Even though they have a higher upfront cost, the extra energy output and lower electricity bill in the long run could make bifacial panels cost-effective in the long run.
Conclusion
Bifacial solar panels are the latest technology in solar that brings with it multiple advantages over normal solar panels. Being capable of collecting light from the front and back sides, they are the solution to enhanced efficiency and energy output. However, the purchasers should weigh bifacial solar panels advantages and disadvantages before they buy.
If you’re considering an investment in bifacial solar panels, then companies such as Growatt are offering best-in-class products that are highly praised for their performance and reliability. In the end, the investment in bifacial solar panels can translate to more energy being produced, so they’re definitely an option worth considering for tech-savvy homeowners and businesses alike.
With emphasis on greener and cleaner energy sources, bifacial solar panels will come to the fore for harvesting sun energy in the most simple yet effective way.
