With the increasing demand for cleaner and efficient energy solutions, the technology has evolved to offer better products. Among them are bifacial solar panels. With a simple tweak in existing design, they have been made to increase the efficiency of energy output by up to 30%. These devices capture sunlight from both ends to enhance the power output.
Are you aware of how they work or what specific conditions they require for higher energy efficiency? Understanding these is crucial before going for bulk installation. We provide the relevant insights about what is a bifacial solar panel, how it works, the factors and associated benefits right here. So, scroll to know!
What is Bifacial Solar Panel?
Solar panels, photovoltaic panels or PV panels are the devices capable of converting solar energy into electric energy. The traditional solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells present on sun facing side to carry out the energy conversion. These are also called monofacial solar panels. Stepping up the efficiency of traditional solar panels, there is new variiety known as the bifacial solar panels.
They comprise photovoltaic cells on both sides, thus enhancing their efficiency in generating electricity. The bifacial solar panels receive direct sunlight on the front. Additionally, the backside receives light reflected from the reflective surface, such as ground with light-coloured stones or a white Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roof, to generate electricity. These are well-suited for commercial buildings, buildings with flat roofs and large-scale industrial setups. The better efficiency of a bifacial solar panel, however, depends on factors like surface reflectivity, tilt and height.
How does a bifacial solar panel work?
Knowing what are bifacial solar panels, let’s progress to the working of the bifacial solar panel. It is simple to understand. The front side has protective glass just like traditional solar panels. It is accompanied by the presence of solar cells or photovoltaic cells. However, the conventional options have an opaque backside.
The bifacial solar panels have a back side made of either glass or a clear plastic sheet. It comprises photovoltaic cells that help capture the albedo light, i.e., the sunlight that is reflected by the ground. Thus, here the solar energy is absorbed from both sides and subsequently converted into electricity. The bifacial solar panels generally allow the generation of up to 30% more energy with the help of albedo light.
Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Bifacial Solar Performance
The bifacial solar panels’ performance depends on a variety of factors. They are:
- Light source: Especially, the quantity of albedo light has a role in determining the generated power. Areas with light floors or rooftops generate more energy due to better reflection. The list also includes locations with sand, snow or coloured roofs. However, areas with asphalt or dark soil do not exhibit such efficiency.
- Installation: The tilt angle and height at which the solar panel is installed have a major role in allowing the capture of maximum sunlight. The increased tilt angle and better height enhance the light absorption, thus delivering better energy output.
- Weather and cleanliness: The number of hours of sunlight available has an obvious impact on the power generated. Further, the presence of dust and debris, especially in sandy areas, can limit the available sunlight. Hence, efficiency is influenced by regular cleaning.
Advantages of a bifacial solar panel
The advantages of a bifacial solar panel are as follows:
Increased Energy Production
The ability to capture sunlight from both sides and use the same helps increase the energy production. The ground installations can generate around 11% more power, while usage with solar trackers enhances this percentage to 40%.
Better Low-Light Performance
The low light limitations of monofacial solar panels are further eliminated due to the presence of a capturing panel on both sides. Hence, the production in bifacial solar panels is comparatively higher than that of traditional ones.
Durability
The tempered glass covering on both sides of these solar panels contributes to better durability. These are generally designed to withstand temperature, wind and UV rays. These panels even have their lifespan extended up to around 30 years in the absence of a metal frame. Otherwise, the degradation of the metal frame with time would compromise its durability.
Versatility
The flexibility to install the bifacial solar panels on the rooftop, group and floating systems adds to their versatility. It allows efficient use of sunlight at different times of the day, thus providing better output.
Potential for Lower LCOE
Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) determines the average cost of producing a single unit of energy over the lifetime of an energy-generating system. The higher energy output in the bifacial solar panel due to dual faces decreases the LCOE.
Reduced PID
Potential Induced Degradation (PID) occurs when electricity flows through the wrong path and hence damages the solar cells, thus reducing their performance. It happens in the presence of frames on solar panels. Hence, the frameless bifacial solar panels, owing to the absence of a frame, do not face such problems, thus reducing the PID.
Conclusion
Bifacial solar panels are an effective upgrade in solar panels that allow capturing sunlight from both sides. It helps enhance the energy output. The installation of these solar panels, however, requires careful planning to ensure maximum capture of solar energy. The presence of more albedo light plays a major role in enhancing the returned output. If you are looking for such quality and sustainable energy sources, the L&T-SuFin deals with bifacial solar panels. Get a quote for bulk purchase now, along with loan facilities.
FAQs
Can I use bifacial solar panels on my roof?
Yes, the rooftop installation of bifacial solar panels is preferred in commercial settings.
Are bifacial solar panels better?
Yes, bifacial solar panels are better compared to traditional monofacial solar panels due to more energy input and hence better output and efficiency.
What is the lifespan of a bifacial solar panel?
Generally, the lifespan of bifacial solar panels ranges from 25 to 30 years. However, it depends on a variety of factors like manufacturing quality, maintenance, panel type and warranty.
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