In the solar market, another significant product development is rising. Bifacial solar panels that can absorb sunlight from both the front and rear end are an intriguing new solar alternative for some types of solar systems.
The traditional solar panels are also known as mono facial panels that can absorb light from only one surface, thus wasting the light energy that does not get absorbed. On the other hand, the bifacial solar panels are different from the conventional panels as they come with solar cells equipped on both sides. This mechanism helps the solar panel absorb the solar energy from both sides that enhance energy consumption. In this article, we will primarily focus on bifacial solar panels.
What is Bifacial Solar Panel?
Traditional solar panels have several disadvantages that bifacial solar modules do not. A bifacial panel can generate power from both sides, boosting overall electricity production. They are frequently more resilient since both sides are UV resistant, and when the bifacial solar panel is structurally sound, the risk of Potentially Induced Deterioration (PID) gets diminished. When more electricity is available, the cost of the Balance Of the System (BOS) gets reduced as well.
When bifacial panels are placed on a brightly transparent material (such as a white TPO ceiling or the ground with light-coloured boulders), additional electricity is produced from the backside. This additionally generated electricity can further result in a 30% increase in productivity and more efficient and clean air. Alas, one thing remains consistent, and that is the power generated from both sides.
These bifacial panels are best employed in industrial or communication infrastructures where panels are tilted and angled away from a mounting surface, allowing light to reflect towards the panel. Nowadays, bifacial solar panels are on par with traditional solar panels as they provide greater efficiency and also use up less space than conventional solar panels.
Also, when used residentially, bifacial solar panels are very productive. Especially, the transparent surfaces provide extremely clean and efficient energy when compared with conventional panels.
Benefits of Bifacial Solar Panel
Bifacial solar panels may represent the industry’s future. There are tons of benefits of bifacial panels over the traditional ones. Some of them are listed below:
Efficiency: Being more efficient by 11-12%, bifacial panels can reduce the LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) by increasing the total energy generation of similar-sized projects.
Besides higher performance, bifacial panels also overcome the limitation of high temperatures. Their glass composition channels lower working temperatures without the heat-absorbing aluminium backing of mono-facial panels.
Durability: The tempered glass strengthens the light-absorbing capacity of the panel and provides a sounding edge. Owners are also entitled to extended warranties given PPotential-Induced Degradation (PID) concerns for bifacial solar panels by both sides being UV resistant.
In addition to the durable manufacturing, the panels are also equipped for providing a reliable shield in case of any bad weather conditions.
Design: Not tampering with the aesthetics of the facade is an inherent benefit due to its sleek design that passes sunlight directly. Moreover, the design of the bifacial panels aids in putting them into service for various purposes such as awnings, barriers, or pergolas, depending on the location.
Accommodativeness: Bifacial solar panels’ performance is independent of the angle of their installation as they can even be fixed at 90°. Furthermore, space utilization is also updated since fewer panels are now fulfilling the energy requirements.
Cost-effective: Determined by a study, bifacial panels on solar trackers decrease power costs by 16%. Additionally, the glass utilized is 20-30% cheaper than the transparent sheets employed in mono-facial panels. Bifacial panel owners also benefit from a proportional decrease in labor and maintenance costs. Since more power can be generated from bifacial modules in a smaller array footprint, BOS equipment, and related costs are also diminished.
Showcasing advanced performance by maximizing electricity output levels through clean energy produced while the sun is rising and setting, bifacial solar panels promise an innovative way of energy consumption. Before opting for this clean and sustainable energy source, evaluate your roof, installation space, budget, and energy consumption patterns to make a suitable investment.
(Technical Team: Waaree Energies Ltd.)
