Bi-facial Solar Panels Explained: Key Facts You Should Know

Compared to conventional silicon solar panels, there exist worthwhile advantages of using bi-facial solar panels. These panels can produce energy on the face and rear side, making general energy yield higher. They are of higher durability due to UV resistance on both surfaces, and the absence of frames reduces potential-induced degradation (PID). Furthermore, the possibility of producing more power per unit area decreases the BOS costs which implies that bifacial modules are economically viable when it comes to the production of solar power. These facts of space utilization and increased energy output make bifacial modules suited to optimize the returns on solar assets.

Bi-facial vs. Monofacial Solar Panels

Absorption Efficiency

Conventional monocrystalline photovoltaic cells respond to light only from the front face, with the remaining light bouncing off. There are bifacial solar panels where solar cells are placed on both faces so that they tap the beam of light from both faces. This two-way absorption is even more effective as it employs the reflected light from nearby other surfaces.

Best Applications

Though bifacial panels are perfect for particular residential uses such as pergolas or ground-mounted facilities, they are not appropriate for new roofs. Bifacial modules are ideal, especially in commercial and utility-scale applications where the panel area is exposed to light reflection and hence absorption on the rear side giving the maximum output of energy.

Monofacial vs. Bi-facial Solar Panels

Efficiency and Durability 

The most usual type of solar panels are monofacial ones, that absorb the sun’s rays only on one side. In this case, bifacial panels that receive the light on both sides are more efficient since they have a larger area for receiving light. Bifacial modules operate during both, sunrise and sunset when mounted vertically and their structure allows for minimizing losses from extreme weather conditions. In addition, they are often more long-wearing than conventional panels, if not so to such an extent as actual photovoltaic panels. 

Installation Considerations

However, bifacial panels should not always be considered by homeowners even though they have such merits. This configuration denies the panels the advantages of fixed ground-mounted racking systems and solar tracking systems, which raises installation costs hence making monofacial panels less expensive than bifacial panels. 

Special Design of Bifacial Solar Cells

Physical Characteristics

In general, bifacial solar panels don’t look like most monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels that one is likely to come across. Usually fabricated with monocrystalline cells, although polycrystalline designs exist, bifacial modules are thin in structure and low in frame. Such panels are frequently covered by a second layer of glass or have a clear back sheet in the case of dual glass panels.

Mounting System Considerations

The mounting structures for bifacial modules are likewise distinctive, attempting to avoid shading and optimize energy utilization on both faces of the panel. New racking systems keep small junction boxes, shallow rails, and vertical frames in the corner to minimize shading on the rear side of the module for maximum energy production through reflected light.

How to get the best out of Bifacial Solar Panels

Commercial and Utility-Scale Efficiency

The bi-facial solar panels are particularly useful in commercial and utility-scale solar power systems for power generation purposes with the help of trackers. It has, for instance, been shown in LONGi’s study that bifacial panels can produce 11% more energy in comparison with standard ones in tilted, ground-mounted systems. When integrated with solar tracking systems, bifacial panels were found to produce an additional 27% more than conventional solar power sets.

Energy Absorption and Surface Reflection

Bifacial panels are used because they can capture the sun’s rays on the front side and the backside. If raised, these panels collect the sunlight that is reflected off the surface of the ground below. For this, the reflection of the surface depends on the color; for instance, light-colored surfaces such as sand boost the capability of the panels while darker surfaces such as asphalt are less reflective.

Bifacial Solar Panels in Residential Installations

Ideal Applications

The bifacial solar panels are in most cases more appropriate for commercial and utility-scale power plants due largely to their high cost as compared to the standard solar panels. However, the best utility of these can be derived in particular residential applications using them on pergolas or other free-standing structures where they can offer partial shade and power the house at the same time.

Ground-Mounted Systems

Bifacial panels are recommended for those homeowners, who are interested in the installation of ground-mounted solar systems. These systems are raised to enable light to shine at the front and back of the panels to enhance power output. Well, first of all, bifacial panels are suitable for such structures as awnings, and canopies as these panels can work with reflected light.

Impact of Solar Tariffs

Since 2018, the decision of the Trump administration to impose tariffs on imported solar panels has had a major impact on the solar industry seeking to create more employment for Americans through the manufacturing of panels while keeping out cheaper imports. Assistant President Joe Biden’s government has sustained these tariffs and in 2022, they have been renewed for an additional four years but exclusion of bifacial solar panels which makes it cheap for buyers.

Viability of Bifacial PV Solar Modules

The bifacial solar panels are even more effective for application in commercial business ventures and utility-scale projects. But another drawback, that is, their installation expenses could be considerably higher compared to conventional panels, can be paid to their applicability to residential rooftop projects. An important thing that is to be considered by the homeowners is to look for more than one quote to be offered to them as they will find one that suits them best.

Conclusion

Bifacial solar panels are superior not just in basic energy terms but also as more efficient use of infrastructure – they produce more energy, are less prone to damage, and are much more versatile when space is a concern. Nonetheless, since they are fixed at a greater height as well as possess a uniquely tailored installation, they are ideal mostly for flat and commercial or utility solar power stations rather than residential rooftops. Tariffs have added a layer of uncertainty to the price of imports, specifically solar panels, but bifacial has proved to cut down the cost of large projects perhaps if combined with trackers. For those people, who are thinking about the installation of solar panels: it is crucial to compare the gain in efficiency to the extra costs concerning the monofacial panel.