Did you know the bifacial solar panel market share is expected to triple by 2030? So what exactly are they, and why are they gaining huge popularity?
In the ever-evolving solar energy landscape, the search for energy-efficient power generation has led to the development of bifacial solar panels. The unique ability of these bifacial solar panels is to capture sunlight from the front and rear sides. This article will cover all about the bifacial solar panels, from their working, installation, and potential to their advantages, limitations, and transformative impact.
What are Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panel modules are designed to generate power from both sides of the panel. Traditional opaque-back sheeted panels are monofacial and expose only the front side of the panel, whereas bifacial panels expose both the front and rear sides of the solar cell.
Most bifacial solar designs use monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells and have contacts/busbars on both sides of their cells. The constant across all these solar designs is that they generate power from both sides.
Types of Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels can come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from large commercial panels to small residential panels. They can be used with a frame or frameless. The two most widely used bifacial modules are glass-glass and glass-back sheets.
In the glass-back sheet model, only one side of the cells consists of contacts/ busbars, and the back of the cells has a sheet of glass or transparent Tedlar Polyester Tedlar (TPT). Meanwhile, the glass-glass modules have contacts/ busbars printed on both sides of the cells. These panels can be frameless and are more energy-efficient than glass-back sheet panels.
Efficiency of Bifacial Solar Panels
Generally, bifacial solar panels generate higher energy efficiency than monofacial panels. The average efficiency of an N-type solar panel is over 22%, whereas the P-type solar panel is between 18-20%. Bifacial module manufacturers claim that the efficiency of these bifacial solar panels can further be increased by 30% when installed on highly reflective surfaces like TPO roofs or the ground with light-coloured gravel.
Working of Bifacial Solar
Bifacial solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells that are mounted on the front and rear sides of the panel. The process begins when the sunlight hits the front side of the panel; the PV cells absorb the light and generate the electric current. The panel’s glass layer allows light to pass through and reflect off the surface beneath the panel, such as the rooftop or the ground. Now, the reflected light hits the rear side of the panel, which also contains bifacial PV cells, generating additional electric current.
Bifacial Solar Panel Price in India
Bifacial solar panels are gaining popularity due to their affordability and energy efficiency. They can generate more energy than monofacial solar panels. In India, a bifacial solar panel costs INR 21,750.
Bifacial Solar Panel Installation Process
The installation process of bifacial solar panels is similar to that of monofacial panels. The only difference is that the panels are installed on elevated racking systems, allowing sunlight to hit both sides of the pane.
Here are some common installation methods for bifacial solar panels:
- Ground-mounted: With this method, the panels are mounted on the ground using a racking system that keeps the solar panel at a certain height and angle above the ground, allowing light to reflect on both the front and rear sides of the panel.
- Rooftop: This method installs bifacial solar panels on rooftops using either a strong balance or anchored racking system. The angle and orientation of the panels should be optimised to receive the maximum amount of sunlight and allow light to reflect on both sides of the panel.
- Floating: Using this method, bifacial solar panels can also be installed on water bodies such as reservoirs or lakes. This offers increased energy output by capturing sunlight from both sides and reflecting off the water’s surface.
Benefits of Bifacial Solar Panel
The most significant advantage of bifacial solar modules is their increased efficiency. Studies have shown that they produce over 20-30% more energy than traditional solar energy panels.
Here are some of the key advantages of using bifacial solar panels,
- Durability: Bifacial solar panels are also more durable and productive, even under harsh weather conditions.
- Cost-effective: These panels contribute to the most cost-effective solar energy generation over the panel’s lifespan.
- Versatility: Bifacial solar panels can be installed in various configurations and locations for both commercial and residential applications.
- Increase ROI: Although the initial installation costs of bifacial solar panels are expensive, their higher energy output and durability can be a better return on investment.
- Environmental benefits: These panels are clean, renewable energy that reduces your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a sustainable future.
Limitations of Bifacial Solar Panel
Bifacial solar panel modules have some limitations, including:
- Higher cost: Bifacial PV modules are more expensive than monofacial modules. Due to their high cost, they are not usually recommended for residential clients.
- Limites availability: Bifacial solar panels are not as widely available as traditional panels, which can limit the options for installers and buyers.
- Installation complexity: These modules require special installation techniques and mounting methods to capture light from both ends, which might require additional expertise and planning. They are also more sensitive to shading and require careful placement.
Bifacial solar panels represent a paradigm shift in the solar energy landscape, generating higher energy efficiency and a more sustainable future. As technology advances, the adoption of bifacial solar panels is expected to grow across commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
