Bifacial solar panels have many advantages over traditional solar panels. Electricity is generated by such solar modules from two sides, which increases the overall generation. They are more durable as both sides are UV resistant, which reduces potential cell degradation. The installation and maintenance costs of the system are also reduced, as From a smaller area you can get more energy. This is one of the best solar panels.
At the moment, the main suppliers of bifacial solar panels are the leading manufacturers of “conventional” solar panels, these are LG, Longu, Lumos Solar, Prism Solar, Silfab, Yingli Solar. However, as the technology is mastered and improved, these modules appear in the range of second-tier manufacturers.
What is a double-sided solar module?
Conventional solar panels generate electricity only on one side, since their cells usually have an opaque polymer substrate. Double-sided panels are arranged slightly differently, which allows photovoltaic cells to capture reflected sunlight and the back surface. Provided that the array of batteries is installed on a highly reflective surface (white roof, sandy or rocky light ground), the performance of bifacial solar panels can be 30% higher than standard ones.
Bilateral solar panels are available in two versions – frame and frameless. Most use monocrystalline solar cells, but there are also polycrystalline batteries. It should be understood that existing frameless solar panels using two layers of glass (outer and outer) are not two-sided, since the generated electricity from a two-sided module is removed by contacts (buses) from the front and back sides of the cell.
How are bifacial solar modules installed?
The installation method of the double-sided module depends on its type. A double-sided frame module may be easier to install than a frameless module due to the fact that it uses traditional solar mounting systems. Most frameless battery manufacturers offer their own mounts or recommend specific brands of systems, which reduces the design flexibility of such systems.
Clips for frameless panels usually have rubber seals to protect the glass from vibrations. And when using them, you should be very careful not to exceed the tightening torque and not damage the glass.
The greater the angle of installation of the solar module to the surface, the higher the efficiency of reflected light consumption, and the higher the total generation. Double-sided modules mounted directly on the surface. And parallel to it, block any reflected light, and the backside generates almost no power. Therefore, bifacial modules work best in-ground installations and on flat roofs using sloped structures – in these cases, reflected light is sufficient to be used for generation.
The solar mounting system itself can affect the performance of bifacial modules. Traditional systems with support rails (profile) are usually covered by installed solar panels. However, in the case of double-sided modules, these rails will cast a shadow on the back side. And reduce overall performance. Breakout boxes on double-sided modules are physically smaller than conventional ones, and are spread across several blocks along the edge of the panel to avoid shading.
What are the prospects for bifacial solar cells?
It is planned that the production and sales of bifacial solar modules will grow at a high rate. “The problem with these modules has been unpredictable power output. As it depends on the surface behind the batteries – light roof, grass, gravel, shingles. Performance is hard to model.” – said Vincent Ambrose, general manager of Canadian Solar. And productivity is the most important of the indicators in the commercial calculations of a solar power plant.
The bifacial modules are the future of the industry. These modules inherit all the advantages of PERC mono modules. High power density for significant savings in installation and ownership, high energy yield with better performance at low light and lower temperature coefficient. In addition, bifacial PERC modules also collect power from the rear, demonstrating higher power output. We believe that bifacial PERC modules are the best approach to achieving a lower cost of ownership.
