Bifacial solar panels

Bifacial solar panels are, as their name suggests, double PV modules that collect sunlight on both sides.
Just because they have cells on both sides, they are heavier and more resistant to weather conditions compared to the classic solar panel.
The bifacial technology is not new; it dates back to the 1960s, but it has recently become very popular for various types of solar power plants.
Public parking primarily utilizes these panels. The design of bifacial panels aims to gather light from both the sunny and non-sunlit sides.

Sellers of solar panels often call rear irradiation component “diffuse”, although the term is a bit more complicated.
Let me immediately clarify the term that I will use later in the text: “diffuse component of reflected light.”
For example, when the light enters the room through the window, it is reflected from the walls, furniture, art, and ceiling, and then that component is dispersed – diffuse.
The lighting is not the same in a room painted white or a dark color because white has a higher reflection coefficient, and therefore the amount of light in the room is higher.
Let’s now consider the reflected component of sunlight, which is scattered when reflected from the environment.
The light that falls on the ground around the solar panel is partially absorbed, and the other part is reflected.
That effect is explained by Fresnel’s equations.
For users of bifacial solar panels, the second reflective component is interesting.
The reflection that reaches the underside of the bifacial panel can be diffuse or specular.
Each environment possesses both of these components in varying proportions. For example, silver has a pronounced specular component, while limestone has a pronounced diffuse component.
Both types have consequences. However, I will not delve into these complex calculations; instead, I will adopt the reflection coefficient according to the following model:

If the surrounding surface on which the panel stand can be painted white (concrete), then the reflection coefficient increases, and thus the reflected light energy on the other side.

The purpose of bifacial solar panels is to enhance the performance of solar power plants.
Consider the following facts when choosing a location and designing a solar owners:

plant with bifacial panels

1 Natural environment: Choose an environment that has a high reflection coefficient.especially deserts and snow-covered areas.
2 In the case of buildings with canopies (a parking lot), an optimal height is required, but be careful here because with an increase in height, wind gusts increase.
We must select locations away from stormy winds.
If the parking place is surrounded by buildings that protect it from the wind, it is necessary to consider the harmful effect of the shadow of the surrounding buildings.
In any case, the bifacial panels should be mounted at a height . of at least 4.2 meters from the ground (recommendation) in order to ensure a sufficient amount of reflected light.
3 Panels must Be spaced to allow for reflection. The minimum distance between the panels depends on the winter shade or latitude.Some sellers recommend a minimum distance of 6 meters. It is best to do it in large, cheap, and useless areas. (desert, meadows, tailings, etc.).

There is no doubt that bifacial solar panels will increase electricity production. There remains the question of precisely measuring the additional energy generated against the investment costs with all variables accounted for.
Various studies have shown that bifacial solar panels can produce additional power from 10% to 20% compared to mono facial panels (PV modules).
Simultaneously, the environment and construction must meet all the previously mentioned conditions.If you opt for a one-axis tracking solar power plant with seasonal channel adjustment, there is a possibility of gaining additional power of up to 40%.
Studies have shown that a dual-track system (two axes) can increase energy production somewhat, but its construction and tracking mechanism are expensive.

So, the main thing that's stopping bifacial modules from hitting the market is still how hard it is to make accurate calculations and simulations that answer questions about the extra costs.
Precise research into the economic viability of bifacial power plants in practice is important, but quality test results require time.
Despite all the obstacles and uncertainties, bifacial installations are currently on the rise, and in the last 10 years alone, the percentage has grown exponentially.
By the end of 2024, predictions indicate that bifacial modules will hold 17% of the global solar panel market. Bifacial panels are used a s light and sound protection on highways.
Some highways have installed bifacial panels for sound and light protection. Place them vertically or at a specific angle to gather both direct and diffused light.
We are still testing their effectiveness.