Bifacial solar panels offer several advantages over traditional solar panels. They generate electricity from both the front and rear, so they produce more energy in total. They tend to be more resilient because both sides are designed to resist environmental degradation due to UV and moisture. If the panel is not framed, it also encounters fewer issues, such as loss of performance over time. Additionally, because they produce more power in less area, the total setup expense can be reduced.
What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panels produce energy from both the front and rear sides of the panel. Traditional monofacial panels, however, boast a backsheet that is opaque and can receive sunlight only on the front. If the bifacial panels are placed over very bright materials like white TPO roofs or light-colored gravel, some producers claim up to a 30% increase in energy yield due to the reflected sunlight on the backside.
While traditional solar PV panels are made using monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells, bifacial panels are mostly made using monocrystalline cells, which are famous for their efficiency, even though they are more expensive. Since they’re designed to be transparent, bifacial solar panels tend to be frameless and feature no metal gridlines visible to the eye. This design not only enhances visual appeal but also improves structural strength.
Difference Between Bifacial and Traditional Solar Panels
Interestingly, the solar cells used in bifacial and conventional monofacial panels are identical. The actual distinction occurs in how it is constructed and how it interfaces with its surroundings.
Monofacial solar panels use an opaque backsheet that only permits the front face of the panel to receive sunlight. Conversely, Bifacial solar features light-absorbing panels exposed on both sides. This enables them to absorb reflected light from surfaces such as white rooftops, sand, or snow. They tend to generate 10–30% more energy, subject to the configuration. This two-sided exposure renders bifacial panels a more efficient and sophisticated solar solution, particularly for projects with the goal of optimizing energy yield in constrained space.
How Do Bifacial Panels Work?
Bifacial solar panels generate electricity by capturing sunlight on both the front and rear sides. A portion of sunlight is directly absorbed by the solar cells, while some light gets trapped within the panel glass and eventually absorbed. Another portion passes through the panel and, when it reflects off a bright surface like a white roof or light-colored ground, it can be reabsorbed by the rear side of the panel. This ability to utilize reflected light allows bifacial panels to produce more energy, increasing overall efficiency and output.
Structure of a Bifacial Solar Module
Bifacial panel functionality is made possible by their unique construction, usually a glass-glass or glass-transparent backsheet design that exposes the solar cells on both sides. Here’s a breakdown of the typical components found in a bifacial solar module:
1. Glass-Glass Design
Most bifacial panels use a dual-glass structure, with tempered glass layers on both the front and back. This not only protects the solar cells but also allows sunlight to pass through and reflect for rear-side energy generation.
2. Solar Cells (Typically Monocrystalline)
The heart of the panel lies in its solar cells. Most bifacial modules use monocrystalline cells because of their higher efficiency, although some versions may use polycrystalline cells.
3. Transparent Backsheet (Alternative to Glass-Glass)
Some bifacial modules use a clear or transparent backsheet instead of dual-glass to reduce weight and cost, while still allowing sunlight to reach the rear side of the solar cells.
Together, this design forms a high-efficiency, durable solar module that can perform well in both standard and reflective environments, making bifacial panels a smart choice for advanced solar installations.
Key Benefits of Bifacial Panels
Common Applications of Bifacial Solar Panels
1. Commercial Rooftops:
Bifacial panels are ideal for commercial rooftops, where installation height and reflective surfaces (like white membrane roofs) can help capture rear-side light. Businesses benefit from higher energy yield with limited roof space.
2. Utility-Scale Ground-Mounted Plants:
These large-scale solar farms often use bifacial modules to maximize output over vast, open areas. Reflective ground treatments like white gravel or sand can further increase production.
3. Agrivoltaics (Farming + Solar):
Bifacial panels work well in agrivoltaic systems, where crops are grown under elevated solar panels. These setups allow light to pass through and reflect off the ground, benefiting both solar generation and plant growth.
4. Solar Carports:
Installing bifacial panels on solar carports increases energy production without using additional land. The rear side captures reflected light from cars, pavement, or white-painted surfaces.
Disadvantages Of Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial Panels V/S Monofacial Panels
Understanding the characteristics of bifacial and monofacial panels can provide better clarity on where each type fits best.
| Feature | Bifacial Solar Panels | Monofacial Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Absorb sunlight from both sides; up to 30% more energy output. | Absorb sunlight from the front only; standard efficiency. |
| Use-case | Ideal for commercial, utility-scale, and open ground setups. Can be installed vertically. | Best for residential rooftops and small-scale installations. |
| lifespan | Typically longer; may come with up to 30-year warranties. | Standard lifespan with 25-year warranties. |
| Cost-efficiency | Higher upfront cost; better long-term ROI in ideal setups. | More affordable and easier to install; best for tight budgets. |
Conclusion
Bifacial solar panels are a smart upgrade for anyone looking to get more energy from the same space. Since they can capture sunlight from both sides, they often produce more electricity than regular panels. They’re also built to last longer and look sleeker. While their upfront cost is higher to buy and install, the extra power they generate can make up for it over time, especially if they’re placed in the right environment, like above light-colored surfaces or open spaces.
