Photovoltaics are increasingly used to obtain electricity. The most popular are single-sided (monofacial) panels, but bifacial models are also available, i.e. double-sided photovoltaic panels. Is it worth deciding to install them?
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PV (photovoltaic) panels are used to convert solar energy into electricity, helping to implement a more efficient and environmentally friendly model of energy use. Installations based on them allow you to generate electricity to power a building without emitting carbon dioxide. This solution, i.e. photovoltaics , is gaining popularity; photovoltaic sets of various power are available on the market, designed to power buildings of different sizes. When considering their installation, it is worth considering the choice of panels that can be single-sided (monofacial) or double-sided (bifacial). The latter are considered more efficient
How are bifacial photovoltaic panels constructed?
Bifacial photovoltaic panels (also known as bifacial photovoltaic panels) consist of two modules that collect sunlight. Each module is constructed from elementary units, or cells, which are made of silicon. It is classified as an element with semiconductor properties, and it is this feature that allows the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. When sunlight falls on silicon photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic phenomenon occurs.
The construction of photovoltaic panels consists of several layers. The main one is formed by the aforementioned cells, which are protected on both sides by a protective layer. The entire panel is covered from the top with protective glass, while from the bottom there is a substrate that provides stiffening. Each module is enclosed in a protective aluminum frame. The system is crowned by electrical connectors used to transmit the generated current.
The use of bifacial panels in installations and energy efficiency
How do bifacial solar panels work? Technically, they work in the same way as monofacial solar panels - the difference is that bifacial solar panels absorb light from two sides, not just one.
Thanks to this, electricity is generated on both the front and back sides of the panel, which significantly increases their efficiency and effectiveness compared to single-sided models. The efficiency of double-sided panels is 6 to even 25 percent higher than traditional ones. This parameter largely depends on the way bifacial panels are used in the photovoltaic installation. They can be mounted in three ways:
- Vertical - modules aligned east-west are inefficient and must be spaced 15 meters apart. This significantly limits the number of panels that can be placed on the available surface compared to single-sided models. The bifacial positioning of panels guarantees their high efficiency only over a large area.
In the case of double-sided photovoltaic panels, the albedo coefficient is also important, i.e. the ability to reflect sunlight in front of the substrate on which the photovoltaic installation is placed. For example, for white roofing it is 50-60%, for sand or gravel 60%, while for concrete painted with white reflective paint 60-80%. The albedo coefficient for snow reaches up to 95%, but for grass it is only 10-25%, and for water only 8%. Therefore, the use of bifacial panels in photovoltaic installations will be all the more energy efficient, the higher the albedo of the substrate/background for the module.
Is it really worth choosing bifacial panels?
Thanks to their higher efficiency, bifacial panels produce an average of 10-15 percent more energy than monofacial models. They therefore seem to be a very profitable investment. However, it should be remembered that they are more expensive and heavier than their single-sided competitors. Their higher weight means that they cannot be installed on every roof. The best place for a photovoltaic installation based on bifacial panels is the ground, which, however, requires space.
However, if we have a property with a relatively large surface area, where it is possible to provide a surface with a high albedo coefficient, it is definitely worth considering buying bifacial panels. Their efficiency means that they can be a very good solution, especially in a situation where a lot of energy is needed to power the facility or we intend to generate higher savings over time. In such a case, it is definitely worth deciding on them.