Bifacial solar panels are designed to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel. The front side functions like a conventional solar panel, absorbing direct sunlight. However, the back side is designed to capture sunlight that is reflected from the ground or surrounding surfaces, known as albedo light. This dual-sided design increases the total energy output of the panel. When looking at making a purchase you may want to compare if bifacial solar panels in the UK are a better choice.
Most bifacial panels are constructed using monocrystalline silicon cells, which are known for their high efficiency and long lifespan. They often feature a transparent backsheet or tempered glass on both sides, ensuring durability and enabling light to pass through to the rear surface.
How Are Bifacial Panels Different from Regular Panels?
The primary difference between bifacial and regular (monofacial) solar panels lies in their energy generation mechanism:
Single vs. Dual-Sided Light Absorption
Regular panels absorb sunlight only on their front side, while bifacial panels absorb light on both sides. This dual-sided functionality allows bifacial panels to capture more sunlight, leading to higher energy output.
Design and Construction
Regular panels typically have an opaque backing material that blocks light from passing through.
Bifacial panels use a glass or transparent backsheet, allowing sunlight to reach the rear surface.
Installation Requirements
Regular panels are mounted close to the roof or ground, optimizing their exposure to direct sunlight.
Bifacial panels perform best when installed at a height or angle that allows the rear surface to capture reflected light.
Efficiency
Bifacial panels can achieve 10-30% more energy output compared to regular panels under optimal conditions. This additional yield depends on factors like the ground's reflectivity, tilt angle, and geographical location.
Advantages of Bifacial Solar Panels
Increased Energy Output
By utilizing sunlight from both sides, bifacial panels can generate more electricity than regular panels, making them highly efficient.
Durability
Many bifacial panels are built with tempered glass on both sides, providing enhanced durability and resistance to environmental factors like hail, wind, and snow.
Better Performance in Diffuse Light
Bifacial panels perform well in cloudy or overcast conditions, as they can capture light scattered in the atmosphere and reflected from the ground.
Long-Term Cost Savings
The higher efficiency and energy output of bifacial panels can lead to greater financial returns over their lifespan, offsetting the higher initial investment.
Aesthetic Appeal
Their sleek, frameless designs make bifacial panels an attractive option for modern architectural applications, such as solar canopies or facades.
Challenges and Considerations for Bifacial Panels
Despite their many advantages, bifacial panels are not without limitations:
Higher Initial Cost
Bifacial panels are generally more expensive than regular panels due to their advanced technology and construction materials.
Installation Complexity
To maximize their performance, bifacial panels require specialized installation that ensures optimal light reflection to the rear side. This may involve raising the panels or using reflective ground materials like white gravel.
Ground Reflectivity Matters
The efficiency of bifacial panels heavily depends on the albedo (reflectivity) of the ground beneath them. Surfaces like sand, snow, or white-painted roofs yield better results than darker or non-reflective surfaces like soil or asphalt.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels Suitable for the UK?
The UK, known for its cloudy weather and limited sunshine compared to sunnier regions, presents unique challenges for solar energy systems. However, bifacial panels still offer potential advantages:
Performance in Diffuse Light
The UK experiences a significant amount of diffuse sunlight due to its frequent overcast conditions. Bifacial panels are designed to perform well under such conditions, capturing light scattered in the atmosphere and reflected from surfaces.
Albedo Considerations
The effectiveness of bifacial panels depends on ground reflectivity. In the UK, reflective surfaces such as white-painted rooftops, light-colored paving, or even snow in winter can enhance the performance of bifacial systems.
Energy Yield
Studies indicate that bifacial panels can achieve up to 10-15% more energy generation in the UK compared to regular panels, depending on installation and ground conditions.
Financial Viability
While bifacial panels come with a higher upfront cost, their increased energy yield can result in long-term savings, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners and businesses seeking maximum efficiency.
JA Solar Bifacial Panels
Bifacial Design
The rear side absorbs reflected light (albedo) and diffuse sunlight, increasing the total energy output by 5% to 30%, depending on installation conditions and ground reflectivity.
Double Glass Construction
Instead of a traditional backsheet, these panels feature tempered glass on both the front and rear sides. This design enhances durability, providing resistance to environmental stresses such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical wear. Double glass panels are particularly well-suited for harsh environments, including coastal areas and regions with high humidity or sand exposure.
High Power Output
JA Solar’s N-type bifacial double glass panels deliver high power output, with wattages typically ranging from 500W to 700W per panel, depending on the specific model. They are optimized for large-scale installations where maximum energy yield is a priority.
Enhanced Warranty
JA Solar offers a 30-year performance warranty, underscoring the panels’ long-term reliability and efficiency.
The linear degradation rate is as low as 0.40% per year, ensuring over 87.4% efficiency at the end of 30 years.
Upfront Costs
Regular monocrystalline panels: £200-£300 per panel (approximately £0.40-£0.50 per watt).
Bifacial panels: £250-£400 per panel (approximately £0.50-£0.70 per watt).
Installation Costs
Bifacial panels may incur additional costs due to the need for specialized mounting systems and reflective ground materials.
Long-Term Savings
Despite higher initial costs, the increased energy yield of bifacial panels can lead to significant savings over their 25-30 year lifespan.
In conclusion Bifacial solar panels represent a cutting-edge advancement in solar technology, offering higher efficiency and energy output compared to regular panels. For the UK, their ability to perform well in diffuse light conditions makes them a promising option, especially for homeowners and businesses looking to maximize energy generation.
However, their suitability ultimately depends on individual circumstances, such as budget, installation site, and energy goals. While the higher upfront cost and installation complexity may deter some, the long-term benefits—both financial and environmental—make bifacial solar panels a worthy consideration for those seeking the best in solar technology in the UK.