While bifacial solar panels offer increased energy generation by capturing sunlight from both sides, they also come with a few drawbacks. If you are considering solar panels for your home listed below are the disadvantages of bifacial panels.
Higher Cost
More Expensive Than Monofacial Panels – Bifacial panels cost more to manufacture, and their advanced technology leads to a higher upfront price.
Increased Installation Costs – Special mounting systems, tilted racking, or raised structures may be required to maximize rear-side energy gain, adding to labor and material costs.
Requires a Reflective Surface for Maximum Benefit
Dependent on Ground Surface – To take full advantage of the rear-side energy generation, bifacial panels need a highly reflective surface beneath them, such as white rooftops, sand, snow, or specialized ground coverings.
Less Effective on Dark Surfaces – If installed over asphalt, dark soil, or grass, the rear side absorbs much less light, reducing efficiency gains.
Limited Benefits for Rooftop Installations
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Shading from Roof Reduces Efficiency – Most home solar panel setups are installed flush against the roof, preventing light from reaching the back side.
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Best for Open Spaces – Bifacial panels work best in elevated or open-tilt installations, making them more suited for ground-mounted systems or commercial solar farms.
Heavier and Harder to Install
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Increased Weight – Bifacial panels often have glass on both sides, making them heavier than traditional monofacial panels. This can put extra stress on mounting structures and rooftops.
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More Complex Installation – Installers need to account for the rear-side exposure, which may require specific angles and spacing, making the setup more complicated than standard panels.
Potential Maintenance and Cleaning Challenges
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Glass on Both Sides Increases Cleaning Needs – The rear side can collect dust, dirt, or snow, reducing its ability to capture reflected sunlight.
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More Fragile – With glass on both sides, bifacial panels are more prone to damage during transportation, installation, or extreme weather conditions like hailstorms.
Longer Payback Period
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Higher Initial Investment vs. Extra Output – While bifacial panels produce more electricity than standard panels, the extra energy generation may not always justify the higher cost, especially in residential settings.
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Return on Investment (ROI) May Take Longer – If the site conditions don’t allow for significant rear-side energy gain, the extra expense of bifacial panels may not be worth it.
Limited Compatibility with Some Inverters and Mounting Systems
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Requires Specific Racking for Optimal Performance – Some traditional racking systems can obstruct light from reaching the rear side, making the additional cost of bifacial panels less effective.
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May Need an Inverter Upgrade – The increased power output from bifacial panels might require a higher-capacity inverter to handle the extra generation, adding to the total cost.
When Should You Choose Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panels work best in open environments with plenty of reflected sunlight, such as commercial rooftops, solar farms, and elevated ground-mount systems. However, for homeowners with traditional sloped roofs or installations with minimal ground reflection, mono-facial panels may be the more practical and cost-effective option.
If you would like recommendations based on your specific solar setup, please complete this form. For regular panels click here
What is TOPCon Technology?
TOPCon(Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an advanced solar cell technology that builds on traditional PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cells. It incorporates an ultra-thin tunnel oxide layer and a passivated contact structure at the rear of the cell. This design significantly reduces recombination losses (where electrons lose energy before being converted into electricity) and increases efficiency.
Take the Eurener 500W Nexa TOPCon Mono Panel All Black for example. Utilizing TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, this monocrystalline panel enhances efficiency and reliability, making it suitable for both residential and commercial installations.
Key Benefits of Eurener’s TOPCon Panels
Higher Efficiency
- Eurener’s TOPCon modules exceed 22% efficiency, outperforming standard PERC panels.
- The tunnel oxide layer helps retain more electrons, leading to better energy conversion.
Improved Performance in Low-Light Conditions
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The passivated contact technology allows better power output during cloudy days or at sunrise/sunset.
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It enhances the ability of the panel to capture diffuse sunlight, providing more consistent performance.
Superior Temperature Coefficient
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Eurener’s TOPCon cells have a lower temperature coefficient, meaning they lose less efficiency in high temperatures compared to traditional solar cells.
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This makes them ideal for hot climates or rooftops with limited ventilation.
Enhanced Durability and Longevity
- The passivation layer protects the cell from degradation, extending its lifespan.
- Eurener offers a 30-year performance warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
Reduced Power Losses & Increased Energy Yield
- TOPCon technology minimizes resistance losses, leading to higher energy production over time.
- It also offers better bifacial gain, meaning it performs well even when light is reflected from surfaces like concrete or grass.
Advantages of All-Black Solar Panels:
Aesthetic Appeal: From an aesthetic point of view, all-black solar panels look much sleeker and integrate much more irrespective roofing materials used or the actual architecture and style of the house. If the design and overall look is important to you then yes, an all black panel is a refined and less noticeable.
Reduced Glare: The black coloration minimizes reflections, decreasing glare. This feature is especially beneficial in residential areas, as it reduces potential disturbances to neighbors caused by reflective surfaces.
Enhanced Snow Shedding: The heat-absorbing properties of black panels can accelerate snow melting in colder climates, ensuring that the energy production of your panels will return more quickly once the snow has stopped.
Heat Absorption: While black panels absorb more sunlight, leading to increased energy production, this can also result in higher operating temperatures. Elevated temperatures may slightly reduce efficiency, as solar panel performance can decrease with rising temperatures.
Cost: The manufacturing process for all-black panels often involves additional steps and specialized materials, which can lead to a higher upfront cost compared to traditional blue or silver panels.
In summary, a panel such as the Eurener 500W Nexa TOPCon Mono Panel All Black combines advanced solar technology with a design that enhances visual appeal. Along with the benefit of aesthetics and performance, you now have a clear. understanding if this is the panel for you based on your specific needs.
Regarding Eurener, it has earned a strong reputation within the solar energy sector. The company holds leading certifications for its products and operations, reflecting its commitment to quality and reliability. In addition, Eurener was awarded the prestigious "Top Brand" seal by EUPD Research, indicating high satisfaction among European installers and solidifying its status as a preferred module provider in the region.
Technical Support in the UK:
For customers in the United Kingdom, Eurener offers technical support through its representative, Tiago Cruz. He can be reached via email at t.cruz@eurenerworld.com or by phone at +34 678 927 572. Additionally, Eurener's headquarters in Valencia, Spain, provide general inquiries support at contact@eurenerworld.com and by phone at +34 960 045 515.
Hopefully you are now well informed regarding the disadvantages of bifacial panels, TOPcon technology and all black frames.