A Guide to Bifacial Solar Panels
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Bifacial solar panels have revolutionized the solar industry by demonstrating higher efficiency than traditional monofacial solar panels. By absorbing and processing energy with both sides, these panels allow homeowners to make the most out of sunny days and reduce electricity bills.
In this guide, we’ll review what bifacial solar panels are, explain how they work, and provide a detailed explanation of the technology, its benefits and challenges, and associated costs to help you determine if these panels are the right type of solar panels for your property.
What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?
Bifacial solar panels are an advanced type of photovoltaic (PV) panel. Traditional monofacial panels have a solid backing that prevents light from reaching the rear side of the cells, while bifacial panels have a transparent backsheet that allows light to pass and absorb through the rear side of the cells. This design helps the panel increase overall solar energy production.
For example, light-colored surfaces, such as sand, concrete, or snow, reflect more light onto the rear side of the panels. Instead of receiving renewable energy from the sun’s rays, the bifacial panel absorbs it from other surfaces. This makes bifacial panels suitable for ground-mounted installations and areas with highly reflective surfaces.
Here are a few types of popular bifacial cell designs:
- Heterojunction technology (HJT): HJT combines crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon layers, enhancing light absorption and reducing recombination losses.
- N-type cells: N-type cells form through a doping process, which is different compared to the process used to create the more common P-type cells. In the N-type cell process, impurity atoms are added to silicon. N-type cells also have a higher tolerance to impurities and a longer lifespan than P-type cells.
- Passivated emitter rear contact (PERC): PERC technology enhances the efficiency of solar cells by adding a passivation layer on the rear side. This layer reduces electron recombination and increases the cell’s ability to capture light from the back.
The higher efficiency of bifacial solar panels makes them preferable for many properties. However, the more complex technology and design come with a higher initial cost.
How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?
Bifacial solar panels work differently than traditional panels. The solar cells inside bifacial panels come from silicon and have special passivation layers that help capture light and turn it into electricity. These cells are placed between two sheets of glass or a sheet of glass on the front side and a transparent backsheet on the back.
The clear backsheet lets light pass through to the back of the panel, so bifacial panels can catch sunlight that shines directly on them and the light that bounces off the ground or other surfaces behind them.
If you place a bifacial panel on a reflective surface, such as concrete, or near a body of water, it can catch more light. Even on cloudy days, bifacial panels can capture scattered light from the sky.
Bifacial vs. Monofacial Solar Panels
Traditional monofacial solar panels have many benefits, including energy-saving properties, a reduced carbon footprint, and off-grid independence. Bifacial panels come with the same advantages and several more impressive benefits, but traditional panels may be a better choice in some situations.
Aesthetics and Appearance
The glass on both sides of bifacial panels gives them a sleek look, and the design blends well with various architectural styles. Monofacial panels have a solid, opaque backsheet and a more conventional appearance.
Cell Structure and Materials
Bifacial panels have a double-sided cell structure, which is responsible for capturing sunlight from both the front and back. Monofacial panels have only a single active side with a solid backsheet.
Costs and Availability
Bifacial solar panels usually have higher upfront costs due to their advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Monofacial panels remain more accessible because of their lower initial price.
Energy Production and Efficiency
Bifacial panels excel in energy production and efficiency. By capturing light on both sides, they can generate up to 22.6% more electricity than monofacial panels. Their efficiency is especially high when you install these panels in reflective environments.
Ideal Use Cases and Applications
The higher efficiency of bifacial solar panels makes them a good choice for installations on large-scale solar farms, commercial buildings, and areas with high albedo surfaces (surfaces that reflect light). They also work well in ground-mounted systems and vertical installations.
Monofacial panels are ideal for traditional rooftop installations when initial cost and simplicity matter more to a homeowner.
Factors Affecting Bifacial Solar Panel Performance
Bifacial solar panels can offer impressive efficiency when installed properly. Here are a few key factors that affect their performance.
Climate and Sun Exposure
Locations with clear skies and minimal shading are ideal for bifacial panel installation. Areas with high direct sunlight and low cloud cover, such as deserts or sunny coastal regions, can also enhance their performance. Bifacial panels can still work well in residential areas as long as you exercise strategic placement.
Height of Panels Off the Ground
The height at which you install bifacial panels impacts their ability to capture reflected light. Elevating panels higher off the ground increases the amount of reflected light reaching the rear side. For optimal performance, mount panels around 42.5 inches above the surface.
Mounting and Racking Systems
Mounting and racking systems should allow light to pass through to the back of the panels. Use structures that minimize shading and avoid obstructing the rear side. For instance, vertical mounting systems enhance light capture on both sides.
Reflective Surfaces Around Panels
High-albedo surfaces, such as white roofs, sand, gravel, or snow, reflect more sunlight onto the rear side of the panels. For best results, position panels above reflective surfaces whenever possible.
Spacing Between Rows of Panels
Proper spacing between rows of bifacial panels prevents shading and maximizes light absorption. Leave sufficient gaps to avoid shadowing adjacent rows. If you live in a region where it snows, the gap will allow the snow to drop from the panel to the ground instead of sliding down to the lower row.
Tilt and Orientation of Panels
Optimal tilt angles depend on geographic location. Orient panels to face true south in the northern hemisphere and true north in the southern hemisphere.
Talk to a solar panel installer to learn how to adjust tilt angles seasonally to increase their performance even further.
Bifacial Solar Energy Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of solar power that a panel can convert into usable electricity. For example, if a solar panel generates 0.5 watts per unit of incoming power, it’s 50% efficient. Average efficiency ratings for bifacial solar panels are 20%–21%, but they can range from 15%–24%.
Bifacial solar panels have the potential to achieve higher efficiency ratings than monofacial panels thanks to the former’s ability to absorb light on both sides.
High efficiency in bifacial panels translates to more electricity generation per square meter of panel. This plays a huge role for properties with limited roof space. In this case, installing high-efficiency bifacial panels ensures the highest possible power generation.
Efficiency Comparison Table
| Bifacial Solar Panels | Monofacial Solar Panels | ||
| Brand | Efficiency | Brand | Efficiency |
| Q Cells | Up to 22.7% | Q Cells | Up to 22% |
| Canadian Solar | Up to 22.8% | Canadian Solar | Up to 20.9% |
| SunPower | Up to 22.2% | SunPower | Up to 21.1% |
Cost of Bifacial Solar Panels
The average cost of bifacial solar panel installation is $6,000–$12,000, but the final price will depend on the manufacturer, number of panels, and installation location. This high initial investment is also due to the technology and materials that solar panel manufacturers use to achieve better efficiency.
Here are all the main factors that affect bifacial solar panel pricing:
- Cell type
- Installation cost
- Inverter cost
- Manufacturer
- Panel efficiency
In addition to the panel itself, installing bifacial systems may require specialized racking and wiring. These components allow maximum light to reach both sides of the panels, which can increase installation costs.
Despite the higher initial investment, bifacial solar panels offer significant long-term savings. Their enhanced efficiency and ability to capture reflected light lead to higher energy generation and less expensive electricity bills.
The bifacial system has the potential to generate around 20% more power than a similarly sized monofacial system, so you can enjoy a better return on investment. Bifacial panels are also more durable than monofacial panels, reducing the amount of replacement expenses.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It?
Bifacial panels are more efficient than monofacial panels, but they have some drawbacks. Compare the pros and cons of bifacial solar panels to determine if these solar panels are worth it for homeowners.
Benefits
- Higher energy output and efficiency: Bifacial solar panels generate more electricity by capturing sunlight from both sides.
- Improved performance in low-light and cloudy conditions: These panels perform better in diffused light conditions, so they produce energy even on cloudy days.
- Increased durability and lifespan: Bifacial solar panels are made with robust materials and construction techniques, so they last longer than other types of panels.
- Potential for lower lifetime energy costs: The higher efficiency and extended lifespan of bifacial solar panels can lead to higher savings.
Drawbacks
- Higher upfront cost and longer payback period: Bifacial solar panels require a large initial investment. It also takes homeowners longer to achieve cost savings with bifacial panels than monofacial panels.
- Limited availability and options: Homeowners have fewer choices of bifacial solar panels.
- More complex installation requirements: Installing bifacial solar panels demands more expertise, which leads to higher costs.
- Sensitivity to shading and obstructions: These panels experience significant drops in efficiency when partially shaded or obstructed.
If you have the budget and proper location for bifacial solar panels, consider installing them since they provide a better return on investment than monofacial panels. However, if you plan to install the panels on your rooftop and want to save money, you can benefit from installing monofacial panels. Ultimately, the worth of bifacial panels depends on your individual situation.
Our Conclusion
Bifacial solar panels offer higher efficiency than monofacial solar panels because they absorb energy from both sides. These panels require a higher upfront investment, feature a more complex installation, and need a proper location to operate at the highest efficiency.
If you’re thinking about adding bifacial solar panels to your property, consult a professional solar installer. They can help you consider all the relevant factors related to solar panel installation and help you make the right choice.
FAQ About Bifacial Solar Panels
Can you use bifacial solar panels on a roof?
You can use bifacial solar panels on a roof only if you lift them from the surface. Otherwise, the backside of the panel won’t absorb any light.
Do bifacial solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, bifacial solar panels work on cloudy days by absorbing scattered light from the sky.
How efficient are bifacial solar panels?
Bifacial solar panels can generate up to 23% more energy than their monofacial counterparts, and the typical efficiency of these panels ranges from 16%–22%.
What brand of bifacial solar panels has the highest output?
The top brands of bifacial solar panels with the highest power output are Q Cells, Canadian Solar, and Jinko Solar.
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