As solar technology continues to develop, bifacial solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular choice for residential, commercial and utility-scale installations.
Unlike traditional monofacial panels, bifacial modules can generate electricity from both their front and rear surfaces. This gives them the potential to produce additional electricity from the same installation area.
But does that actually make them worth the investment?
The answer depends on the installation, but in the right conditions, bifacial solar panels can provide excellent long-term value.
What Makes Bifacial Solar Panels Different?
Traditional solar panels primarily generate electricity from sunlight reaching their front surface.
Bifacial solar panels can also use light reaching their rear surface. This can include sunlight reflected from the ground, roof or surrounding surfaces.
The additional electricity generated from the rear is known as bifacial gain.
However, the amount of additional generation varies considerably between installations. A bifacial panel needs suitable conditions behind it to take advantage of its two-sided design.
The Main Benefit: Additional Energy Generation
The biggest advantage of bifacial technology is its potential to increase the total energy produced by a solar system.
Instead of allowing reflected or scattered light behind the module to go unused, the rear of a bifacial panel can capture some of that light and convert it into electricity.
This can potentially increase the energy yield without requiring additional panels.
For businesses and large solar projects, even relatively modest additional generation can become valuable when spread across a large number of modules.
What Determines Whether Bifacial Panels Are Worth It?
Several factors influence the financial value of bifacial technology.
Surface Reflectivity
The surface underneath the panels can have a significant effect.
Light-coloured and reflective surfaces can send more sunlight towards the rear of the modules, potentially increasing bifacial gain.
Dark surfaces generally absorb more sunlight and may provide less reflected light.
Panel Height
Panels mounted further above the ground or roof can have greater access to rear-side light.
However, increasing the mounting height can also increase structural and installation costs.
Panel Spacing
Greater spacing between rows can allow more light to reach the rear of the modules.
However, wider spacing also means that more land or installation area is required.
The best configuration therefore needs to balance additional energy generation against the available space.
Shading
Trees, buildings, other panels and mounting structures can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the modules.
For bifacial systems, it is important to consider both front-side shading and obstructions that could prevent reflected light from reaching the rear.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels More Expensive?
Depending on the manufacturer and model, bifacial solar panels can cost more than some conventional monofacial panels.
The mounting system may also require additional consideration to ensure the rear of the modules has sufficient access to light.
However, comparing only the upfront cost doesn't give the complete picture.
If the bifacial system generates more electricity over its lifetime, the additional energy production could help compensate for the higher initial investment.
The important question is therefore not simply:
"How much does the panel cost?"
It is:
"How much electricity can the complete system generate for the total investment?"
Bifacial Solar Panels and Return on Investment
Return on investment is particularly important for commercial solar installations.
A system that generates additional electricity can potentially:
- Reduce electricity purchased from the grid.
- Increase renewable energy generation.
- Improve the utilisation of available installation space.
- Increase the value of a solar investment over its lifetime.
However, the financial benefit depends on factors such as system cost, electricity prices, energy consumption and the actual additional generation achieved.
A proper financial assessment should therefore be carried out before choosing bifacial technology.
Are They Worth It for Ground-Mounted Solar?
Ground-mounted installations can be particularly well suited to bifacial solar panels.
The panels can be elevated above the ground, allowing sunlight to reach the rear.
The ground surface can also provide reflected light.
By carefully considering panel height, row spacing, orientation and ground conditions, a system can be designed to make better use of both sides of the module.
For large solar farms, this can make bifacial technology particularly attractive.
Are They Worth It for Solar Carports?
Solar carports are another application where bifacial panels can offer strong potential.
The panels are naturally elevated above parking spaces, providing plenty of space beneath them.
Light can therefore reach the rear of the panels, while the surface below can contribute reflected light.
For businesses, shopping centres, car parks and other sites with large parking areas, bifacial solar panels can potentially increase energy generation from the available structure.
Are They Worth It for Commercial Rooftops?
Commercial and industrial rooftops can benefit from bifacial panels when the installation is designed appropriately.
A raised mounting system can provide greater clearance beneath the panels, while a suitable roof surface can increase reflected light.
However, if panels are installed directly against a dark roof, the amount of rear-side generation may be limited.
In these circumstances, a conventional monofacial panel could potentially offer better value.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It for Homes?
For residential properties, the answer depends heavily on the roof and mounting arrangement.
Many home solar installations have panels positioned relatively close to the roof surface. This can significantly restrict the amount of light reaching the rear of a bifacial panel.
If that is the case, the additional cost of bifacial technology may not be justified.
However, homes with suitable mounting clearance and favourable surface conditions could potentially benefit from bifacial panels.
A system should therefore be assessed on an individual basis.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
Many modern bifacial solar panels use glass-glass construction.
This can provide strong protection for the solar cells and make the modules suitable for long-term installations.
When comparing different products, it is worth considering:
- Product warranty
- Performance warranty
- Panel construction
- Mechanical load rating
- Temperature performance
- Manufacturer reputation
- Expected degradation
A durable panel that continues producing electricity reliably for many years can provide greater value than simply choosing the cheapest available option.
When Might Bifacial Solar Panels Not Be Worth It?
Bifacial technology isn't automatically the best choice for every project.
It may provide limited additional value when:
- Panels are mounted directly against a dark surface.
- Very little light reaches the rear.
- The mounting structure blocks the rear of the modules.
- The site has significant shading.
- The additional installation costs are too high.
- A conventional panel already provides a better return.
In these circumstances, a high-quality monofacial panel may be the more economical option.
Bifacial Solar Panels vs Traditional Panels
The decision ultimately depends on the installation.
Bifacial panels can be a strong choice when:
- There is plenty of rear-side sunlight.
- Panels can be elevated.
- The surface underneath is reflective.
- Maximising energy generation is important.
- The additional cost can be justified.
Monofacial panels can be preferable when:
- Panels are mounted close to a dark roof.
- Rear-side light is heavily restricted.
- A simpler installation is preferred.
- Keeping upfront costs down is important.
Neither technology is universally better.
How to Decide If Bifacial Panels Are Right for Your Project
Before investing in bifacial solar panels, consider the following:
1. Assess the Installation Area
Determine how much light will realistically reach the rear of the panels.
2. Examine the Surface
Consider whether the ground or roof will provide useful reflected light.
3. Calculate Expected Energy Generation
Estimate both front-side and potential rear-side generation.
4. Compare Total System Costs
Consider the panels, mounting system, installation and other equipment.
5. Calculate the Potential Return
Compare the additional investment against the expected additional electricity generation.
This approach provides a much more accurate picture than simply comparing the price of individual panels.
Final Verdict
So, are bifacial solar panels worth it?
For the right installation, yes.
Their ability to generate electricity from both sides can increase energy production and potentially improve the long-term return from a solar system.
They are particularly attractive for ground-mounted solar farms, solar carports and suitably designed commercial installations, where the rear of the modules can receive plenty of useful light.
However, bifacial technology isn't automatically the best option. If panels are mounted directly against a dark surface with very little rear-side light, the additional benefit may be too small to justify the extra cost.
Ultimately, the value of bifacial solar panels comes down to system design, installation conditions and long-term energy yield.
When those factors are carefully considered, bifacial technology can be an excellent way to maximise the amount of clean electricity generated from a solar installation.
