As solar technology continues to develop, bi facial solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option for certain residential, commercial and large-scale solar installations. Unlike conventional solar panels, which primarily generate electricity from their front surface, bifacial panels are designed to capture sunlight from both the front and rear.
This can provide additional electricity-generation potential when the panels are installed in suitable conditions. Understanding how bifacial solar panels work, their key features and the factors affecting their performance can help you decide whether they are suitable for your solar project.
What Are Bi Facial Solar Panels?
Bi facial solar panels, more commonly called bifacial solar panels, are photovoltaic panels designed to generate electricity from both sides.
The front of the panel captures direct sunlight, while the rear can capture reflected and diffuse light from the surrounding environment.
The amount of additional electricity produced from the rear will depend on factors such as:
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Surface reflectivity.
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Panel height.
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Panel spacing.
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Panel orientation.
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Panel angle.
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Shading.
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Surrounding conditions.
This means the installation environment is particularly important when considering bifacial technology.
How Do Bi Facial Solar Panels Work?
Traditional solar panels primarily use sunlight reaching the front of the panel. Bifacial technology adds another opportunity for electricity generation by allowing photovoltaic cells to receive light from the rear.
Light can reach the rear of a panel after being reflected from surfaces underneath or around the installation.
For example, suitable surfaces could include:
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Light-coloured roofs.
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Concrete.
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Gravel.
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Other reflective surfaces.
The more useful light that reaches the rear of the panel, the greater the potential for additional electricity generation.
Key Features of Bi Facial Solar Panels
When considering bi facial solar panels, there are several features worth understanding.
Dual-Sided Generation
The defining feature is the ability to generate electricity from both sides of the panel.
Bifaciality
Bifaciality indicates how effectively the rear of the panel can generate electricity compared with the front under specified testing conditions.
Modern PV Technology
Many bifacial panels use modern photovoltaic cell technologies designed to provide strong front-side efficiency alongside rear-side generation.
Durable Construction
Bifacial panels are designed for outdoor use and are manufactured to withstand normal environmental conditions throughout their operating life.
Benefits of Bi Facial Solar Panels
There are several potential advantages to using bifacial technology.
Potentially Higher Energy Generation
Capturing light from the rear can increase total electricity generation when installation conditions are favourable.
Better Use of Reflected Light
Bifacial panels can make use of light reflected from suitable surfaces beneath the installation.
Efficient Use of Space
Where the installation is designed correctly, bifacial technology can help increase energy generation from a given area.
Suitable for Various Applications
Bifacial panels can be considered for:
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Commercial rooftops.
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Ground-mounted systems.
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Solar farms.
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Solar carports.
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Certain flat-roof installations.
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Agricultural projects.
What Affects the Performance of Bifacial Panels?
The performance of bi facial solar panels can vary considerably between installations.
Surface Reflectivity
A reflective surface beneath the panels can increase the amount of light reaching the rear.
Panel Height
The height of the panels above the surface can affect how much reflected light reaches the rear.
Panel Spacing
Spacing between panels can influence the amount of light available to the rear side.
Shading
Trees, buildings and other structures can reduce available sunlight.
Orientation and Angle
The position of the panels affects how much sunlight reaches the front and rear surfaces.
Bi Facial Solar Panels vs Traditional Panels
The main difference is the ability to use light reaching both sides of the panel.
Traditional solar panels primarily rely on sunlight hitting the front surface.
Bifacial solar panels can also use reflected and diffuse light reaching the rear.
However, this does not mean bifacial panels will automatically produce significantly more electricity in every installation. The additional benefit depends heavily on the environment surrounding the panels.
Are Bi Facial Solar Panels Suitable for the UK?
Bifacial solar panels can be used in the UK, provided the installation is appropriately designed.
UK weather conditions mean solar generation varies throughout the year. Brighter summer days generally provide more generation opportunities, while shorter winter days typically produce less electricity.
Bifacial panels can still make use of available diffuse and reflected light, although the additional generation will depend on the specific installation.
Bifacial Panels for Commercial Applications
Commercial properties can sometimes provide suitable conditions for bifacial solar technology.
Large roofs, car parks and ground-mounted installations may offer opportunities to position panels so that useful light reaches their rear surfaces.
Businesses can potentially use bifacial systems to:
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Generate electricity on-site.
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Reduce reliance on grid electricity.
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Make better use of available space.
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Support sustainability objectives.
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Improve long-term energy management.
Combining Bifacial Panels With Battery Storage
Battery storage can complement bi facial solar panels by storing excess electricity generated during periods of high solar production.
For example, if the panels generate more electricity than the property immediately requires, a compatible battery can store some of the excess energy for later use.
This can help increase self-consumption and make better use of renewable electricity.
What Should You Consider Before Buying?
Before purchasing bi facial solar panels, compare the complete specifications rather than focusing on appearance or price alone.
Important factors include:
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Panel efficiency.
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Power output.
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Bifaciality rating.
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Panel dimensions.
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Product warranty.
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Performance warranty.
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Durability.
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Manufacturer reputation.
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Installation requirements.
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Overall system cost.
It is also important to determine whether your installation provides suitable conditions for rear-side electricity generation.
Choosing the Right Solar Supplier
An experienced solar supplier can help determine whether bifacial technology is appropriate for your property.
They can assess:
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Roof or ground conditions.
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Surface reflectivity.
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Panel orientation.
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Panel angle.
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Panel spacing.
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Mounting height.
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Shading.
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Inverter compatibility.
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Battery storage requirements.
Professional system design can help ensure the panels are positioned to take advantage of their dual-sided generation capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Bi facial solar panels offer an innovative approach to solar electricity generation by allowing sunlight to be captured from both the front and rear of the panel.
Their potential benefits include additional energy generation, better use of reflected light and efficient use of suitable installation spaces.
However, the performance of bifacial technology depends heavily on the installation environment. Surface reflectivity, panel height, spacing, orientation and shading can all influence the amount of additional electricity generated.
For suitable properties and projects, a carefully designed bifacial solar system can be an effective way to increase renewable electricity generation and make better use of available solar space.
