If you're planning to buy bifacial solar panel technology, choosing the right panels is only the first step. The way bifacial solar panels are installed can have a significant impact on how much electricity they generate.
Unlike traditional monofacial panels, bifacial modules can capture sunlight from both the front and rear. This means factors such as panel height, spacing, surface reflectivity and shading can all affect the overall performance of the system.
Choose the Right Mounting System
The mounting system is particularly important when installing bifacial solar panels.
The panels should ideally have sufficient space behind them for reflected and scattered sunlight to reach the rear surface. Installing the modules too close to a solid or dark surface can reduce the amount of useful light available to the rear.
Ground-mounted and elevated systems can provide particularly good opportunities to take advantage of bifacial technology.
Consider Panel Height
The distance between the solar panels and the surface underneath them can affect how much light reaches the rear of the modules.
Raising the panels can allow reflected sunlight to reach the rear from a wider range of angles. This can increase the amount of light available to the rear solar cells.
However, a taller mounting structure can also increase installation costs, so the potential energy benefit should be balanced against the overall project budget.
Use Reflective Surfaces
The surface underneath the panels can have a major influence on bifacial performance.
Light-coloured and reflective surfaces can reflect more sunlight towards the rear of the panels, while darker surfaces generally absorb more light.
Depending on the installation, surfaces such as light-coloured roofing, concrete or suitable reflective ground coverings may help improve rear-side exposure.
Allow Enough Space Between Panels
Panel spacing should be carefully considered during the design process.
If modules are installed too closely together, they can restrict the amount of light reaching the rear of neighbouring panels.
Appropriate spacing can allow more reflected and scattered sunlight to reach the rear surfaces while also reducing unwanted shading.
This is particularly important for large ground-mounted solar systems where the layout can be optimised from the beginning.
Minimise Shading
Shading can reduce the output of solar panels and is an important consideration for bifacial installations.
Trees, buildings, mounting structures and neighbouring panels can all create shadows.
When planning your installation, consider how shadows will move throughout the day and across different seasons. Reducing unnecessary shading can help maximise the sunlight available to both sides of the modules.
Consider Orientation and Tilt
The orientation and tilt of the panels affect how much sunlight reaches the solar cells.
A well-designed system should maximise direct sunlight on the front while also creating favourable conditions for reflected light to reach the rear.
The ideal configuration depends on factors such as:
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Location
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Roof design
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Available space
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Mounting system
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Panel orientation
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Expected energy requirements
There is no single orientation or tilt angle that is ideal for every installation.
Keep the Panels Clean
Dust, dirt and debris can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels.
Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance can help maintain system performance.
With bifacial installations, it's also important to consider the rear of the modules. Leaves, dirt and other debris underneath the panels can reduce the amount of light reaching the rear surface.
Consider the Surrounding Environment
The environment surrounding your solar panels can influence bifacial performance.
Nearby buildings, vegetation, ground surfaces and other structures can affect the amount of sunlight reaching both sides of the modules.
For example, a light-coloured surface may provide more reflected light than a dark surface.
Considering these factors before installation can help you design a system that makes better use of bifacial technology.
Check Equipment Compatibility
Before you buy bifacial solar panel equipment, make sure the panels are compatible with the rest of your solar system.
Check compatibility with:
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Solar inverters
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Mounting systems
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Battery storage
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Monitoring equipment
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Electrical protection equipment
The panel's electrical specifications should also be suitable for the selected inverter and other components.
Monitor Your Solar System
Once your bifacial system has been installed, monitoring its performance can help identify potential problems.
Unexpected changes in electricity generation could indicate issues such as:
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Shading
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Dirt or debris
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Equipment faults
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Performance degradation
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Other installation problems
Regular monitoring can help ensure the system continues to operate efficiently over time.
Work With an Experienced Installer
Professional installation is particularly important when using bifacial technology.
An experienced installer can assess factors such as:
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Panel height
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Surface reflectivity
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Panel spacing
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Shading
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Orientation
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Tilt angle
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Mounting structure
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Electrical compatibility
This can help ensure the rear side of the panels is being used as effectively as possible.
Conclusion
If you're planning to buy bifacial solar panel equipment, remember that choosing the right module is only part of achieving maximum performance.
The installation itself can have a significant effect on bifacial energy generation. Using a suitable mounting system, allowing enough space behind the panels, maximising reflected light and reducing shading can all help improve performance.
With the right equipment and a carefully planned installation, bifacial solar panels can help maximise renewable energy generation from your available space.
In the final article of this series, we'll look at whether bifacial solar panels are worth the investment and what you should consider before buying.
