Bifacial solar panels can produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels by using sunlight from both sides. These innovative double-sided panels tap into the full potential of reflected light from nearby surfaces and boost their power output. The Australian National University’s 2024 study revealed that bifacial technology can produce 20% more energy than traditional one-sided systems. However, this is not true for every set-up.
Local Power can advise you on whether or not these panels are suitable for your needs, just call us on 07 305 44334.
What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?
The name “bifacial” tells us what these advanced solar panels are all about. The Latin word means “two-faced”, a perfect description of solar technology that has photovoltaic cells on both front and back surfaces.
Definition and key features
Bifacial solar panels use a transparent backing instead of the opaque material found in regular panels. This design lets them absorb direct sunlight from the front while capturing reflected light from the ground or nearby surfaces on the back. The way these panels collect solar energy is completely different from traditional methods.
These panels stand out because they can absorb light from both sides and produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels. They work better in low-light conditions and fit well in many different settings. The “bifaciality factor” helps calculate how well the panel uses reflected light by comparing back efficiency to front efficiency.
Snow, sand, or light-coloured roofs create perfect conditions for these panels. Their design captures energy from multiple light sources in these reflective environments.
How they differ from monofacial panels
Bifacial and monofacial panels are quite different in their structure. Regular monofacial panels have photovoltaic cells only on one side, with an opaque backing that blocks light from behind. They can only capture direct sunlight that hits their front surface.
Monofacial panels cost less and are easier to install, which makes them popular for home rooftops. But they can only collect sunlight from one direction. Bifacial panels generate more energy per square foot, which is great for small spaces. The original cost is higher though.
Your installation environment should guide your choice between these technologies. Reflective surfaces and elevated installations work great with bifacial panels. Standard rooftops with little rear reflection are better suited for monofacial panels.
Common materials and design types
Manufacturers make bifacial solar panels in several ways. Many use a dual-glass design where solar cells sit between two 2mm glass sheets instead of the usual opaque polymer backsheet. This makes the panels last longer, and manufacturers often back them with 30-year performance warranties.
Some versions use glass-transparent backsheet designs. These panels balance performance and cost by combining front glass with a clear polymer backsheet on the back. You can also find frameless options that reduce edge shading and look more stylish.
The cell technology in bifacial panels includes various designs like Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC), Passivated Emitter Rear Locally-diffused (PERL), Passivated Emitter Rear Totally-diffused (PERT), and Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HIT). Each type offers different efficiency levels, ranging from 19.5% to 24.7% on the front side.
How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?
Bifacial solar panels work differently from conventional solar technology. These panels use a smart dual-collection system that changes the way we collect solar energy.
Front-side vs rear-side energy capture
The front side of bifacial panels works similar to traditional monofacial panels and converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The real breakthrough lies in the rear side that has specialised cells. These cells absorb reflected and diffused light from the surroundings. A transparent or translucent material replaces the opaque backing found in conventional panels to make this dual-sided approach possible.
Bifacial panels can generate electricity even without direct sunlight hitting the front surface. The rear side adds 5% to 30% more power based on how they’re installed. These panels also show better results in low-light conditions than single-sided panels.
Role of reflective surfaces
The panels’ ability to work depends on how reflective nearby surfaces are, a property called albedo. Different surfaces bounce back varying amounts of sunlight. Fresh snow reflects exceptionally well (75-95%), while meadows reflect just 10-30% of incoming light.
The ground materials play a key role in performance gains. White gravel, sand, and snow create the best conditions to maximise rear-side production. Dark surfaces like asphalt or soil absorb light instead of reflecting it, which reduces the benefits of bifacial panels.
The height and angle of installation matter too. Raised mounts let more reflected light reach the panels, which leads to better energy production.
Understanding the bifaciality factor
The bifaciality factor shows how well the rear side works compared to the front under similar conditions. Today’s bifacial panels have factors ranging from 65% to 90%. To name just one example, see a panel that produces 500 watts from its front side and 350 watts from its rear, giving a bifaciality factor of 70%.
This measurement helps calculate how well a panel can use reflected light. Panels with higher bifaciality factors can generate more extra energy, especially in areas with reflective surroundings.
Pros and Cons of Bifacial Panels
Solar panel choices require a full picture of bifacial technology to make a smart investment decision.
Advantages: higher yield, durability, aesthetics
Bifacial panels shine brightest in their power generation capabilities. Research shows these panels produce 10-20% more power than standard monofacial modules. The numbers become even more impressive with single-axis trackers, reaching 30-40% higher output.
The durability benefits of bifacial panels stand out clearly. Their dual-glass construction provides excellent protection against weather extremes like wind and hail. This resilient infrastructure extends their lifespan to 30 years, which beats the typical 25-year warranties that come with regular panels.
The visual appeal of bifacial panels adds another compelling reason to choose them. Their modern, frameless design creates an attractive look. This makes them a perfect fit for projects where looks matter as much as performance.
Disadvantages: cost, installation complexity, site dependency
The benefits of bifacial panels come at a price. The system costs about 5% more than similar monofacial setups. Adding single-axis tracking pushes this difference up to roughly 15%.
Setting up these panels brings its own challenges. The panels need exact positioning to capture maximum rear-side energy. Installers must get the mounting height right (usually 1 metre works best), adjust the tilt angle (2-15 degrees more than regular panels), and space rows properly (6-8 metres apart). This detailed work leads to higher labour costs and takes longer to complete.
The location’s characteristics play a big role in the panel’s performance. Results vary based on how much light reflects off nearby surfaces (albedo). These panels work great in areas with bright surfaces like snow, sand, or white concrete. However, they offer little advantage in spots with dark ground cover or poor reflected light. A thorough site evaluation becomes vital before investing in this technology.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It?
You’ll want to think over your specific situation before investing in bifacial solar panels. These advanced panels won’t benefit everyone equally.
When they make financial sense
Bifacial solar panels become economically viable when their extra energy output makes up for their higher costs. The backside generates bonus energy without any extra work. These panels work great on flat commercial rooftops with white membrane surfaces and can boost energy production by 4-5%. They cost about 10% more than standard monofacial panels but can generate 5-30% more energy.
The math looks better in places where space is tight but energy needs are high. The panels produce more energy as you move them away from reflective surfaces, which lets more light hit the backside.
Ideal environments and use cases
These panels shine brightest in places with:
- Highly reflective surfaces like snow, sand, or white concrete
- Mounting heights of 1-1.5 metres above ground
- Commercial buildings with white or light-coloured rooftops
- Utility-scale projects that use solar trackers
- Locations away from the equator with more sky-scattered albedo
Regular home rooftop installations don’t work well since the house blocks the rear side. Ground-mounted setups with reflective coverings work best, making them a perfect fit for bigger commercial or utility projects.
Payback period and ROI considerations
Bifacial systems can pay off quickly under the right conditions. Some studies show they can pay for themselves in just 3-4 years. A 6.6kW bifacial system on a white metal roof that produces 15% more power could pay back in about 3.4 years.
Studies of different ground surfaces found that setups with 0.4 albedo (highly reflective surfaces) paid off in 5.21 years, 3.52% faster than similar monofacial systems. This quicker payback time and longer 30-year lifespan create great long-term value despite the higher original cost.
Make the Smart Solar Choice with Local Power
Bifacial solar panels are changing the game, boosting energy output by up to 30% by capturing sunlight on both sides. They’re tougher, more efficient, and ideal for large-scale projects or reflective surfaces. But they’re not for everyone.
That’s where Local Power comes in.
Our experts cut through the noise to help you choose the right system for your site, your needs and your budget. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, we’ll design a tailored solar solution that delivers real results.
Don’t leave your solar setup to guesswork. Contact Local Power today and make every ray count.
