1. What is a bifacial solar panel and how does a bifacial solar panel work?

Bifacial solar panel is a kind of panel with solar cells on both sides, this kind of solar panel has a transparent back panel, which can absorb the direct sunlight on the front side, and also absorb the reflected sunlight from the ground or nearby surfaces on the back side, collecting and transforming the solar energy from the front and back sides at the same time.

Bifacial solar panels work by absorbing sunlight from both the front and back sides to maximize energy gain. The front side is indistinguishable from ordinary single-sided solar panels. The characteristic lies in the ability of the solar panels on the back side to absorb reflected and scattered light from the surrounding environment (mainly the ground), and in order to achieve this, the bifacial solar panels are usually elevated and set at an angle during installation. At the same time, the internal solar cells are optimized to absorb the energy emitted from both surfaces at the same time.

2. What’s the difference between bifacial and mono solar panels?

First of all, the most significant difference lies in the fact that single-sided solar only has one photovoltaic surface for collecting solar energy to generate electricity, and usually uses opaque backsheets and brackets to collect only direct sunlight. Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, are installed with a light-transmitting backsheet that absorbs light from both sides and takes up less space.

It is because of the larger photovoltaic surface of bifacial solar panels that they will be more efficient than traditional single-sided solar panels. However, for single sided solar panels, they have a feature that bifacial solar panels do not have, which is easier and cleaner installation. Due to the unique structure and installation of bifacial solar panels, their use usually requires more equipment such as solar tracking systems, which can help bifacial solar panels better track the direction of sunlight at different times of the day, further improving power generation efficiency. But at the same time, it will also bring more cost for users.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of bifacial solar panels

3.1 Advantages of bifacial solar panels

3.1.1 Higher power generation efficiency

Because bifacial solar panels can generate electricity from two layers, so under the same size, bifacial solar panels can generate more electricity, this efficiency increase can reach about 25% level. At the same time, this higher power generation efficiency also means that the number of installed blocks of bifacial solar panels is less than that of single-sided solar panels under the premise of meeting the same demand for electricity.

3.1.2 Longer service lifespan

Compared with the traditional single-sided solar panels, the two sides of the double-sided solar panels are covered with a layer of tempered glass, so they are more durable and can withstand harsh environments such as strong snowfall and strong winds. This unique structure allows double-sided solar panels to have a longer service life and a longer warranty than single-sided solar panels.

3.1.3 More adaptable to use in low light conditions

Since traditional single-sided solar panels can only absorb direct sunlight, the power generation efficiency will be greatly affected when the light conditions are poor. While bifacial solar panels have excellent performance in capturing scattered and reflected light, their backside can capture the sunlight reflected from surrounding objects. Therefore its ability to maintain a certain amount of power generation even during periods of poor lighting conditions.

3.1.4 Potential-induced decay does not normally occur

Potential-induced decay, also known as PID, refers to the process of solar panels generating electricity, with the growth of the use of time, the current gradually out of the original set route, thus causing damage to the solar panels. Potential-induced decay damage is usually irreversible, and if not repaired when it first occurs, it can result in the entire panel needing to be replaced.

The unique design of bifacial solar panels without metal frames does not require grounding during installation, which means that it is unlikely that potential-induced degradation will occur to harm the solar panel.

3.2 Disadvantages of bifacial solar panels

3.2.1 Expensive

Due to the unique manufacturing process and other equipment required to install bifacial solar panels. The initial cost of using solar panels is much higher than ordinary single-sided solar panels.

3.2.2 Installation Complications

As the installation angle and direction of the double-sided solar panels will have a great impact on the power generation efficiency. Therefore, in order to maximize the benefits of power generation, the surrounding environment needs to be examined before installing bifacial solar panels, and the installation area needs to be carefully planned by considering different optimal tilt angles, heights and reflective surfaces in different environments. Bifacial solar panels are larger and heavier than single-sided panels, requiring more labor and more complex installation equipment. Of course, this will also bring greater installation costs.

3.2.3 More troublesome maintenance and cleaning

Bifacial solar panels have two photovoltaic surfaces, so in order to ensure the highest power generation efficiency, it is necessary to keep the two photovoltaic surfaces clean and unobstructed at all times. In the late maintenance also need to consider two photovoltaic surface, which will bring more late cost.

4. Bifacial panels are mainly used in which areas?

4.1 Agriculture

Due to the large size of bifacial solar panels, it is a good choice to be installed on a vast farm. For larger farms, the installation of solar panels will not have too much impact on the grazing area, and you can choose to install solar panels at a suitable height from the ground, so that the breeding of cattle and sheep can still graze under the panels.

Another advantage of installing solar panels on farms is that in the winter when grazing is not suitable or on barren land that cannot be planted, installing bifacial panels can increase the land use rate, reduce land area waste, save electricity costs while creating additional income.

4.2 Large industrial and commercial enterprises

Due to the high power generation efficiency and large size of bifacial solar panels, this makes it often used by commercial and industrial manufacturers. Most commercial systems or industrial manufacturers have enough space to support the installation of bifacial solar panels on the ground above, this way than installed on the roof has a higher power generation efficiency.

And commercial and industrial solar panels are often equipped with solar trackers, an expensive device that can provide 15% more energy on top of the high efficiency of bifacial solar panels, further improving the efficiency of installing bifacial solar panels.

4.3 Power supply for public use

For outdoor public use, such as: electric vehicle charging pile, such places need large amount of power supply. The use of bifacial solar panels can generate more power than traditional solar panels, saving costs and increasing profits while improving the supply of electricity to users.