Bifacial Solar Panels: Everything You Need To Know For Now And The Future

If you are looking for information on bifacial solar panels, look no further. How they work, their cost, and the top brands in the industry.

I’m sure you’ve heard of solar panels, but have you heard of bifacial solar panels? This innovate technology is helping to accelerate the green energy conversion.

But what exactly are bifacial solar panels, you ask? They are solar panels that are able to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, rather than just the front. This means that they generate more electricity than traditional monofacial solar panels, making them a potentially more cost-effective and efficient option for powering your home or business.

In this article, we’ll dive into the important details of bifacial solar panels. How they work, the benefits and drawbacks of using them, and where you can find the top manufacturers in the industry will all be covered. We’ll also take a look at the current state of the bifacial solar panel market and what the future holds for this exciting technology.

So whether you’re a solar energy novice or a seasoned pro, there’s something in this article for you. Get ready to kiss those energy bills goodbye and join the bifacial solar panel revolution!

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panels are a type of solar panel that is able to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel. This is done by using transparent back sheets and special photovoltaic cells that are able to generate electricity from sunlight on both sides. Just like the saying “two heads are better than one”, two sides converting the sun to electricity is better than one.

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Differ From Traditional Solar Panels?

Traditional monofacial solar panels are made to only capture sunlight from the front side of the panel. That means they are limited in their ability to generate electricity from sunlight that is reflected or scattered from other surfaces.

Bifacial solar panels are able to capture and convert this additional sunlight into electricity, resulting in higher overall efficiency and power output.

Another difference between bifacial and monofacial solar panels is the type of photovoltaic cells used. Monofacial solar panels use standard silicon cells.

Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, use advanced cells such as multi-junction cells or concentrator cells.

The end result, bifacial solar panels offer a number of benefits over traditional monofacial panels, including increased efficiency, longer lifespan, and the ability to generate electricity from both sides of the panel.

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

How do these two sided panels actually work? Lets start by taking a look at the basic principles of solar panel operation. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells. These cells are able to convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect.

When the sun sprinkles some of its solar magic on a PV cell, it knocks electrons loose from the cell’s atoms, creating a flow of electricity. This flow of electricity can then be captured by inverters and used to power whatever we want. Thank you Sun!!!

So how do bifacial solar panels differ from traditional monofacial panels in this process? As we already mentioned, bifacial solar panels are able to capture and convert sunlight from both sides of the panel.

This means that they are able to generate more electricity than monofacial panels, which can only capture sunlight from the front side of the panel. Sorry monofacial panels, you don’t stand a chance in a sunlight capture competition with bifacial solar panels.

It’s not just about capturing more sunlight, bifacial solar panels are also able to capture and convert a wider range of wavelengths, thanks to the use of multi-junction or concentrator cells. This makes them more efficient and effective at generating electricity, even under less-than-optimal lighting conditions.

If you are more of a visual learner, click the video below to learn more about bifacial solar panels:

Bifacial Solar Panels Vs Monofacial: Efficiency and Performance

We’ve already covered the basics, but in this section, we’ll take a deeper dive at the key differences between bifacial and monofacial solar panels, including their efficiency and performance characteristics.

Efficiency

Possibly the main benefit of bifacial solar panels is their increased efficiency. Studies have shown that bifacial solar panels can achieve an efficiency boost of up to 27% compared to monofacial panels. This is dependent on factors such as the reflectivity of the ground and the type of PV cells used.

This means that you can generate more electricity per square foot of panel with bifacial panels, making them a more cost-effective and efficient option over the long haul.

Performance

But efficiency isn’t the only factor to consider when comparing bifacial and monofacial solar panels. Performance is also a very important consideration, especially in terms of the panels ability to generate electricity under different lighting conditions.

In this regard, bifacial solar panels have a dominant advantage. As we mentioned earlier, they are able to capture and convert a wider range of wavelengths and intensities of light, thanks to the use of advanced PV cells. This means that they are able to generate more electricity under less than optimal lighting conditions, such as on cloudy days or in shaded areas.

Also, bifacial solar panels also have a longer lifespan than monofacial panels. This is due in part to the use of advanced PV cells, which are more resistant to degradation and wear over time.

As a result of this fact, bifacial panels may require less maintenance than traditional solar panels and have a longer useful life, making them a more cost-effective and reliable choice in the long run.

Types Of Solar Panels And Efficiency

In addition to the type of PV cells used, the overall type of solar panel can also impact efficiency and performance. Here is a breakdown of the typical efficiency ranges for different types of monofacial and bifacial solar panels:

Type of Solar Panel	Efficiency Range
Monofacial Monocrystalline	18% and above
Monofacial Polycrystalline	15–17%
Monofacial Thin-Film	11–15%
Bifacial Monocrystalline	20-40%

Cost Comparison: Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panels

One of the main considerations for homeowners and businesses, when it comes to solar panels, is cost. Solar panels require a significant upfront investment, so it’s important to consider all aspects of your decision, including the long-term costs and potential savings of different panel types.

In this section, we are going to take a look at the costs associated with bifacial and monofacial solar panels.

Upfront Costs

The upfront costs are one of the main differences between bifacial and monofacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels are more expensive than monofacial panels. This is due, in part, to the use of the newer technology in their PV cells. These cells are more expensive to manufacture, which translates into higher upfront costs for bifacial panels.

According to industry estimates, bifacial solar panels can cost anywhere from 10-20% more than monofacial panels, depending on factors such as the size of the panel, the type of PV cells used, and the manufacturer. If you’re looking to minimize upfront costs, monofacial panels may be the more attractive option for you.

Maintenance Costs

While upfront costs are an important consideration, you also should think about long-term costs, such as maintenance. In terms of maintenance costs, bifacial solar panels may actually offer some cost savings compared to monofacial panels.

Bifacial solar panels are usually more durable and require less maintenance than monofacial panels. The advanced PV cells, that we keep mentioning, are more resistant to degradation and wear and tear. This means that you will need to replace bifacial panels less frequently, resulting in lower long term maintenance costs.

Long-Term Savings

Of course, the ultimate goal of investing in solar panels is to save money on your energy bills over time. Long term, bifacial solar panels offer significant potential savings compared to monofacial panels.

Since bifacial solar panels are able to generate more electricity per square foot, they will offset a larger portion of your energy consumption and reduce your energy bills. This means that over the long term, bifacial panels may be able to recoup their higher upfront costs through lower energy bills.

We must note, that the actual savings you experience will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your solar panel system, the local climate, and your energy consumption patterns.

For a more accurate, custom, quote on your potential savings, it is recommended you speak with a solar professional. Choosing a trusted professional in critical, as there are bad actors out there pulling solar scams!

Bifacial Solar Panel Installation: Considerations and Challenges

In this section, we’ll outline the steps involved in installing bifacial solar panels and highlight some of the key considerations to keep in mind.

Steps Involved In Installing Bifacial Solar Panels

Installing bifacial solar panels is almost an identical process to installing traditional monofacial solar panels. So if you are already familiar with this process, scroll on. For those interested in the installation process, here is are the steps:

1. Site assessment: The first step in installing bifacial solar panels is to conduct a site assessment to determine the feasibility and potential yield of a solar energy system. This involves evaluating factors like the orientation and slope of the roof, the amount of available sunlight, and potential shading issues.
2. Design and planning: Once the site has been assessed, the next step is to design and plan the solar energy system. This involves selecting the size and type of panels, determining the optimal placement of the panels, and designing the electrical system.
3. Permitting: In most cases, installing solar panels requires obtaining the appropriate permits and approvals from local authorities. This typically involves submitting plans and obtaining building and electrical permits.
4. Installation: Once the design and permitting processes are complete, the actual installation of the solar panels can begin. This is the exciting part. Installers usually start by mounting the panels to the roof or ground, installing the electrical system, and finally firing your cost saving panels up and kissing some or all of your energy bills goodbye.

Considerations And Challenges

While the process of installing bifacial solar panels is quite similar to installing monofacial panels, there are a few considerations and challenges to keep in mind.

One of the main considerations is the angle and orientation of the panels. Because bifacial solar panels are designed to capture and convert sunlight from both sides of the panel, they need to be angled and oriented in a way that maximizes their exposure to sunlight.

This involves tilting the panels at a specific angle and facing them towards the south (in the northern hemisphere) to optimize their ability to capture sunlight.

Another consideration is the reflectivity of the ground or surface beneath the panels. Because bifacial solar panels are able to capture and convert reflected light, having a highly reflective surface beneath the panels can help increase their efficiency and generate more electricity.

This may involve installing the panels over a white or light-colored surface, or using reflectors or mirrors to boost the amount of reflected light. Snow works well to reflect sunlight back to the bifacial solar panels. Just make sure you install snow guards if you live in an area with heavy snowfalls.

Finally, you have to look at any potential shading issues that may affect the performance of the panels. Bifacial solar panels are particularly sensitive to shading. Even partial shading can significantly reduce their ability to generate electricity.

To minimize the impact of shading, it’s important to carefully plan the placement of the panels and ensure that they are not shaded by trees, buildings, or other structures.

Top Bifacial Solar Manufacturers

Bifacial solar panels have gained popularity in recent years, and there are now a number of manufacturers producing high-quality bifacial panels for the global market. In this section, we’ll identify some of the top bifacial solar panel manufacturers and discuss their products and market presence.

JA Solar

Chinese company, JA Solar is a leading manufacturer of bifacial solar panels, with a global market share of around 6%. The company’s bifacial panels are known for their high efficiency and durability, and are used in a variety of applications including residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.

Canadian Solar

Say hello to the top-of-the-line BiKu bifacial panels from Canadian Solar! Combining the advanced BSC technology with double glass module manufacturing expertise, these panels are designed for utility-scale projects. What makes them so special? Their durable anodized aluminum alloy frames are covered with 2 mm of tempered glass, and they can yield up to 30% additional power from the rear side.

Jinko Solar

With their Tiger model LM bifacial solar panels, Jinko Solar is the manufacturer you can trust for reliable, long-lasting performance. Offering a 13-year manufacturing warranty, 30-year linear power warranty and an impressive 0.45% degradation rate, you can rest easy knowing your energy needs will be supported for years to come. Plus, the unique frameless design reduces the possibility of the PID effect, making it a great choice for your solar energy needs. Friendly and reliable, Jinko Solar is a trusted choice for your energy needs.

Longi Solar

Discover the amazing benefits of LONGi Solar’s Hi-MO 5 Bifacial Series modules with their innovative PERC technology! An additional layer of glass on the backsheet helps reduce energy loss and turn even more of the sun’s rays into electricity, giving you a friendly boost in efficiency!

Q CELLS

Q CELLS manufactures the best bifacial solar panels for utility-scale installations and the QPeak XL Duo is one of their top-shelf models. With an efficiency rating of 21.4% and a 12-year product warranty, plus a 25-year performance warranty, you can count on lasting performance and peace of mind.

Hyundai

As a trusted and reliable manufacturer of panels and other equipment around the world, Hyundai is better known for their car and motorcycle manufacturing, but they also have an impressive range of bifacial panels. Check out their GI Series, which boast an average power of 2.5-2.7W per cell and an efficiency of around 19%.

Outlook for Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels have gained popularity in recent years due to their higher efficiencies and reduced manufacturing costs. According to a report by Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, the total installed capacity of bifacial solar modules is expected to reach 20,000 MW in 2024 globally, making up 17% of the photovoltaic (PV) market.

The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) also predicts that the market share of bifacial modules will increase significantly by 2030, with a projection of at least 35% market share. However, more recent studies show even greater interest in bifacial technology, with some predicting a market share of 70% by 2030.

The increasing demand for renewable energy sources and advances in bifacial solar panel technology are driving this growth. As countries and businesses look to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and meet ambitious carbon reduction targets, solar energy is becoming increasingly attractive.

As manufacturers continue to improve the efficiency and performance of bifacial panels, they are becoming increasingly competitive with monofacial panels, which is likely to lead to further adoption.

The floating solar market is also expected to contribute to the growth of bifacial solar panels. These projects involve installing solar panels on bodies of water, such as reservoirs and lakes, and can take advantage of the reflectivity of the water to boost the performance of bifacial panels. According to some estimates, the floating solar market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 25% between 2020 and 2025.

Overall, the outlook for bifacial solar panels is positive, with strong growth projections and a number of trends supporting their increasing adoption. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow and technology improves, it’s likely that bifacial solar panels will play an increasingly important role in the global energy mix.

Pros And Cons Of Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels offer a number of advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional monofacial panels. In this section, we’ll outline some of the key pros and cons of bifacial solar panels, including any potential limitations or trade-offs.

Pros

• Higher efficiency: One of the main advantages of bifacial solar panels is their higher efficiency. Because they are able to capture and convert sunlight from both sides of the panel, bifacial panels can produce more electricity than monofacial panels under the same conditions. According to some estimates, bifacial panels can produce up to 27% more electricity than monofacial panels under ideal conditions.
• Increased power production: The higher efficiency of bifacial solar panels can translate into increased power production, which can be particularly beneficial in applications where space is limited or where the goal is to maximize the amount of electricity generated. This can help reduce the overall cost of a solar installation and improve its payback period.
• Greater energy yield: The higher efficiency of bifacial solar panels can also result in a greater energy yield over the lifetime of the panels. This can help reduce the overall cost of solar energy and make it more competitive with other energy sources.

Cons

• Higher upfront cost: One of the main disadvantages of bifacial solar panels is their higher upfront cost. Because they are more complex and use more advanced technology than monofacial panels, bifacial panels tend to be more expensive. While the higher efficiency of bifacial panels can help offset some of this cost over the long term, it can be a significant barrier for some users.
• Sensitivity to shading: Bifacial solar panels are particularly sensitive to shading, as even partial shading can significantly reduce their ability to generate electricity. This can be a particular concern in areas with a lot of trees or other structures that may cast shadows on the panels. To minimize the impact of shading, it’s important to carefully plan the placement of the panels and ensure that they are not shaded by trees, buildings, or other structures.
• Installation considerations: The process of installing bifacial solar panels may also involve some additional considerations, such as the angle and orientation of the panels, the distance between the panels, and the reflectivity of the ground surface. It’s important to carefully plan and execute the installation to ensure optimal performance of the panels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bifacial solar panels are a promising and increasingly popular technology in the solar energy market. With their ability to capture and convert sunlight from both sides of the panel, bifacial panels offer higher efficiencies and can produce more electricity than traditional monofacial panels. While they do come with a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy yield and cost savings can make bifacial panels a worthwhile investment for many users.

However, bifacial solar panels are not without their limitations. They are sensitive to shading and require careful planning and installation to ensure optimal performance. They may also be less suitable for certain applications or environments where shading is more prevalent.

Overall, bifacial solar panels offer a number of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to carefully consider these factors when deciding whether they are the right choice for your solar energy needs. Whether you’re a solar energy enthusiast looking to reduce your carbon footprint or a business looking to cut energy costs and improve your bottom line, bifacial solar panels are definitely worth considering.