Solar technology has advanced rapidly, with one major breakthrough being the rise of bifacial solar panels. These innovative panels capture solar power from both the front and rear sides, increasing energy production per unit area.

Studies show that bifacial solar panels can significantly enhance energy output in specific environments, compared to traditional one-sided panels. Their ability to generate power from both sides makes them a promising option for improving solar panel efficiency. This article serves as a guide on how to install bifacial solar panels, covering the advantages and considerations, as well as tips for bifacial solar panel mounting and installing bifacial solar panels on roofs.

Bifacial solar panels are an innovative solar technology with a unique design that allows them to capture sunlight on both the front and rear surfaces of the PV module. Unlike traditional solar panels, which only rely on the front side to generate electricity, bifacial solar panels harness energy from both sides, significantly boosting overall energy production.

This ability to capture sunlight from various angles, including reflected light from surfaces like snow, sand, water, or light-colored rooftops, provides an advantage in certain environments. For bifacial solar panel installation, careful consideration of positioning and bifacial solar panel mounting is crucial to maximize energy output. Whether you’re installing bifacial solar panels on a roof or other surfaces, proper installation ensures these panels perform at their best.

Bifacial solar panels have a range of applications due to their ability to capture sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces. Here are some of the best applications for bifacial solar panels:

• Ground-mounted bifacial solar installations: Bifacial panels are well-suited for ground-mounted solar systems as they can capture sunlight reflected from the ground, increasing energy production. These systems allow for optimal tilt angles and heights, enhancing the albedo effect. The albedo effect refers to the reflection of sunlight from the ground back onto the rear side of the panels, thereby increasing their overall efficiency.

• Rooftop solar power systems: Bifacial solar panels on roofs can be particularly effective on light-colored or reflective surfaces, as they can capture reflected sunlight and boost energy production. Using elevated bifacial solar panel mounting systems allows panels to capture more light from below, enhancing performance.

• Vertical solar installations: Installing bifacial solar panels vertically can capture energy during different parts of the day, particularly in areas where the panels are oriented to take advantage of sunlight at various angles, such as the morning or evening sun.

• Solar systems near reflective surfaces: Bifacial solar panels are particularly effective in environments with reflective surfaces like snow, sand, or water. Bifacial solar panel installation near these surfaces can maximize energy production by using reflected sunlight to generate more power.

Although bifacial solar panels offer increased energy generation potential and versatility, they also come with higher upfront costs, installation complexities, and dependencies on environmental factors that should be carefully considered when evaluating their suitability for a specific project.

Bifacial solar panel installations offer several advantages, especially in terms of energy generation and versatility. By capturing sunlight from both sides, these panels can significantly boost efficiency, making them a strong choice for various solar projects.

• Increased Energy Generation: Bifacial solar panel installations can capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy generation by up to 20% compared to monofacial solar panels. This makes them more efficient in certain conditions, such as when light reflects off surfaces like snow, sand, or nearby structures.

• Versatility: Bifacial panels can be installed in various configurations, including tilted or elevated off the ground, which can optimize their performance based on specific site conditions.

• Improved Module Durability: Designed with robust materials and protective measures, bifacial solar panel mounting helps shield both sides from environmental factors, potentially extending the panels’ lifespan. Many bifacial modules performed exceptionally well in the 2024 PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

• Lower LCOE: With higher energy yields on certain surfaces, bifacial panels can lead to a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over their lifetime compared to monofacial panels, making them economically attractive in certain applications.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Bifacial solar panels on roofs can have a sleek, modern appearance, often frameless or with a translucent backsheet, which some customers find visually appealing.

While bifacial solar panel installations offer great potential, they also come with some challenges. From higher upfront costs to installation complexities, careful consideration is needed when deciding how to install bifacial solar panels.

• Higher Initial Cost: Bifacial solar panels tend to be more expensive than traditional monofacial panels due to increased module costs and possibly requiring more expensive solar racking systems. The additional cost can deter some installations, especially those prioritizing a lower solar system cost.

• Dependent on Reflective Surfaces: The increased energy generation of bifacial solar panels depends on the presence of reflective surfaces, such as light-colored ground cover or nearby structures. In areas with minimal reflectivity, the performance benefits of bifacial solar panel installations may be significantly reduced, making it crucial to consider the environment when deciding how to install bifacial solar panels.

• Installation Complexity: Bifacial solar panel installation may require more planning and expertise than installing monofacial PV panels, especially considering factors like tilt angle, ground cover, proper mounting, and potential shading issues. These can add complexity and cost to the installation process.

• Limited Data and Standards: Since bifacial solar panel technology is still newer than traditional panels, there are fewer established industry standards and less data on long-term performance. This can lead to increased uncertainty regarding the reliability and bankability of bifacial solar panel installations, especially when considering how to install bifacial solar panels or the appropriate bifacial solar panel mounting techniques.

• Potential for Soiling: Bifacial panels can accumulate dirt and debris on both the front and rear surfaces, potentially reducing energy efficiency if not cleaned regularly. This maintenance challenge is greater than with monofacial panels, as both sides of the panel need to be cleaned to maintain optimal performance, especially for installations with bifacial solar panels on roofs or ground-mounted systems exposed to more dirt and dust.

Due to several factors, installing bifacial PV panels can be more complex than traditional monofacial panels. Although the basic principles of installation remain similar, there are some additional considerations for bifacial solar panel installation:

• Optimal Orientation: Bifacial panels can capture sunlight from both sides, which means their orientation and tilt angle are crucial for maximizing energy generation. When learning how to install bifacial solar panels, installers must carefully assess site conditions and position the panels to optimize sunlight exposure.

• Ground Cover and Reflectivity: Bifacial panels can benefit from reflective surfaces such as light-colored ground cover or nearby structures that bounce sunlight onto the underside of the panels. Consider ground cover options and adjust panel height or tilt to maximize the use of reflected light.

• Mounting Systems: Solar installers should choose special mounting systems that elevate bifacial panels to optimize the capture of reflected light, considering the site’s albedo and structural stability. Installers may need mounting systems specifically designed for bifacial solar panel installation, which could add complexity to the construction process.

• Shading Considerations: While bifacial panels can capture light from both sides, shading on either side of the panel can still impact their performance. Installers need to carefully assess potential shading issues and take steps to minimize shading from nearby obstructions such as trees, buildings, or other panels.

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Bifacial panels can accumulate dirt and debris on both sides, impacting their performance if not cleaned regularly. Installers may need to factor in regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to ensure optimal energy generation.

• Electrical Wiring and Connections: Wiring bifacial panels may require additional planning to ensure proper electrical connections for both sides of the panel. Contractors must pay attention to the wiring layout and connections to ensure efficient energy production and system reliability during bifacial solar panel installation.

• Power Optimizers: Consider installing power optimizers to maximize energy generation from bifacial solar panels by ensuring optimal performance even during times of uneven sunlight exposure.

If you need help designing a solar system with bifacial PV, create a GreenLancer account. The GreenLancer platform offers solar system design services, including permit-ready plan sets, engineering reviews, and solar interconnection applications.

Learning how to install bifacial solar panels involves careful planning and attention to detail. It’s important to consider factors like site assessment, optimal panel orientation, and mounting techniques to ensure maximum energy generation. Proper installation ensures long-term performance and efficiency.

1. Site Assessment

   • Evaluate Site Conditions: Begin the bifacial solar panel installation process by assessing the site for optimal sunlight exposure. Consider factors such as shading from trees or buildings, geographical orientation, and available space.

   • Determine Ground Reflectivity: Identify the ground surface type and reflectivity (albedo). Light-colored materials or gravel can enhance energy capture by reflecting sunlight onto the underside of bifacial panels.

2. Select Appropriate Bifacial Solar Panel Mounting Systems

   • Choose Specialized Mounts: Bifacial solar panels often require mounting systems that elevate them off the ground or off the roof to allow for light reflection from the surface below. This is crucial for maximizing energy capture from both the front and rear of the panel. Ensuring that the mounting system complies with local building codes and provides structural stability is essential for long-term performance and safety.

   • Adjust Height and Tilt: Set the height and tilt angle to optimize sunlight exposure and maximize the capture of reflected light. A tilt of 20 to 30 degrees is typically effective, but this can vary based on geographical location and how to install bifacial solar panels for maximum efficiency.

3. Install the Bifacial Solar Panel Mounting Structure

   • Secure the Mounts: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the mounting structure securely, ensuring it is level and stable. This may involve anchoring posts into concrete or using ground screws.

   • Check Alignment: Carefully check that all bifacial solar panel mounts are aligned correctly. Proper alignment is crucial to facilitate the bifacial solar panel installation process and ensure the panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight and reflected light for optimal energy generation.

   

4. Mounting Bifacial Solar Panels

   • Attach Panels to Mounts: Carefully place the modules onto the bifacial solar panel mounting structure, ensuring they are securely fastened. Use brackets and clamps specifically designed for bifacial solar panel installation to ensure their optimal orientation and stability, maximizing energy generation from both sides.

   • Ensure Proper Spacing: Maintain adequate spacing between the panels to prevent shading from one panel to another, which could reduce energy efficiency. Proper spacing also allows for air circulation, helping to cool the panels and ensure optimal performance throughout the year.

5. Electrical Wiring and Connections

   • Plan the Wiring Layout: Determine the most efficient way to wire the bifacial solar panel installation to ensure optimal performance. Pay attention to the electrical connections for both sides of the bifacial solar panels, ensuring that each connection is configured to maximize energy output from both the front and rear surfaces.

   • Install Power Optimizers: If applicable, install power optimizers to improve energy generation from the bifacial solar panels on the roof. These devices help balance the output of each panel, especially when they receive uneven sunlight exposure, ensuring that each panel operates at its maximum efficiency.

6. Testing and Commissioning

   • Conduct System Checks: After completing the bifacial solar panel installation, it’s crucial to perform a thorough check to ensure that all electrical connections are secure and functioning properly. This involves verifying voltage output, inspecting the wiring, and confirming that the bifacial solar panels are capturing energy efficiently from both sides. Make sure that each panel is operating within its expected range and that no wiring issues or grounding problems exist.

   • Monitor Performance:  Install a monitoring system to track the real-time performance of the array throughout the day. This allows you to observe energy production, identify any discrepancies, and detect issues such as shading or wiring faults early on. Monitoring also helps ensure that the system continues to operate efficiently, maximizing the benefits of your bifacial solar panel mounting and installation.

7. Establish Cleaning and Maintenance Protocols

   • Regular Cleaning Schedule: Create a cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris from both sides of the bifacial solar panel installation. Accumulation of particles on either side of the panels can reduce their ability to capture sunlight, leading to a decrease in energy production. It is essential to clean the panels with appropriate materials, such as soft cloths or brushes, and non-abrasive cleaning solutions to avoid damage to the surface or the panel’s coating. In areas with high dust or pollution, cleaning may need to be more frequent.

   • Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly inspect the bifacial solar panels for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, loose mounting hardware, or corrosion. Additionally, check for any shading from nearby trees, structures, or other obstructions that could impede the performance of the panels. Ensure that the bifacial solar panel mounting system remains secure and that the panels are properly aligned to maximize energy capture.

Bifacial solar modules are generally considered to have higher durability than monofacial panels for a couple of reasons. These two-sided solar panels often have a stronger build quality and are designed to withstand various environmental conditions. They are typically made with advanced materials and construction techniques that increase their resistance to physical damage and degradation.

Also, the double-sided nature of the bifacial panels allows for more uniform stress distribution, which can contribute to their overall durability. Monofacial panels, on the other hand, are typically more vulnerable to potential issues like hotspots and potential-induced degradation (PID) due to uneven stress distribution.

Many models of bifacial solar panels are rated as top performers on the 2024 PVEL Module Reliability Scorecard. Their robust performance across multiple test categories reaffirms their reliability and suitability for a wide range of solar installations, offering enhanced energy production and durability.

Notably, they excelled in tests such as thermal cycling, damp heat, mechanical load, UV exposure, and hail resistance. Their resilience to extreme weather conditions and superior efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides reaffirm their suitability for diverse solar installations, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

Completing bifacial PV modules showcases your commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. This can attract customers who value cutting-edge solutions and separate you from competitors offering only conventional solar panels. By showcasing the advantages of bifacial modules, you can position yourself as an industry leader and preferred choice for customers who seek innovative solutions.

Do you need help designing a solar system with bifacial panels? The GreenLancer platform offers solar system design services, including permit-ready plan sets, engineering reviews, and solar interconnection applications. Create a GreenLancer account to begin shopping for solar design services for residential and commercial projects, or complete the form below to learn more.