Improving the Performance of Bifacial Modules by Adding Reflection Material

Abstract

A bifacial photovoltaic (bPV) is a double-sided solar panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy using both sides. They are different from conventional PVs which only use one side of the solar panel. In this work, a compression study of bPVs performance is conducted. More precisely, the study considers different reflecting grounds to the rear side of the bifacial panels, such as asphalt and reflective white painted ground. Different design parameters of the bifacial solar technology are investigated, such as installation height and albedo factor. The results show considerable improvement in bPV performance using the reflective white painted ground over other material, recording better albedo metric and increasing the power gain by around 20%. Moreover, improved efficiency can be obtained when the optimal parameters are determined in the design of bPVs.