The effect of different ground surfaces and seasonal changes on the technical and economic performance of photovoltaic modules in South Korea

Abstract

One string of monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules were installed over white and concrete ground surfaces. The system was monitored for 2 years to see the long-term performance of the system especially during the high electricity-demand period of summer. The study revealed that the albedo of white concrete surface is constantly higher than the conventional one. However, the bifacial gain on concrete was found to be significantly lower in the summer. Relative albedo and bifacial gain calculation concluded that the white surface kept a stable reflected-irradiance in the summer, thus properly maintaining its albedo and bifacial gain compared with the concrete surface. A levelized cost of energy (LCOE) calculation showed a lower LCOE on white surface, which justified the higher capital cost to paint the concrete. All findings showed that painting PV module-mounting surfaces white has advantages in terms of radiation reflection and stability, power generation, and economics.