Energy output assessment and tilt angle optimization of north/south configured bifacial PV module using single diode model in mountainous region

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive electrical modeling and performance analysis of a bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module using the widely adopted single-diode model traditionally applied to monofacial panels. The model enables detailed characterization of the PV module’s electrical behavior on both the I-V and P-V planes. Hourly solar irradiance data, computed for a 45° north/south tilt, are used to estimate the irradiance levels on both the front and rear surfaces of the bifacial panel. Corresponding cell temperatures are calculated based on these irradiance inputs. An algorithm derived from the single-diode model is employed to determine the hourly power output from each face of the panel. Results indicate that the front face dominates energy generation due to higher irradiance exposure. The study also investigates the influence of tilt angle on annual energy yield, revealing that the optimal tilt angle for the selected location (Arequipa, Peru) is about 26°, approximately 10° higher than the local latitude (15.97°S). However, the mean annual power output at the tilt angle equal to the local altitude is around 179.0 W, which is only 1.2 % lower than the optimum value. This finding supports the applicability of the conventional rule of thumb—tilting panels at the local latitude facing the equator—for rough estimation of the optimum tilt angle in bifacial PV systems, particularly when front-face contribution is dominant.