An Approach for Modeling, Simulation, and Parameter Estimation of Half-Cell Bifacial PV Modules

Abstract

Bifacial modules have gained prominence due to their ability to capture additional energy from rear-side irradiance. However, models and parameter estimation methods for bifacial modules remain limited largely due to varying interpretations of rear irradiance effects. An approach to address that issue is the standardization of models in line with the IEC TS 60904-1-2 standard. This study proposes a bifacial module model based on that standard featuring two current sources, each representing front and rear irradiances, and introduces bifaciality coefficient as a new parameter to be estimated. A conventional half-cell bifacial photovoltaic module with 655 W was tested in a solar simulator, and the resulting data were used for simulations and parameter estimation of the proposed model by a mean–variance mapping optimization algorithm. According to the results, the model can effectively estimate the parameters and represent the bifacial photovoltaic module comprehensively due to its low error rates and a strong fit to $I$–$V$ and $P$–$V$ curves. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis revealed the incorporation of the new parameter does not affect the identifiability of the model.