Getting the most out of a bifacial module requires a rethink at almost every level of system design and the industry is hungry for field data generated by such systems to better inform energy yield modeling and define the best approaches to maximizing yield at minimal cost. In May, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory began a three-year study into bifacial performance which is beginning to yield results.

Bifacial modules are already well on the way to mainstream production with analysts expecting demand for double-sided modules to reach 12 GW this year.

But it is still early days for the technology and the industry is eager to ensure system designs strike an optimal balance between energy yield and system cost. In May, The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) began a study of bifacial performance at its headquarters in Colorado and it is now beginning to make data from test installations publicly available.

Albedo

No more than a minor concern with conventional PV panels, the question of albedo – light reflected from the ground – is among the biggest factors which affect bifacial solar module performance. The NREL plans to gather a full year of data about the albedo of natural ground cover before investigating the possibility of adding higher-albedo material beneath panels.

Other studies have confirmed significant yield increases can be achieved with albedo-enhancing materials, although a cost effective large-scale solution is yet to emerge.

"We look at ways of enhancing the ground albedo through different treatment options like natural vegetation, crushed rock and weed barriers,” said NREL researcher Chris Deline. “Some of that is already happening in industry but this will be the first multi-year study with open data."

Module Mismatch

The fact the irradiance hitting the rear of bifacial modules is rarely uniform also needs to be taken into account. The NREL group, alongside industry partners, has investigated the question of electrical mismatch in bifacial systems.

Their findings are presented in the paper Bifacial PV System Mismatch Loss Estimation and Parameterization, published in Progress in Photovoltaics. The group observed annual mismatch losses of up to 2% in close-mounted rooftop systems, falling to less than 0.5% for rooftop systems with higher ground clearance. The paper also describes how module design elements – such as fill factor and bifaciality ratio – as well as edge-of-row effects and rear-side shading all influence the mismatch percentage. The study presented a basis for estimating mismatch losses which its developers said could be used in hourly PV performance simulations.

Batteries

The NREL is also evaluating how best to integrate energy storage with bifacial systems, as well as broader aspects of project design. “By boosting output, these modules can also reduce the total number of panels required,” said Deline, “which makes for more efficient use of inverters, racking, tracker systems, interconnects and other hardware.”

The addition of storage – in the NREL’s case, two redox flow batteries – was also found to have a positive effect on system efficiency. “We’re running an energy arbitrage scenario with the batteries that discharges in the afternoon and evening with roughly four hours of continued power from solar generation,” Deline said. “Otherwise, bifacial gain is clipped at the peak but low elsewhere – so this provides more stable and consistent generation.”

The NREL said it is aiming to work with industry to meet the requirements of bifacial technology. “By publishing on this, solar installers are going to see better terms on financing,” added Deline. “Utilities are going to bring more consistent, renewable and affordable energy into their generation mix.”