MIRROR OF THE SUN

girlsinstem43
Sep 8, 2024
3 min read

Written by Seng Kait Lin, Iman Amaris, Suen Yen

Introduction to Solar Panel

Also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert direct sunlight to electricity. Made up of many solar cells from semiconductor materials such as silicon that absorbs photons from the sun and releases electrons. This results in the generation of electricity.
Key components of renewable energy systems.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panel is a module with a reflective back or dual panes of glass holding the solar cells in place. This module exposes the solar cells to sunlight at the back as well as the front.

Monofacial Solar Panels

Monofacial solar panel is a module that can only generate energy from the front of the solar panels.

Monofacial vs Bifacial

Monofacial solar panels can generate electricity only from sunlight on their front side, making them cost-effective for rooftop installations. However, they cannot capture and convert reflected sunlight.
Some bifacial solar panels have a traditional frame with tempered glass on both sides, while others are frameless, clamping the solar cells directly.
A 2018 LONGi study found bifacial solar cells:
can boost energy generation by 11% in ground-mount systems and up to 27% with solar trackers.
10 to 20 cents per watt which is more expensive.

How do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

Since bifacial solar panels can capture light from both sides, this increases the efficiency by reflecting transmitted light back onto the rear side for absorption. This dual exposure allows them to generate more solar energy compared to monofacial panels. In a bifacial panel the loss light has a chance to be reabsorbed by the panel. In this instance, where the light passes right through and collides with a highly reflective surface, this then bounces back towards the panels, to be converted into solar energy. As a result of exposing both sides of the solar cells to sunlight, bifacial solar panels are capable of generating more solar energy.

Pros & Cons of Bifacial Solar Panels

Pros	Cons
Increased efficiency - up to 30% more efficient	Initial costs - manufacturing costs
More durable - uses tempered glass	Installation costs - heavier & require specialized equipment
Aesthetically pleasing - many designs
Works well in diffused light

Bifacial Solar Panels in Use

Figure 1 shows a photo of solar panels in Germany.

Figure 2 & 3 shows photos of solar panels in Australia.

Figure 4 shows the photo of the world's largest bifacial solar project connected as part of a 100 MW installation in Golmud in China´s western province of Qinghai.

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