Research on bifacial PV technology began in the 1960s, but it gained more attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But now they are becoming more important in the rapidly growing solar technology sector. It’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of bifacial solar panels, if you are considering making the switch.

Disadvantages of Bifacial Solar Panels

Let us take a look at this table which contains the advantages and the disadvantages of bifacial panels in brief.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Increased efficiency as it captures more sunlight.Expensive, price ranges from $6,000 to $12,000.
Requires fewer panels for the same power output.More complex and time-consuming installation.
Works well in reflective areas, adapting to various conditions.Efficiency varies based on environmental factors, affecting reliability.
Offers warranties up to 30 years.More susceptible to dirt accumulation.
Provides superior protection against harsh weather conditions.May have compatibility issues with certain locations.

Bifacial solar cells are made from 2 silicon cells stacked together facing opposite directions. Similarly, when many of these are stacked together they form a bifacial solar panel.

Both sides can effectively produce electricity and interestingly they can be either polycrystalline or monocrystalline. Let us understand the working of bifacial solar panels.

  • The front side of these solar panels collects direct sunlight.
  • The backside of the panels collects sunlight that hits the ground and reflects.
  • Together, the two sides capture more sunlight than a monofacial panel.
  • The trapped photons are converted into DC power.

Now, let’s look at the limitations of bifacial solar panels:

1. Higher Initial Cost

Solar Panel price 5: efficiency, bifacial mono perc solar panels

Usually, the cost of panels ranges between $6,000 and $12,000, but the cost of labor and installation along with other parts increases the final cost.

Bifacial solar module’s price is more due to advanced materials and designs. Moreover, these panels need specialized mounting equipment, further increasing the overall cost. 

Also Read: Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems to Boost Production in the Near Future

2. Installation Challenges

The process of installing these panels is more complex and time-consuming in comparison to the single-sided panels. The unique bifacial solar panel size and design may require specific mounting systems, and the additional weight of the extra glass sheet per panel can pose challenges during installation.

3. Variable Performance

The efficiency boost from the bottom side of these panels may vary depending on environmental factors and surrounding surfaces. This variability can affect the overall performance and reliability of the panels.

4. Maintenance Requirements

Bifacial panels are designed differently, which is why they need to be installed at a specific spot on the roof. This is mainly done so that they receive optimal sunlight exposure. This makes them unideal for roofs with limited space or opposite directions. 

5. Limited Installation Locations

disadvantages of bifacial solar panels 1

Due to their design and requirement for optimal sunlight exposure on both sides, these panels may have limited compatibility with certain installation locations. For example, a rooftop may not always be as spacious as required for optimal energy production. This limits their versatility in deployment, resulting in the biggest disadvantages for bifacial solar panels.

Also, check out Bifacial Vs Monofacial Solar Panels: 6 Differences.

Advantages of Bifacial Solar Panels 

Dual power generation from both sides makes them ideal for both homes and businesses. Now, let’s explore some other bifacial solar module benefits:

1. Increased Efficiency

The energy production capacity of bifacial solar panels is high due to their ability to capture sunlight from both sides. According to a study conducted by Bluestem Energy, the demand value in solar projects where bifacial panels were used was around $30 to $49 MWh in the summer months. Whereas, for similar projects, the demand value was around  $23 to $46 per MWh.

Additionally, over the 7 operating months of the case study, the energy output of the bifacial PV project was 5.5% higher than the monofacial one.

Cross-reference: Improvement of bifacial solar panel efficiency using passive concentrator and reflector system

2. Space Efficiency

They can produce more power in comparison to monofacial panels. This is why fewer bifacial panels are required to meet the energy requirements. For example, you need 6 monofacial PV panels of 100W to fulfill your electricity requirements. With bifacial panels, you will need half of them to produce the amount of power. This further reduces the amount of space required for installation.

3. Versatility

These panels work well in areas where sunlight reflects, like snowy regions or rooftops painted white. They can adapt to different conditions.

4. Longevity

Bifacial panels are built to last longer than traditional ones. Most companies offer warranties for up to 30 years, compared to the standard 25-year warranty for traditional panels.

5. Enhanced Durability

In terms of durability, bifacial panels are better than single-side ones. Their tempered glass provides better protection against harsh weather and hailstorms. Moreover, due to their design, rodents and other pests cannot take shelter under them. This further reduces the chance of panel damage.

Also Read: 10 Ways to Protect Solar Panels from Hail

6. Flexible Installation Angles

Unlike single-sided solar panels, bifacial systems can be installed at various angles without sacrificing efficiency. You can even install them vertically at 90° without a significant impact on their performance.

7. Climate Preservation

Using bifacial mono-perc panels provides a better choice and option to harvest more sunlight to reduce our reliance on electricity produced from burning fossil fuels. The less we rely on non-renewable resources, the lesser emissions will be there. This in the long run will ultimately reduce global warming. This helps us in doing our part to preserve natural resources, ecosystems, and climate.

8. Solar Investment Tax Credits Benefits

JAN23 What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit

With these panels, we can enjoy benefits from extended solar investment tax credit, which is a type of tax break. This in turn increases our savings. The ITC makes solar energy more accessible to the public without causing financial strain.

9. Reduced Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)

Frameless bifacial solar panels are less susceptible to PID, where electrical currents stray and corrode solar cells. Additionally, since frameless panels lack metal frames, they don’t require grounding, reducing installation complexity.

10. Efficient in Diffuse Light

Due to their extra surface area, these panels perform well in diffuse light conditions. This leads to lowering the long-term costs in comparison to single-sided panels.

11. Aesthetic Appeal

With a frameless design, bifacial panels make our house more aesthetically appealing. But for that, we need to make sure that the installation process is done accurately. It is essential to properly replace traditional roofing. If not done so, it will create a mini-greenhouse effect in the house.

Due to their unique design, they are suitable for awnings, barriers, gazebos and pergolas.

Also See: Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles: Are they Worth It?

12. Increase in Property Value

Yes, with bifacial solar panels, the value of a house is increased. These days people prefer such houses to avoid the hassle of installing solar systems. You could receive higher quotes and offers from buyers and real estate agents. 

Are They Worth It?

For this, we can see that they offer advantages like increased output and space efficiency, durability, versatility along with tax benefits. On the other hand, it has some drawbacks too like high initial and installation costs, variable performance, regular maintenance along with location restrictions. However, these disadvantages of bifacial solar panels do not overshadow their long-term benefits, making them a worthy investment.

Recommended: A Complete Guide on TOPCon Solar Technology

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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