Bifacial solar panels are more efficient than conventional monofacial solar panels because they produce energy from both surfaces. Monofacial panels, in comparison, have only one working side that faces the sun while the other side faces the roof of the building, away from the direct sunlight.
In contrast, bifacial modules can receive sunlight on both sides to generate electricity. In a bifacial solar panel, the front side is exposed to direct sunlight, and the back also generates electricity using the reflected light off the ground or the panel’s surroundings.
This is why bifacial panels produce more energy than their monofacial counterparts. Hence, they are preferred in settings that usually require more power. You are likely to see such panels in large-scale projects like solar farms. They are also ideal for residential and commercial use since they can be easily installed on the ground.
However, bifacial solar panels will produce more energy if installed above a highly reflective surface in a rocky, sandy, or snowy environment. It’s important to note that they could be more efficient on rooftops due to the limited clearance available for reflected light. Such solar panels are ideal for swimming pool glass installations, pergolas, and gazebos.
Although both surfaces of bifacial panels can absorb sunlight for energy production, the front side absorbs more efficiently than the backside. Bifacial solar panels generate 30% more energy than conventional solar panels.
Although Bifacial solar panels prices in India are higher, they are always a better choice when compared to conventional solar panel systems. Their main advantage is generating energy from both sides of the panel. Such solar panels are also more efficient, stronger, and more durable.
Comparison between Bifacial Solar Panel and Monofacial Solar Panel
1. Design
The unique design of Bifacial solar panels allows them to capture sunlight from both front and back surfaces. On the contrary, monofacial solar panels are designed to absorb light only from the front side.
- Overcast Conditions
During overcast conditions, the power generation capacity of monofacial solar panels is heavily reduced. Bifacial solar panels don’t face such problems and are equally effective even during cloudy conditions and heavy snowfall.
- Efficiency
Bifacial panels are more efficient because they absorb more sunlight and generate approx. 5% to 30% more power than monofacial solar panels.
- Bigger Functional Area
Their design gives Bifacial solar panels more functional surface area than monoracial panels’ counterparts. Therefore, they can generate more energy.
- Wider Operational Angle
Since bifacial panels can work from both sides, they can operate at wider angles facing south towards the equator than monofacial panels. You can use Bifacial panels efficiently, even at a 90-degree angle. Monofacial panels have limitations because they should be installed within 30 to 45 degrees facing south towards the equator.
- Complexity in Installation
Bifacial solar panels usually require a complex installation process compared to monofacial panels, which are easier to install. Besides, Bifacial solar panels can be easily mounted on the ground, leaving the roof area free for other important things, such as rooftop farming.
- Cost of Production
Since bifacial panels need more raw materials to manufacture than conventional solar panels, their cost of production is higher.
- Price
Bifacial solar panels price in India is higher than that of monofacial solar panels. However, because of the efficiency of bifacial panels, you are likely to get faster returns on your investment.