Increased efficiency of solar modules: Progress through bifacial technology

Solar technology has made many advances in recent years – including the development of bifacial photovoltaic modules. These modules can utilise both direct sunlight and the reflected light from their rear side, resulting in a significantly higher energy yield. This technology offers a number of advantages and is the preferred choice for solar projects, particularly in Germany.

Advantages of bifacial solar modules

1. higher energy yield: Bifacial solar modules can generate up to 30 % more energy compared to conventional monofacial modules. This is because they can utilise the light from both the front and the back. This property is particularly advantageous in installations with high albedo (reflectivity), such as white roofing materials or sandy surfaces.

2. improved performance in unfavourable conditions: The modules perform better in low light and high temperatures. This makes them an ideal solution for use in regions with changing weather conditions or high ambient temperatures, as is increasingly common in Germany.

3. longer service life and robustness: Bifacial modules are often designed as glass-glass modules, which increases their robustness and makes them more resistant to environmental influences. This leads to a longer service life and less degradation over time (true solar).

Areas of application

Bifacial solar modules are suitable, for example, for large-scale ground-mounted systems, industrial roof systems or specific applications such as floating solar systems (floating PV) or in agrivoltaics. In urban areas, they can also be used as façade modules or in vertical installations. This saves space and still achieves high yields.

Costs and challenges

Although bifacial PV modules offer many advantages, they are somewhat more expensive to purchase than conventional, monofacial modules. However, the price difference is only around two to 15 %, which can be quickly amortised by the higher energy yield. One challenge is to optimise the installation, as the distance to the reflective surface and the albedo of the substrate are decisive for the increase in output.

Conclusion

Bifacial solar modules offer an excellent opportunity to maximise energy efficiency in Germany, a country with limited sunshine duration and variable weather conditions. We would be happy to introduce you to our bifacial products and support you in planning your projects!