I got these for thier usefullness in winter and cloudy weather. Both sides would roughly produce the same on super cloudy days and provide hugely higher output. In winter I can tilt them to nearly vertical(like a fence) which prevents snow accumulation on the panels. On my RV they are laid flat and flush while moving but will be raised above the roof and tiltable. I also got mine on sale for about 73 cents(usd) or 92 cents cad per watt as they were left over from one of the suppliers previous projects.
@@tinashetavengwa1442 In the case of a ground mount array in an agricultural area, we would also clean the bottom side if there's dust buildup from harvesting activities.
Most effected way if bifacial PVs can be installed as vertical fence in direction NE-W during morning and SW-N evening hours. the newest 435 W panels are aroung $ 360 from canada. a few pilot projects are already in europe and usa.
Hi Erik, interesting topic but is 2% to 7% more power, worth the more cost you pay for the bifacial modules? I would have expected to gain something above 30%. Thanks
Great question! The additional cost for a bifacial system varies depending on site, but through our research, we have seen the slight increase in price is always outweighed by the benefit of the increased production. While 2-7% might not sound like much, it is extremely beneficial to the financials of a project over the lifetime of the system!
@@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974 Great question! Bifacial modules right now are at ~23-25% efficiency aka converting that much of the sun's energy into kWh. Perovskites are at a similar efficiency rate, but they are still an emerging technology. So their cost tends to be higher, and warranty periods tend to be shorter. As we mentioned in the video, bifacial modules will increase production on a more traditional installation by 2-7% depending on your geographic location.
It's not just more power there are many advantages for bifacial panels like frame corrosion due to high local voltage, delaminating problems, panel soling losses are almost zero all this will result in extra panel life
So if a bifacial panel is rated at: for example 350w, does that include both sides, or -just- the front side, and the back would be and addition to the potential 350w?
Great question! The nameplate rating of a module, measured in power (watts) is static. A 350 watt bifacial module and a 350 watt monofacial module are identical nameplate capacity, however their energy outputs differ, given the added generation from the back sheet of the bifacial modules.
Thanks for your question! Generally, bifacial gains are not modeled in flush-mounted applications given there is not enough standoff from the roof membrane. PVsyst or PVcase design-engineering modeling is required to explore this in greater detail, but in general we can realize bifacial gain with the inclusion of specialized racking in 10 degree+ ballast-roof applications, ground-mounts, and even carports.
Hi there! To clean bifacial panels, we would likely focus on just the 'top' side of the bifacial panel. The 'bottom' side in a ballasted rooftop application will not see much soiling buildup, and may just require light cleaning or none at all depending on the local conditions.
Hi Antonia. Removing and reinstalling solar panels can be expensive and inconvenient, so we only recommend removing if absolutely necessary (i.e. roof repairs).
Thanks for your question! Flush mounted bifacial modules (regardless of roof color beneath) won't really see much gain. However, bifacial modules may be cost effective due to them being exempt from certain tariffs. If a tilted mounting option is available, you may be able to see some gain, but otherwise a cost analysis of monofacial vs bifacial modules should be the primary driver for your flush mount system.
Here in Canada solar in winter works from 0 to 1 or 2% of the time. Never at night. The biggest scam. We need power in winter and at night. My province is all clean green waterpower yet greenwashers continue to bleed our public grants for solar systems.
Solar actually tends to perform quite well in colder climates when there are clear skies and no snow buildup on your array. The colder temps help to reduce heat losses in the conductors and systems can actually over-perform estimates in the winter! Lower production can happen though if your system has maintenance issues or needs to have built-up snow removed to allow the sun’s rays to hit your panels. We recommend finding a local solar maintenance provider to set up a diagnostic visit and/or snow removal visit. Nighttime energy from solar is possible with an energy storage system! You can charge the battery with your excess solar production during the day, then draw from the battery for your electricity at night. Batteries can be both practical and cost-effective depending on your region.
We are all about the decentralized energy revolution -- we are fiercely dedicated to accelerating the rapid transition taking place in the energy industry to a more decentralized and cleaner approach to power generation!
