Bifacial solar panels are solar panels which have solar cells sandwiched between transparent glass. The average Cast mono bifacial solar panel only generates electricity when sunlight strikes it from the front side whereas bifacial solar panels generate electricity from both there faces both front and back. That is called Cast Mono Bifacial Solar panel.

What are Cast Mono Bifacial Solar Panel ?

You Can See Bifacial Solar Panel is Transparent

Even today the highest efficiency solar panels can only convert only 20% to 22% of the incident sunlight into useful electricity, the rest of it is wasted. This problem is solved by bifacial solar panels.

Solar PV panels are made up of one of two different types of crystalline cells; monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. The majority of bifacial solar panels are made from monocrystalline cells. As monocrystalline cells are more efficient, despite being more expensive. Solar cells in bifacial solar panels are exactly the same as in Cast mono Bifacial solar panels. The only real difference is how the panel is made. Whereas traditional Cast mono Bifacial solar panels have an opaque backsheet, Bifacial solar panels have a reflective back or dual panes of glass holding the solar cells in place. Exposing the solar cells to sunlight at the back as-well as the front. As a result, bifacial solar panels have a higher efficiency, as they are capable of capturing sunlight on both sides. Since they’re made to be completely transparent, they are usually frameless without metal gridlines. This makes them stronger in structural integrity and easier on the eye.

In almost all bifacial solar panels the junction box is positioned in a way that it does not cast any shadow on the solar cells.

How Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

Bifacial Solar Panel Working

Bifacial Solar Panels Design

• Increased Efficiency. As bifacial modules can produce powers from both sides of the panel, there is an overall increase in energy generation. Some manufacturers claim that bifacial solar panels can generate up to 30% more energy than conventional monofacial solar panels. This higher efficiency translates into less space per watt, so homeowners can install fewer panels to meet their needs.
• More Durable. As bifacial panels are frameless, and are covered both sides by tempered glass, they're often more durable. The tempered glass is weather-resistant, UV resistant and can withstand high temperatures and strong winds. As a result of their durability, bifacial solar panels are expected to have longer lifespans. 
• Aesthetically Pleasing. Bifacial modules come in many designs, including frameless. Many see the complete glass frame more aesthetically pleasing compared to monofacial solar panels. 
• Works Well in Diffuse Light. The extra surface area also means that bifacial panels perform better in diffuse light. Making the long-term costs lower than monofacial panels. 
• Reduced PID. In the instance of a frameless bifacial panel, the solar cells are less likely to suffer from potential-induced degradation (PID). This is where electrical currents stray from their intended path and as a result corrodes the solar panels. Furthermore, bifacial panels without a metal frame don’t require grounding, as there are no metal contacts on the exterior.
• Longer Warranties. Bifacial solar panels often come with a longer warranty of up to 30 years.

THE DISADVANTAGES OF BIFACIAL SOLAR PANELS

• Initial Costs. Due to the manufacturing process, bifacial solar panels can cost up to 10% more than monofacial solar panels.
• Installation Costs. As bifacial solar panels are heavier, and require specialised equipment to take full advantages of the benefits, the installation costs are higher.
• Less Flexible. In order to take true advantage.

Where to use bifacial solar panels?

As we say above that for best generation your bifacial solar panels should be installed at elevated height and the surface underneath it should be reflective, So if your house has metal roof then you will need to use structure to elevate your solar panels to a good height so that good amount of light reflects back. If solar panels are installed directly on the roof you won’t see any increase in the generation.

Hence, ideally solar panels are good for ground mounted installations or on a flat roof where you can elevate your solar panels and change the surface below it to be more reflective.

In 2020, I would say it’s too early to use bifacial solar panels for residential application but they are being successfully used on several large scale for solar power parks and large utility scale projects.

CAN YOU USE BIFIACIAL PANELS ON A ROOF?

Bifacial solar panels work best when they lie around four metres from the ground. This is because the higher up the panel sits, the more light is able to get underneath them. For this reason bifacial solar panels are unlikely to suit a residential setting, but work well in , off-grid systems, or commercially.

BIFACIAL SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURERS

There are a small handful of manufacturers that currently have bifacial solar panels in the UK market. Current Bifacial manufacturers include: Nexus Solar Energy ,  LG, Canadian Solar, Longi, Trina Solar, and Yingli Solar. However, with increasing popularity we expect this to rise as bifacial modules become more mainstream.