Harnessing solar energy is becoming a quickly popular option for homeowners, businesses and countries wanting to harness the power of clean, renewable power. However with solar panels comes the variety and choosing can seem like picking a needle from a haystack.
There’s one significant debate in the solar world at present: bifacial solar panels versus single sided solar panels. They both promise to let you tap into solar energy, but which is the one that’ll get you more for your dollar?
In this blog, we shall discuss both options and how efficient, relatively costly, and hard to set up are. Ultimately you’ll have a rough idea of what type of solar panel is best suited for you.
What Are Single-Sided Solar Modules?
You may have seen those single sided solar panels found on rooftops or in large solar farms. Power has been supplied to homes and businesses for years using two of the most tried and true models. The front of the panel is where sunlight is turned into electricity by photovoltaic cells.
One might think of them as the “one and done” version of solar power. All that they need is sunlight on the front of the panel to get down to work. A simple, efficient and reliable solution.
How Do They Work?
Rows of solar cells arranged in a flat grid are known as single sided panels. The cells then convert the sunlight striking the surface into direct current (DC) electricity. Then through an inverter, the electricity is converted in alternating current (AC) electricity which powers your home or business.
Where Are They Used?
They’re everywhere – on residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and utility scale solar farms. Being simple to install, relatively affordable and with almost guaranteed performance, they are the natural first choice for most solar projects.
Efficiency and Cost
In terms of energy production, single side panels offer about 15% to 20% efficiency–pretty good for every day use. The thing is, they’re also relatively affordable in terms of cost too. Expect to pay less on the initial cost than bifacial panels, but they do make for a more affordable option for budget buyers or small projects.
What Are Bifacial Solar Modules?
Now, let’s discuss something fancier: bifacial solar modules. These aren’t the usual one sided panel. When the sun is shining directly on the front and back of a bifacial module, it has two rows of the solar cells, so it can collect the sunlight from either direction. And it’s like getting a bonus round of energy production!
How Do They Work?
Bifacial panels collect sunlight from roofing while it streams downward on to the ground or on to other close at hand surfaces. They can make more power because they can be placed in areas where sunlight is reflected from the surroundings: snow covered fields, or rooftops with white surfaces. This reflected light is captured by the back cells of the panels — energy output increased.
Where Are They Used?
In large scale installs—solar farms and commercial installs where energy production is king—bifacial panels shine. In addition, they’re great for places that have a lot of reflective surfaces like deserts or snow – and the reflected light is really efficient, greatly improving the overall efficiency of your solar array.
Efficiency and Cost
Here’s the kicker: That second side of sunlight absorption means that bifacial modules can generate up to 30 percent more energy than traditional single sided panels. All this bit and extra technology, however, comes at a price. The up front cost of bifacial panels is higher, but the higher efficiency could mean it’s a better long term option if you’re considering large projects.
Key Differences Between Bifacial and Single-Sided Solar Panels
So, what’s the real difference between bifacial and single-sided solar panels? Let’s break it down:
Energy Efficiency
Bifacial panels are significantly more efficient than standard panels. They can generate more electricity—up to 30 percent more—thanks to their ability to capture light from both sides. That extra energy comes from the sunlight reflecting off the ground, walls or other surfaces. That makes these panels ideal for places where there is high reflectivity such as white rooftops or snow covered fields.
With single sided panels, you are stuck with only the light that strikes your front side. Bifacial panels still work, but in the right climates simply don’t provide the added benefits they would under other conditions.
Installation Requirements
While bifacial panels might sound like the next whiz bang technology on the block, there are a few installation challenges as well. Besides, they usually need to be supported on a high or tilted mount to take advantage of sunlight on both sides of the panel. That means you may need a bit more space, and a specialized setup. If you have the right environment (AKA a field full of reflective light), then all of this extra isn’t a waste of time, due to higher energy production.
However, single sided panels, requiring no special mounting system, are much easier to install. Slap them on a roof or a flat surface and they start working right away – no fuss, no frills.
Cost and Return on Investment
The more expensive option upfront is, bifacial panels. However, because of their higher energy yield, they may give a better return on investment (ROI) in the long haul, particularly for bigger, business, or utility scale projects. Getting the extra energy you need from the back side of the panel will help offset the higher initial cost.
Single sided panels are less expensive, however, depending on your environment they may generate less energy. Yet they still maintain their position as an excellent alternative for smaller, cost conscious projects that endeavour to optimize efficiency per unit energy required.
Performance in Various Environments
Both types of panels require a large environment in order to perform. In locations with high albedo or reflectivity, bifacial modules are very well suited. Places with lots of snow, deserts or even rooftops painted white (surfaces that reflect sunlight well) should be top of mind. Along with this, the added reflection also gives these panels a great advantage of boosted energy on the back side of it.
However, single sided panels are much more versatile and they do well in almost any environment, especially one with lots of direct sun. If you don’t have perfect reflective conditions, they’re a good option.
When to Choose Bifacial Panels
Bifacial panels seem more advanced but can be the perfect choice in specific scenarios. If you’re thinking about going with bifacial modules, here’s when they shine:
Ideal Scenarios
- Large-Scale Projects: For commercial and utility scale installations where energy production reaches its apex, bifacial panels will do just fine. In either case, if you’re going to be set up with a solar farm build or big solar array installation, bifacial modules will get you the most bang for your back.
- Reflective Environments: If your installation is located in a high reflectivity area, consider snow covered landscapes, desert topography or white rooftops. Extra sunlight bouncing off the ground is something bifacial panels can take advantage of. Here you will see a great increase of energy generating.
- Optimizing Energy Production: Bifacial panels provide more electricity per panel and if you want to squeeze every square foot of your solar installation, they’ll help offset that extra initial cost.
Financial Considerations
However, while bifacial panels are more expensive at first, their increased efficiency is reportedly worth the expenditure. For larger projects, or projects in a locale favorable to reflections, the added energy production shortens the payback period (what’s considered the ROI). If you do have the space and the budget, bifacial modules can make sense, but you need to evaluate your typical weather patterns and can afford to spend a bit more ahead of time.
When to Stick with Single-Sided Panels
While bifacial panels may get all the attention, single-sided panels still need to be updated. They’re still the best option for many solar installations. Here’s when you might want to stick with the tried-and-true single-sided panels:
Ideal Scenarios
- Residential Installations: For the homeowner looking to install solar panels on the roof of their home, single sided panels are probably your best bet. They’re simple to install, cost effective and could still get you all the energy you need if your roof gets lots of direct sunlight through the year.
- Smaller-Scale Projects: For commercial or residential projects, big energy generation not required, single sided panels can do the job perfect. If all you want to do is lower your electricity bill without all the extra technology, they’re great.
- Limited Budget: Single sided panels are cheaper initially. If you have a tight budget or just don’t want to spend much, then single sides panels are going to do just fine with you. On top of everything, they still produce decent performance for most systems.
Cost-Effectiveness
Most people continue to like single sided panels because they choose a balance between cost and efficiency. They don’t collect as much sunlight as bifacial panels do, but for most homes and small businesses, that energy is enough. If you keep costs low, then with less investment you’ll see a quicker ROI.
Simple Installations
With single sided panels, the installation is a breeze. Since they don’t need specialized mounting system like bifacial panels, they are the easier and cheaper option for most residential and commercial projects. If you want a no fuss, straightforward solution, single sided panels are just what the doctor ordered.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s a simple matter of what do you want, where do you want it and how much money you are prepared to spend. Both panels have pros and cons but only understanding where they shine and shine less at can help you pick out what solar panel suits your installation best.
If you have space for it, reflective surfaces nearby, or you want increased energy output bifacial pv modules are useful. If you’re in an area where you can really benefit from that extra light pulled from the backs of the panels it might be worth spend the extra money up front.
If you don’t have space, or your finances are limited, or you have a standard roof, then single sided panels are still good, but far cheaper. Dependable, low cost and easy to set up makes them the perfect choice for most residential and small setup commercial projects.
Either type of panel has the capacity to help you tap into the power of the sun. Obviously, the trick is finding the one that works for you. Depending on the specifics of your project, you may want to reach out to a solar professional (if you’re still up in the air) who can help you make that decision by balancing the pros and cons.