The main fact about bifacial solar panel installation is that they perform better on the ground. However, they can also be installed like you place the monofacial panels.
During the installation, the position and angle of the panels should be optimized to receive the most sunshine. While also allowing light to bounce off the roof surface and reach the panel’s backside.
Bifacial solar panels are particularly beneficial when sunlight is more reflected off surfaces, such as where there is a lot of diffuse light in high albedo areas.
Let’s see how to install bifacial panels as we read on.
Read also: Bifacial solar panels structure.
Steps On How To Installed Bifacial Solar Panels
A framed bifacial module is easier to install than a frameless module because traditional mounting and fixing systems are already adapted to framed models.
Some bifacial module manufacturers include their mounting brackets (clamps).
Rubber guards are often used on the module flanges of frameless bifacial modules to protect the glass.
In this instance, care must be taken to avoid damaging the glass by over-tightening the screws.
Because of its bifacial features, the more a bifacial module is tilted, the more power it produces.
Too near installation of bifacial modules to tile, waterproofing, or the floor prevents reflected light from reaching the rear of the cells.
As a result, bifacial modules function well because there is greater room to tilt and reflect light into the modules on flat roofs and ground-mounted buildings.
The mounting mechanism might influence the performance of bifacial modules. Racks with support rails may hide the solar panel’s backside.
This disadvantage on the back face is eliminated by mounting solutions intended for bifacial installations.
Let us go on with the installation now:
Inspect the installation location for bifacial solar panels.
You must check the location where you wish to place your bifacial solar panels.
This is significant because it will assist you. Look for a spot that receives lots of sunshine and is not heavily dominated by existing structures.
The ground quality of where you wish to place the solar panels should be checked again while surveying your site.
Make sure that you have a solid foundation for your installation.
Install the bifacial solar panel support racking structure system.
Choosing a dependable support system for the panels guarantees that they are sturdy and built of lasting materials, whether on the ground or your roof where they should be.
Follow the required requirements and local construction codes to properly align and attach the racking system to the ground, roof, or any other approved mounting structure.
Align the Panels for Maximum Sunlight
This step is critical when attempting to install your bifacial solar panels.
The angle of your panels should be appropriately positioned to collect the maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Maintain them at a height that prevents any potential shading. To avoid shading losses, make sure the panels are properly spaced.
Wiring electrical connectivity
At this point, it is time to connect the bifacial solar panels in series or parallel, depending on the electrical architecture you intend to use, to generate the necessary voltage and current output.
Ensure that the panels are properly connected to the inverter, charge controller, and other electrical components, all while keeping to safety norms and laws.
Always prioritize safety and adhere to local electrical rules.
Maintenance and testing
Once you’ve completed the preceding stages, it’s time to run some simple tests to ensure your bifacial solar panel system is up and running.
I’ll also remind you to arrange routine maintenance to spot any problems early on.
This can help maintain your solar panel system in good working order for many years.
Make use of a compactable wire.
Before turning on the system, double-check the wiring. A wiring issue exists if the measured open circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) deviate significantly from the standards.
Connecting various connections (brand and model) is not permitted.
When modules have been pre-installed but the system has not yet been linked to the grid, each module string should be kept open-circuit, and appropriate steps should be taken to prevent dust and moisture penetration inside the connections.
The cable installation paths, with + and – signs connectors, correspond to positive and negative module terminals.
Cables should always be connected to module frames or mounting rails to minimize shadowing on the module’s backside.
Factors Affecting The Productivity Of Bifacial Module Systems
As the story explains, double-sided panels benefit from solar radiation reflected on the back side to produce energy.
Still, the additional productivity from reflections depends on many factors. We will mention in this article the most important and influential factors:
Albedo reflection coefficient
The quantity of solar radiation reflected off a surface compared to the amount of solar radiation falling on the solar panel is referred to as the reflection coefficient.
This factor is considered one of the most important factors influencing the additional electrical energy produced (Bifacial gain). The amount of energy is proportional.
The additional electricity produced is directly proportional to the increased albedo value of the surfaces that will be applied.
Read also: The danger of the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels.
What Do You Put Under Bifacial Solar Panels?
Many materials can be used to protect bifacial solar panels for two reasons: first, to protect them from damage, and second, to maximize their performance.
However, based on your knowledge, placing anything beneath the bifacial surface can influence the electrical result.
So, it is prudent to put materials beneath the solar panels that will enhance the solar panels as well.
The ideal solution is to use a reflecting surface, such as white gravel, concrete, or reflectively designed materials.
This increases the quantity of sunlight that reaches the underside of the panels, hence boosting overall energy output.
The reflecting surface also helps to reduce sunlight loss due to absorption or dispersion by the ground.
Alternatively, some installations use a mix of grass or plants beneath the panels, which can help to keep the panels and surrounding area cool.
This method may need regular monitoring and maintenance to avoid shadowing, which might diminish the effectiveness of the panels.
A ballasted mounting system, consisting of a layer of gravel or concrete blocks, is used in some circumstances to offer stability and support to the panels while providing a suitable surface for the panels to rest on.
This method guarantees the panels stay securely in place despite high winds or other environmental obstacles.
What Is The Best Surface For Bifacial Solar Panels?
When getting the most electricity from solar power panels, the choice of surface for bifacial solar panels plays a pivotal role in maximizing energy generation among the various options available.
The best ideal surface should have some certain key characteristics. One of the most important factors is the reflectivity of the ground.
Surfaces with high reflectivity, such as white gravel or concrete, are known to help increase the efficiency of bifacial panels by enabling them to capture sunlight from both sides.
Also, the inclination angle of the surface must be carefully considered to ensure optimal light absorption, as we have learned in the previous section.
However, flat or slightly inclined surfaces work better because they can facilitate and help distribute the sunlight to the panels.
The optimal surface for bifacial solar panels, its light reflection rate, and the back face’s increase must be considered.
Research has shown that snow and ice can reflect up to 90%. Placing these cells on a high-albedo or reflecting surface increases energy output.
A reflector, which increases light on the dark side of bifacial solar panels, is a key instrument for managing power production.
White cement is 80–90% more reflective than gray cement.
Moreover, the cleanliness and maintenance of the chosen surface are vital in ensuring the longevity and performance of the panels.
A clean surface, free from debris or shading objects, enables the panels to receive maximum sunlight, maximizing their power output.
What Is The Best Height For Bifacial Solar Panels?
The best height of the solar panels is affected depending on your region. But generally, the height should not be less than one meter.
Other factors, including wind speed and the strength of the structures holding the panels, are also assessed as the height of the panels increases.
To acquire the greatest number of reflected rays on the rear face. Try raising the height of the facial panels to at least 1.5 meters.
It should also be noted that increasing the height has additional implications for installation, such as wind speed and the strength of the structures supporting the solar panels.
When installing multiple bilateral panels on a building roof, the appropriate distance between each array must be determined by earlier investigations.
How To Calculate the Tilt Angle Of Solar Panel
Knowing how to calculate the optimum solar panel angle might help you get the most out of your panels.
Fortunately, a solar tracker can automatically aim your solar panels toward the sun to enhance performance.
Though it is an added expense, some may believe the increased efficacy is worth the extra cost.
To get more energy from solar panels, they must be pointed in the direction that captures the most sunlight, and most times, your plates will be pointed south if you live in the northern hemisphere.
Your solar panels should face north if you live in the Southern Hemisphere.
Most solar system owners install their panels permanently, where they can be manually tilted as needed.
But let’s see how to know the right angle for bifacial solar panels manually.
Choose the correct inclination
You don’t necessarily have to adjust the tilt of the panels every season.
If you find that the power generated by your solar panels is sufficient to meet your winter energy needs. Assuming your highest energy use is in the winter – you can leave the panels in the same position.
Note that fixed-mount solar panels will be least efficient during the summer, spring, and fall when the sun moves across a large sky area.
Panel systems that “follow” the sun’s position are more efficient.
Of course, the correct angle for solar panels is for ideal locations. But in the real world, we deal with trees and buildings that may shade the panels or areas with many leaves, dirt, or debris.
You may need to adjust the angle slightly to compensate for less-than-ideal conditions. In the winter months, when the sun is lower, take the latitude, multiply it by 0.9, then add 29 degrees.
For example, If your latitude is 30 degrees, the angle you want to tilt your panels in winter is 30 * 0.9 + 29 = 29 degrees.
It’s also more efficient because you want the solar panels to face the sun directly in the middle of the day during the short winter days.
In my opinion, inclination angle accuracy is not important. Some envisage it, and site characteristics and design circumstances must be addressed to balance generation—and other factors like wind resistance.
It is extremely ignorant, for example, to install a canopy over the roof of a building. At an angle of about 45 degrees to achieve the best winter power generation.
This incurs high costs in the installation structure to withstand the winds. To obtain an additional 4.48% generation in the winter. Compared to if the installation was carried out at an angle of 25 degrees.
Final Thought
Now that we have seen the bifacial solar panel installation process, you can not override them with their common challenges.
However, bifacial solar panels are more dust-prone; they require rigorous cleaning and maintenance.
Also, because they need certain ground conditions and careful placement, there may be few good places to put them, which could stop more people from using them.
Despite these constraints, with more ongoing technological developments. Other research efforts are setting better ways to minimize these drawbacks of the bifacial solar panel system.
But if you can not install the bifacial solar panel, get a professional.
Also, read about the advantages and disadvantages of bifacial solar panels here.
