Why Bifacial Panels Are Not the Best Choice for Residential Rooftop Solar Installations

As we increasingly adopt renewable energy through solar in our day to day lives, Bifacial panels have recently gained a lot of attention for their unique design and potential efficiency. However, in case of residential home rooftop solar installations the benefits might not justify the investment.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight on both sides and produce higher energy outputs. Transparent materials are used on the rear side to allow light to reflect from the ground and generate electricity in the process. In conditions where the ground surface is reflective such as sand or snow, this can lead to higher energy output of about 10-20% more than monofacial panels as both sides of the panels are contributing to energy generation.

Benefits

• Higher Efficiency in Ideal Conditions

• Durability & Longer Lifespan

Why Bifacial Panels May Not Be Ideal for Residential Use

• Space Constraints: As Bifacial panels are designed to take advantage of the surrounding area for reflecting light, the limited space on residential rooftops might not be ideal to fully utilise its benefits. Residential rooftops also are usually made of concrete or not light reflecting materials inhibiting the utilisation of the rear side of the panels to generate a significant of amount of electricity.

• Higher Costs: Bifacial Panels cost up to 30% higher than Monofacial panels, which can be beneficial if the panels are placed in ideal conditions. However, for residential rooftop solar they might not yield the expected amount of return on investment, making Monofacial panels a cost-efficient choice.

• Complexity: Installation of Bifacial panels requires much more strategic placement in terms of direction and shadow assessment to determine a position that efficiently utilises both its sides to generate electricity. This is usually not possible in residential rooftops surrounded by other houses and trees.

• Maintenance: Maintaining and cleaning Bifacial panels is much more complex as they are exposed to elements on both sides. Also, non - utilisation of the panels or generation of heat spots due to increased utilisation from concentrated reflection on a certain point, might lead to degradation of the panels.

Conclusion:

While Bifacial panels offer better performance, this is only limited to ideal placement and conditions. Such conditions are difficult to be met in a residential rooftop setting as homes lack sufficient ground space for optimal reflection. Homeowners need to assess the return on investment from such panels and consider if there is a real need for them to go for Bifacial panels over cost-effective and straightforward solutions like Monofacial panels.

Always consult with professionals in the case of technical choices to make a well-informed decision. Atria’s solar experts will help guide you through all your decisions in the best possible way. Contact us today on 080 62680000!