Performance Investigation of Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels at Different Ground Conditions

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are generally used for monofacial applications due to the back surface coating materials. When the coating material is transparent, it is defined as bi-facial PV. In this study, the variable albedo effects on bi-facial PVs in different ground conditions were examined. The results were compared with monofacial PV panels in the same conditions for the Konya region. Bifacial PV panels were analyzed under white, sand, and asphalt ground conditions. Simulations were made by the PVsyst program, and the results were compared by global radiation value, the performance ratio (PR), and the produced energy results. An installed capacity of 54,6 kWp bifacial and monofacial PV panels with a horizontal angle of 35°, azimuth angle of 0°, and 6m intervals for roof installation is considered. It has been observed that the yearly total solar radiation value of 1969 kWh/m² occurs on the monofacial PV, which is higher as 6,4% for the white ground, 2,4% for the sand ground, and 0,8% for the asphalt ground conditions. The annual energy generated in the Konya region is calculated as 91,197 MWh, 94,404 MWh, and 97,730 MWh for asphalt, sand, and white ground conditions. It was only 105,690 MWh for monofacial PV panels. It has been determined that the performance ratio of the system in June, which is one of the months of the highest radiation occurred, 7,0% higher than the sand ground conditions, 10,4% compared to the asphalt ground, and 14,5% higher than the monofacial photovoltaic system. It was evaluated that the ground conditions of the bi-facial panels contributed significantly to the panel efficiency and performance ratio and could be applied with a small investment cost compared to the project's total cost.