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Solar cells have constantly been advancing and are now one of the most widely implemented renewable energy technologies around the world. There are two types of solar panels we will cover today: monofacial and bifacial solar panels.

With the continuous optimization of "cost reduction and efficiency increase" of photovoltaic power generation, monofacial solar panels and bifacial solar panels keep high attention and discussion from people in the photovoltaic industry. So, what's the difference between monofacial and bifacial panels? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Before we dive into this topic, let's define these two types of solar panels.

A monofacial solar panel only absorbs sunlight from the front surface of the solar panel while the bifacial solar panel features solar cells on both sides. As you can imagine, when you are producing energy from both sides of the panel, you increase the amount of electricity that can be produced. And that's precisely why solar panel manufacturers introduced bifacial solar panels. Because you get more out of them, which means more financial benefits from your solar energy system.

How Do Monofacial Solar Panels Work?

Single-sided modules are the most common and traditional type of photovoltaic panel, with a single-sided cell located on the front side. Monofacial solar panels function just like normal solar panels. They convert solar sunlight from the front surface of the panel into direct current, which is turned into AC with an inverter and then can be used to power our building and home. 

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

Instead of having a back sheet like monofacial, bifacial solar panels have a transparent back sheet, so both sizes of the panel can capture the sunlight. This allows the panels not only to absorb direct sunlight but also reflected light. It is typically only installed on the tiled racking system or ground bifacial solar mounting system because they produce more energy when the back side of the panel can capture more reflected light. The higher the bifacial module is tilted, the more power it produces from the bifacial panels.

Where Should Bifacial Solar Panels Be Installed On?

You must consider the surface that you will install your bifacial solar panels on is reflective. When bifacial solar modules are installed on a highly reflective surface, like a white roof or on the ground with high terrain clearance or a snowy area.

Bifacial solar modules are also effective in residential applications and are typically installed at ground level. However, for most property owners contemplating a rooftop installation, there may be better choices than bifacial panels. Bifacial modules find their optimal utilization in commercial or utility-scale applications, where the panels are positioned at an elevation and angled away from the mounting surface, thereby enabling light reflection onto the rear side of the panel.

Do Bifacial Solar Panels Need Special Solar Mounting Structures?

Solar mounting systems for bifacial panels need to be specially designed to avoid shade from solar structures on the back sheet of panels. It is required that the beams or purlins of solar mounts should not cross the solar cell area. Besides, bifacial solar panels are not suitable to install on a single-axis solar tracking system with a single-row array because the rotation axis of this kind of solar tracker will obscure the back side of the bifacial solar panels.

Mibet New Energy is a professional solar mounting racking manufacturer. We offer a wide range of solar mounting systems, including ground solar mounting systems, bifacial solar mounts, roof solar mounts, solar floating systems, etc. For specially designed solar mounts for bifacial panels, we have PGT4 ground mount solar racking and single-axis solar tracking system with double rows for your options.

Advantages of Bifacial Solar Panels Compared to Monofacial Panels

&#; Produce more power: as bifacial solar module can generate power from both sides of panels, it has higher efficiency.
&#; Durable: bifacial solar panels are covered by tempered glass on both sides. They are often more durable. Because the tempered glass is UV resistant and can withstand high temperatures and strong winds.
&#; Works Well in Diffused 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 corrode 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 panels usually come with a long warranty of up to 30 years, while monofacial only have 25 year warranty.

Disadvantages of Bifacial Solar Panels Compared to Monofacial Panel (Refer to This Table)

Module TypeBifacial Solar ModuleMonofacial Solar ModuleInitial Costs10% higherlowerWeightheavierlighterInstallation CostshigherlowerFlexiblelessmore

Takeaways:
&#; The electricity generated by bifacial solar modules is 5%-30% higher than conventional single-sided modules. The precise magnitude of additional energy generated depends on the environmental conditions surrounding the solar panels.

&#; The power output from the rear side of the panel is different depending on the ground surface, such as grass, sand, comment, etc. You must consider the surface that you will install your bifacial solar panels on is reflective.
&#; The monofacial panel is easier to install because it is lighter and more flexible.

Conclusion

One of the biggest benefits of bifacial solar panels is producing more solar energy with each panel. So if you're looking to optimize the amount of electricity you can generate per square foot of space, bifacial panels have the edge. Most trusted panel manufacturers offer warranties that last 25 years to 30 years, and the panels could go on producing electricity long after the warranties expire. They'll provide you with a long-lasting way to produce cost-free and emissions-free electricity!

Bifacial vs. Monofacial Solar Panels: Which Solar Panel System Reigns Supreme?

Home / blogs / Bifacial vs. Monofacial Solar Panels: Which Solar Panel System Reigns Supreme?

As the world increasingly embraces renewable solar power to combat climate change and make a sustainable environment, the demand for solar panel system ultimately increased worldwide. However, solar panels have transformed over time, and Bifacial solar panels have already created their marketplace but primarily originated from Monofacial solar panels. Here, the question comes into play: what&#;s the difference between monofacial and bifacial solar panels, and which one is better to choose?

Monofacial vs bifacial solar panels are an extensive debate that can be acknowledged by understanding the functionalities and advantages of both solar panels. So, let&#;s have a more detailed look at bifacial and monofacial solar panels. 

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells are the two ideal crystalline cells that are used in manufacturing solar PV panels, and most bifacial solar panels are made up of monocrystalline cells. Bifacial solar panels are highly efficient as they generate electrical energy from the reflective and illuminating surface, back and front. It captures the sunlight from both sides and has a stronger structure without metal gridlines. 

Here&#;s a breakdown of how bifacial solar panels work:

Bifacial solar panels are a type of photovoltaic technology that can capture sunlight from the front side and also from the rear side. It has a transparent appearance, making it more efficient than traditional monofacial solar panel systems. 

Front-Side Absorption

It works similarly to the traditional solar panels at the front-side absorption as it has a layer of photovoltaic cells made from semiconductor materials like silicon. When the sunlight hits the front side of the bifacial solar panel, photons start generating energy, leading to a photovoltaic effect that produces electricity. The front side absorbs more energy and uses various techniques, such as anti-reflective coatings and surface texturing, to generate electricity. 

Rear-Side Absorption

Bifacial panels have a unique quality to capture sunlight from the rear side and have great solar power panel efficiency. There&#;s a transparent back sheet or a glass layer on the rear side of the bifacial panel that allows sunlight to pass through the front-side solar cells and strike the ground or any other reflective surface underneath the panel. The back side of the bifacial is made of semiconductor material that doesn&#;t waste the reflected sunlight. It absorbs the reflected sunlight and uses it to generate electricity. 

Advantages of Bifacial Solar Panels

The bifacial solar panel system is gaining more popularity because of its efficiency and affordability. It truly offers numerous advantages, and some of them are as follows: 

Double-Sided Energy Capture

It captures sunlight from both sides, utilizing incident light on the front and reflected light from surfaces beneath. This dual absorption significantly increases energy generation, maximizing efficiency and output.

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Higher Energy Yields

Enhanced absorption from both sides means more electricity generation per panel, resulting in higher overall energy yields for solar installations. They are more durable and have longer lifespans. 

Versatile Applications

Bifacial solar panels can be used in ground-mounted arrays, on rooftops, or integrated into building designs, making them suitable for various applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.

Enhanced Performance in Certain Conditions

They perform exceptionally well in unsupportable environments and capture low-angle sunlight. Additionally, they adapt to changing conditions, improving energy generation throughout the day.

Factors to Consider For Bifacial Solar Panels

There are several factors that need to be considered before installing a bifacial solar panel system. Here are some of the factors that you should consider: 

• Installation: While installing a bifacial solar panel, choose a reputed manufacturer. However, there are many top solar power companies in India, and find one that delivers a hassle-free installation process. 
• Warranty: Bifacial solar panels are a long-term investment; hence, choose one offering longer warranties and covering major issues. However, bifacial solar panels often come with a warranty of 25-30 years, different in locations. 

What Are Monofacial Solar Panels?

Monofacial solar panels are designed with traditional photovoltaic technology that captures the sunlight and converts it into electricity. It&#;s the most common and traditional solar panel system, having single-sided cells located at the front surface. It has high solar power panel efficiency that is widely used in various solar energy applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations.

Here&#;s a breakdown of how monofacial solar panels work:

A majority of solar panels available in the market have a monofacial structure that captures sunlight from one photovoltaic side. It works in the following manner: 

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells are used in monofacial solar panels that are typically made up of semiconductor material such as silicon. These cells carry the energy from the sunlight and generate electricity. 

Encapsulation

Monofacial solar panels are encapsulated to protect the photovoltaic cells from environmental factors such as harsh weather, corrosion, low energy, and more. The encapsulation materials serve to provide structural support to the home solar system. It improves the life of the solar panel and makes it more efficient. 

Advantages of Monofacial Solar Panels

The following advantages of monofacial solar panel system are listed below: 

Cost-Effectiveness

Monofacial solar panels are cost-efficient due to their simpler design and manufacturing process. They are typically more affordable for homeowners, and it&#;s an accessible choice, having a huge base of users. 

Proven Reliability

Monofacial panels have many users across the country as it has a well-established track record of reliability. It&#;s a traditional model that offers durability and long-term performance.

Wide Applicability

Monofacial panels are considerable for residential as well as commercial purposes and can be installed on different surfaces. It&#;s versatile and suitable for a broad range of applications and projects. 

Consistent Performance

It offers consistent and predictable performance under standard solar conditions. They provide reliable electricity generation, which is crucial for meeting energy needs and return on investment.

Lower Maintenance

You don&#;t need to worry about maintenance costs if you install a monofacial solar panel system, as it has a simple design requiring minimal maintenance. It&#;s a great investment that reduces your electricity bills. 

Factors To Consider For Monofacial Solar Panels

When considering the installation of monofacial solar panels, there are several important factors to take into account, and the key factors are listed below: 

• Location and Sunlight Exposure- The monofacial panels absorb sunlight from one side; hence, it&#;s considerable to install the panel at a location where it can get direct sunlight exposure. Shading and nearby trees can adversely impact solar panel efficiency. 
• Energy Needs and System Size- Install a monofacial solar panel system as per your energy requirement. However, household and business energy requirements are different, so choose the system&#;s capacity or size accordingly. 
• Panel Efficiency and Type- Evaluate the efficiency of monofacial panels available in the market. High solar panel efficiency harnesses more energy from the sunlight and produces maximum electricity. Additionally, choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels based on your budget and space constraints.
• Grid Connection or Energy Storage- Decide whether you want to connect your solar panel system to the grid or incorporate energy storage (batteries). Grid-connected solar systems allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, while energy storage provides independence during outages.

From Installation to Optimization: Freyr Energy&#;s Comprehensive Solar Services

If you&#;re looking for more money-saving solutions, nothing is better than solar panel installation. Freyr Energy, top 15 solar companies in India, offers ground-level solutions to further your go-solar movement. It offers valuable support and expertise in helping you make an informed decision in the following ways.

Energy Needs Analysis

Freyr Energy understands the different energy requirements in different sectors. Hence, it offers unique solutions with quality solar panels. It strives to provide easily accessible and affordable solar energy for everyone. 

Solar Financing Options

You can avail of solar financing options at Freyr Energy, including a zero-cost EMI option for a 3-6 month tenure, digital loan evaluation & sanction within 48 hours. With this, you can maximize financial returns and save more on electricity bills. 

Solar Panel Monitoring and Optimization

To monitor and optimize solar system performance, Freyr Energy has introduced the Freyr Energy app through which users can navigate several challenges. From generating quotes to tracking solar panel performance, you can control everything at your fingertips using this app. 

Customer Support

We are always up in your solar journey with our robust 24/7 customer support. Without any hesitations, you can reach us anytime, and unwavering support. 

Conclusion

Bifacial vs. monofacial solar panels is an everlasting topic, and you can choose the best one by acknowledging the above information. When it&#;s about installing a solar panel system for your home or business, contemplate your needs and budget, then find the best one. Furthermore, it&#;s essential to work with a reputed solar panel provider like Freyr Energy to kickstart your solar journey.

Frequently
Asked Questions

If you have a limited budget, monofacial solar panels are good to consider. On the other hand, bifacial panels are expensive but accommodate modern technology. So, you can choose this if you appraise the latest technology and aesthetics.

Yes, bifacial panels are more advanced in design and functionality than monofacial panels, so bifacial panels cost more.

Absolutely, we are known for providing customized solar panel solutions for different businesses and residencies. Without any doubts, you can contact us for customized solar solutions.

There are many factors that you should consider, such as location, budget, solar panel capacity, energy needs, space availability, and more.