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Bifacial solar modules - using energy from both sides
Bifacial solar modules are revolutionizing photovoltaics by using both the front and the back to convert sunlight into energy. These modules are particularly efficient as they can also absorb reflected light from surfaces such as the ground, snow or water. The result: a significantly higher energy yield and maximum area utilization.
Leading brands for bifacial modules
JA Solar offers bifacial modules with double-sided efficiency of up to 70 % and outstanding performance under real-life conditions. Their products are characterized by durability and a low degradation rate. Jinko Solar impresses with Tiger Neo modules, which achieve efficiencies of up to 22.5 % thanks to innovative n-type technology and work reliably even in low light. Trina Solar combines advanced technologies such as glass-glass designs and high bifacial efficiency to maximize energy yields in any environment.
bifacial modules are the ideal choice for projects that require the highest efficiency and most advanced technology - from large solar parks to commercial applications.
bifacial modules are the ideal choice for projects that require the highest efficiency and most advanced technology - from large solar parks to commercial applications.
What are bifacial solar modules?
Bifacial solar modules are an advanced technology in photovoltaics that can generate energy from light on both sides. While conventional modules only use the front side to generate energy, bifacial modules use both the front and back sides. The rear side catches reflected light from surfaces such as the ground, water or snow, allowing an additional energy yield of up to 30 %. This technology is particularly efficient in environments with a high albedo effect (reflective value), such as on light-colored ground or in snowy regions.
How do bifacial modules work?
Bifacial modules usually consist of a glass-glass design in which solar cells are enclosed between two layers of glass. This design protects the cells from environmental influences and at the same time ensures high mechanical stability. The solar cells are optimized so that they can absorb light from both the front and the back. The additional yield depends on factors such as the reflectance of the surroundings, the installation height and the angle of inclination of the modules.
The strengths of bifacial solar modules at a glance
Increased energy production:
Thanks to the use of reflected light on the back, bifacial modules can produce up to 30% more energy, resulting in higher overall efficiency.
Thanks to the use of reflected light on the back, bifacial modules can produce up to 30% more energy, resulting in higher overall efficiency.
Installation flexibility:
bifacial modules are particularly versatile and are ideal for ground-mounted systems, roofs, solar parks and building façades.
bifacial modules are particularly versatile and are ideal for ground-mounted systems, roofs, solar parks and building façades.
Longer service life:
The robust glass-glass design protects the modules from moisture, UV radiation and mechanical stress, minimizing degradation and increasing service life.
The robust glass-glass design protects the modules from moisture, UV radiation and mechanical stress, minimizing degradation and increasing service life.
Optimal performance in different environments:
Especially in snowy, sandy or bright areas, bifacial modules deliver exceptional results due to the albedo effect.
Especially in snowy, sandy or bright areas, bifacial modules deliver exceptional results due to the albedo effect.
Aesthetic integration:
Bifacial modules can be integrated into architectural projects, e.g. as transparent solar roofs or façade elements.
Bifacial modules can be integrated into architectural projects, e.g. as transparent solar roofs or façade elements.
Challenges with bifacial solar modules
Higher initial costs:
Bifacial modules are often more expensive than conventional modules due to their advanced technology and robust glass-glass design, which increases the initial investment.
Bifacial modules are often more expensive than conventional modules due to their advanced technology and robust glass-glass design, which increases the initial investment.
Dependence on the substrate:
The additional yield from the rear side depends heavily on the reflectivity of the substrate (albedo effect). In environments with low reflectivity, such as dark or non-reflective surfaces, the benefit is lower.
The additional yield from the rear side depends heavily on the reflectivity of the substrate (albedo effect). In environments with low reflectivity, such as dark or non-reflective surfaces, the benefit is lower.
More complex planning:
The optimal use of bifacial modules requires careful planning, e.g. with regard to the installation height, the angle of inclination and the choice of substrate, in order to maximize the albedo effect.
The optimal use of bifacial modules requires careful planning, e.g. with regard to the installation height, the angle of inclination and the choice of substrate, in order to maximize the albedo effect.
Higher installation requirements:
In order to utilize the backside effectively, bifacial modules often need to be installed higher above the ground, which can lead to higher material and installation costs.
In order to utilize the backside effectively, bifacial modules often need to be installed higher above the ground, which can lead to higher material and installation costs.
Sensitivity to soiling:
As both the front and rear sides are used for energy generation, soiling on either side can affect efficiency, requiring more thorough and frequent cleaning.
As both the front and rear sides are used for energy generation, soiling on either side can affect efficiency, requiring more thorough and frequent cleaning.
Additional components required:
Additional reflective materials or special substrates may be required to maximize yields, further increasing the overall cost.
Additional reflective materials or special substrates may be required to maximize yields, further increasing the overall cost.
Limited benefit in certain environments:
In areas with little light reflection, such as on asphalt or densely planted fields, the benefit of backside energy harvesting remains unrealized.
In areas with little light reflection, such as on asphalt or densely planted fields, the benefit of backside energy harvesting remains unrealized.
Despite these disadvantages, bifacial solar modules offer attractive long-term solutions in most scenarios due to their high efficiency and durability, especially when used in well-planned systems.
The advantages of bifacial modules for solar installers
Efficient planning:
Installers can plan systems to maximize the albedo effect, e.g. through higher installation angles or the use of reflective surfaces under the modules.
Installers can plan systems to maximize the albedo effect, e.g. through higher installation angles or the use of reflective surfaces under the modules.
Wide range of applications:
Bifacial modules allow for creative placement solutions, whether in traditional ground-mounted installations or innovative building projects.
Bifacial modules allow for creative placement solutions, whether in traditional ground-mounted installations or innovative building projects.
Robust construction:
The glass-glass construction reduces the risk of damage during installation or operation, which lowers maintenance costs.
The glass-glass construction reduces the risk of damage during installation or operation, which lowers maintenance costs.
Future-proof technology:
installers can offer customers state-of-the-art modules that ensure high yields in the long term.
installers can offer customers state-of-the-art modules that ensure high yields in the long term.
The long-term benefits of bifacial solar modules for end customers
Higher yield with the same space requirement:
Bifacial modules generate more energy per surface area and make systems more efficient.
Bifacial modules generate more energy per surface area and make systems more efficient.
Long-term cost savings:
The increased energy production leads to lower electricity costs and faster amortization of the investment.
The increased energy production leads to lower electricity costs and faster amortization of the investment.
Resilience:
Thanks to the robust construction and protection against environmental influences, bifacial modules are durable and reliable.
Thanks to the robust construction and protection against environmental influences, bifacial modules are durable and reliable.
Sustainability:
By using more light sources, bifacial modules contribute to better resource utilization and greater environmental friendliness.
By using more light sources, bifacial modules contribute to better resource utilization and greater environmental friendliness.
Innovative features
State-of-the-art solar cells:
Bifacial modules mostly use monocrystalline PERC or n-type cells, which are particularly efficient.
Bifacial modules mostly use monocrystalline PERC or n-type cells, which are particularly efficient.
Maximum albedo effect:
Depending on the location and reflection, bifacial modules can generate up to 30 % more energy
Depending on the location and reflection, bifacial modules can generate up to 30 % more energy
Glass-glass design:
Protects the cells from external influences and ensures low degradation (often less than 0.5 % per year).
Protects the cells from external influences and ensures low degradation (often less than 0.5 % per year).
High voltage ranges:
The technology enables better adaptation to different inverters and system requirements.
The technology enables better adaptation to different inverters and system requirements.
Areas of application and expansion options
Bifacial modules are particularly suitable for:
- Ground-mounted systems with reflective surfaces.
- Agrophotovoltaics, where the modules are installed above agricultural land.
- Building facades and transparent solar roofs for aesthetic and functional integration.
Bifacial solar modules: Top suppliers on SolarTraders at a glance
On SolarTraders you will find a large selection of bifacial modules from leading manufacturers such as
Learn more about All Black solar modules
All Black modules offer an elegant, all-black look that blends in perfectly with modern building designs. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, they offer high efficiency and durability. These modules are ideal for residential and commercial installations where design and performance are equally important.
