Optimization and performance of bifacial solar modules: A global perspective. (15th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Xingshu; Khan, Mohammad Ryyan; Deline, Chris; Alam, Muhammad Ashraful
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 212(2018)
• Page Start: 1601
• Page End: 1610
• Publication Date: 2018-02-15
• Subjects: Bifacial solar module -- Global performance -- Global optimization -- Meteorological database -- Vertical solar module -- Self-shading -- Photovoltaics -- Solar energy; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.12.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A physics-based modeling framework for bifacial solar modules is developed. Global maps of the performance and optimization of bifacial modules are presented. Bifacial gain is below 10% worldwide for ground-mounted modules with albedo = 0.25. Elevating modules to 1 m and increase albedo to 0.5 can boost bifacial gain to 30%. We show a set of empirical guidelines for analytically optimizing bifacial modules. Abstract: With the rapidly growing interest in bifacial photovoltaics (PV), a worldwide map of their potential performance can help assess and accelerate the global deployment of this emerging technology. However, the existing literature only highlights optimized bifacial PV for a few geographic locations or develops worldwide performance maps for very specific configurations, such as the vertical installation. It is still difficult to translate these location- and configuration-specific conclusions to a general optimized performance of this technology. In this paper, we present a global study and optimization of bifacial solar modules using a rigorous and comprehensive modeling framework. Our results demonstrate that with a low albedo of 0.25, the bifacial gain of ground-mounted bifacial modules is less than 10% worldwide. However, increasing the albedo to 0.5 and elevating modules 1 m above the ground can boost the bifacial gain to 30%. Moreover, we derive a set of empirical design rules, which optimize bifacial solar modules across the world and provide the groundwork for rapid assessment of the location-specific performance. We find that ground-mounted, vertical, east-west-facing bifacial modules will outperform their south-north-facing, optimally tilted counterparts by up to 15% below the latitude of 30°, for an albedo of 0.5. The relative energy output is reversed in latitudes above 30°. A detailed and systematic comparison with data from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America validates the model presented in this paper.