What Are Bifacial Gains For Solar?

Bifacial gains refer to the additional energy yield generated when a photovoltaic module captures solar irradiation from both its front and rear sides. This added electricity is generated when ground-reflected light, or albedo, hits the back of the module. This technology significantly enhances the overall energy output from a fixed module footprint.

For project developers, maximizing bifacial gains is crucial for reducing Levelized Cost of Energy and increasing overall project profitability.

Which Site Factors Drive Bifacial Performance?

Albedo, or the ground reflectivity, is the single most critical factor, with light-colored or sandy soils yielding the highest gains. Other drivers include the amount of diffuse light and the mounting structure itself. Optimized site layouts, minimal shading from structural components, and using single-axis trackers can further maximize the duration and intensity of the rear-side energy capture throughout the day. Developers must analyze site-specific albedo data early in the design process to accurately project yields.

How Is The Bifacial Gain Calculated?

The calculation involves the ratio of the total energy produced by the bifacial module compared to an equivalent monofacial module under the same conditions. Key variables are the ground albedo value, the height of the module above the ground, and the ground coverage ratio. Higher module elevation and brighter ground surfaces directly translate to greater rear-side irradiation. Accurate gain modeling is essential during the design phase to provide bankable performance guarantees to investors.

What Are The Primary Modeling Challenges?

Simulating bifacial gains accurately is difficult due to the complex interaction between the module, the tracker, and the environment. Standard software often struggles to account for factors like non-uniform ground reflectivity and near-field shading from support structures or weeds. These uncertainties require developers to apply conservative assumptions which can reduce the project’s perceived financial viability despite high potential gains.

What Is The Expected Market Impact Of Bifacial Technology In 2026?

Industry analysis, such as reports from SolarPower Europe, indicates that bifacial modules will represent over 80% of the market share for all solar installations globally by 2026. This pervasive adoption is driven by continuous innovation in cell technology and the economic reality that bifacial panels inherently offer a lower Levelized Cost of Energy compared to monofacial alternatives. This shift means developers in 2026 will prioritize tracking and mounting systems that can maximize this rear-side capture to secure higher Internal Rate of Return targets.

How Do Solargik Trackers Maximize Bifacial Gains?

Solargik’s VersaTrack and AgriTrack systems are specifically engineered to maximize rear-side energy collection. The short-row, two-in-landscape (2P) configuration reduces the structure’s self-shading on the rear of the module compared to longer-row systems. The terrain-adaptive design allows for optimal module placement and elevation. Greater ground clearance increases the amount of reflected light captured, delivering higher overall bifacial gains across the entire power plant footprint.

Key Takeaways

• Bifacial gains are a critical component of project economics, directly contributing to a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and improved Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
• Maximizing gains depends on structural design and site preparation, specifically by ensuring high ground clearance and minimizing structural self-shading.
• Accurate, bankable performance modeling must account for site-specific factors like albedo, complex terrain, and potential near-field shading.