How do bifacial solar panels differ from traditional panels?

Traditional Panels: Traditional solar panels typically consist of a single layer of photovoltaic (PV) cells mounted on a solid backing material (usually a glass sheet). Sunlight enters from one side (usually the front), and the PV cells on this side convert solar energy into electricity.
Bifacial Panels: Bifacial solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight from both the front and the rear sides of the panel. They have PV cells on both the front and back surfaces, allowing them to generate electricity from sunlight that is reflected off the ground or other surfaces.

Light Absorption and Efficiency:

Traditional Panels: Traditional panels absorb sunlight only from the front side, so their efficiency is primarily dependent on the direct sunlight hitting the front surface of the panel. The rear surface usually reflects sunlight without contributing significantly to electricity generation.
Bifacial Panels: Bifacial panels are designed to capture and convert sunlight from both sides. They can generate additional electricity by capturing reflected sunlight, especially in environments with high albedo (surface reflectivity) such as snowy landscapes, sandy areas, or light-colored rooftops. This additional light absorption can increase overall energy output.

Mounting and Installation:

Traditional Panels: Traditional panels are typically mounted on fixed structures, such as rooftops or ground-mounted systems, with the cells facing directly upwards towards the sun.
Bifacial Panels: Bifacial panels can be mounted in various configurations to maximize light absorption. They can be installed on single-axis or dual-axis tracking systems that allow them to adjust and follow the sun's movement throughout the day. This flexibility in mounting can further enhance their energy generation capacity.

Performance and Cost Considerations:

Efficiency: Bifacial panels have the potential to be more efficient than traditional panels in certain conditions, especially when installed in locations with high levels of reflected sunlight. However, their actual performance depends on factors such as installation location, ground cover characteristics, and system design.
Cost: Bifacial panels generally have higher upfront costs compared to traditional panels due to their more complex design and the need for specialized mounting systems. However, their potential for increased energy generation and improved performance under certain conditions can offset this initial investment over the panel's lifetime.

In summary, while traditional solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight from one side only, bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides. This design difference allows bifacial panels to potentially generate more electricity, especially in environments where sunlight is reflected off surfaces like snow, sand, or light-colored ground cover.