Bifacial solar panels are a key innovative technology that has gained popularity in the solar energy industry in the recent past. Unlike the monofacial panels that capture sun rays on just one side, the other captures both rays from the front side and backside. Therefore, bifacial could hypothetically double its energy output. However, to grasp the full picture, one must realize that bifacial solar panels do have quite some disadvantages, some of which this article discusses to assist you in making an informed decision before applying this technology to your solar system.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Before we discuss the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels, it helps to know a little about them and how they work. Conventional panels are single-sided, catching only the sunlight shining directly onto their surface. Bifacial panels have two active sides, where one side faces the sunlight while the other side faces the ground. The ground, roof, or any other reflective surface reflects sunlight toward the other-facing side of the bifacial panel. More light collected onto the bifacial sides means more energy output, so these must have increased efficiency in the electricity generation process than their conventional counterparts.

Increased power generation by bifacial solar panels would be more relevant with installations that optimize conditions, including high albedo surfaces, such as snow, water, or light-colored rooftops. These advantages notwithstanding, bifacial solar panels have several disadvantages of bifacial solar panels that may determine the feasibility or cost-effectiveness of their deployment in some kinds of installations.

Disadvantages of Bifacial Solar Panels

While bifacial solar panels promise improved efficiency, these disadvantages of bifacial solar panels can never be ignored. Some of them include:

Higher Initial Costs

One significant disadvantage of bifacial solar panels is the markedly high initial cost as compared to traditional monofacial panels. Bifacial solar panels are more complicated to manufacture because of their double-sided design, and thus, they are often sold at a premium. Such an added expense can have homeowners and businesses looking for options to minimize any upfront costs as a negative.

If you consider a Capex model solar (Capital Expenditure model) requiring full payment for the solar system upfront, this higher cost of bifacial panels against monofacial panels makes an unattractive financing option. Ultimately, while energy savings will be there to offset this higher initial investment, those with restricted budgets will challenge such a higher cost.

Limited Efficiency Gains in Certain Environments

Though bifacial panels may provide a greater energy output potential, real efficiency gains vary widely based on the environment in which they are installed. The disadvantages of bifacial solar panels become more comprehensible in places where there are hardly any reflective surfaces that can help harness additional sunlight on the back of the panels.

For instance, where the rooftop materials are very low in reflection, or where little can be expected to snow or light-colored ground, the amount of additional energy captured at the back of the panels will be minimal. In such instances, energy production from bifacial panels may not differ significantly from that of traditional panels, implying that the extra expense incurred in purchasing bifacial panels may lack an equivalent return on investment.

Installation and Structural Requirements

Bifacial solar panels need to solve specific installation requirements to maximize their dual-sided functionality. Some drawbacks that already exist in the installation of bifacial solar panels include the appropriate tilt angle required, adequate spacing around the panels, and particular mounting structures that must be sufficiently strong to withstand the extra weight brought on by the structure and orientation of the panels.

When it comes to installing bifacial solar panels, placement to optimize back-panel sunlight absorption is key. This is the case, for example, when installing bifacial solar panels on rooftops. Such concerns raise installation costs and complexity. To further optimize the sunlight captured by the back side, the panels can be elevated or mounted at a higher angle, potentially increasing installation expenses. 

Increased Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

Cleaning maintenance is not much of a requirement on solar panels in general, but bifacial panels could be more demanding. As the other side of the panel is opened to the environment, the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels will involve a requirement for more extensive cleaning and maintenance. Dust, dirt, and debris on either side will reduce efficiency and energy generation.

Unlike the ordinary kind, cleaning bifacial solar panels might demand more manpower and be a bit harder. For example, cleaning the back side of the panel might be difficult in the case of rooftop solar installations.

Besides, higher angles of inclination or specialized mounting may be less resilient during maintenance in the case of bifacial panels due to undue wear and tear and possible damage in even a short time.

Uneven Performance in Varying Locations

Bifacial panel performance is highly location-specific. Bifacial solar panels are disadvantageous because they perform less well in less sun, in cloudier climates, or on the ground where light reflection is poor. For example, the added energy from the backside of the panels would be minimal in low-albedo areas, such as under forests or where there is a substantially dark-colored roof or ground surface.

So, even though bifacial solar panels may hold a great advantage in perfect conditions, their performance can be less favorable in imperfect locations. If bidding for ground-mounted solar panels in an area with no reflective surface, a careful examination should be made as to the possibility of making a gain that justifies the added cost of the bifacial.

Shade-Sensitive

It is shade-sensitive, so some more shading sensitivity exists than in the normal panel. Even small amounts of shading on just one side of one panel can drastically reduce the efficiency of the entire system. If sunlight reflected from the ground or surrounding surfaces misses the back of the shading panel, it can be especially detrimental.

Further shading sensitivity dictates that careful planning is in place to ensure the correct choice of installation sites for bifacial solar panels. Trees, nearby buildings, or any other nearby objects that might cast shadows onto the panels could negate any benefits posed by using bifacial technology. 

Complications of the System Design and Its Monitoring

Bifacial solar panels require more sophisticated system designs and monitoring setups to exploit their dual-sided intention fully. Bifacial solar panels, therefore, can be disadvantageous due to system complexity, with extra monitoring equipment possibly being required to measure and optimize the energy output from both sides of the panel.

Again, this added complexity might hinder the installation and maintenance of bifacial solar systems for those homeowners or businesses lacking in-house technical expertise. A professional consultation and design by a rooftop solar installation company will probably be required, which further adds to the overall cost and time required for installation. 

Increasing Payback Time

Bifacial panels truly can sustain long-term energy savings; however, the substantially higher initial costs and location-dependent performance can cause the payback period for bifacial to be increased versus conventional. The payback could be longer in areas lacking an adequate amount of reflected light to justify the higher costs involved for bifacial technology.

Minimizing the demerits of bifacial solar panels

Certain strategies can minimize the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels while maintaining your interest in them.

Proper Placement of Installation

Bifacial panels installed in reflective environments, such as ground mounted solar panels placed on lighter or reflective surfaces, help maximize added energy capture from the backside of the panels.

Hire Specialist Professionals

Engaging a professional rooftop solar installation company or solar consultant can aid you in designing a system that makes full use of the capabilities presented by bifacial panels. Adequate system designs will help minimize shading problems while maintaining an optimal angle for the panels, increasing efficiency.

Consider Hybrid Systems

Sometimes, a hybrid installation combining traditional monofacial panels with bifacial ones may work. This will let you benefit from the extra efficiency of bifacial technology without putting all your eggs in that basket.

Conclusion

Bifacial solar panels have advantages in energy output, especially when installed in reflective surroundings. Yet, among these advantages stand many disadvantages of bifacial solar panels. Such disadvantages include higher upfront costs, the complexity of installation, the consequent increase in maintenance, and variability of performance based on site conditions. Another drawback some clients might consider is a longer payback period for the bifacial panels.

If you are interested in bifacial panels, the above-mentioned disadvantages of bifacial solar panels have to be weighed against the possible advantages. Reliable rooftop solar installation companies will assist you in looking at site factors, understanding the full costs of installation, etc., to make a more informed decision about the purchase of bifacial solar panels for your energy needs.

FAQs

There is just the Initial Cost and Installation Procedure for Shading.

In short, bifacial panels are highly sensitive to required conditions when translating the energy gain realized performance. It might also perform inconsistently in low-reflective areas. Sometimes, it can be more challenging to maintain bifacial panels because one needs to clean the two sides. Besides, it could have a longer payback period compared to traditional panels.

Do Bifacial Solar Panels Require More Maintenance?

Yes, typically, bifacial solar panels need more maintenance, which is yet another disadvantage. Cleaning both sides of the panel and addressing potential damage to either side increases maintenance costs. This is especially problematic for rooftop installations, where rear access is often quite challenging.

Are Bifacial Solar Panels More Expensive?

The initial cost was high because of the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels when compared with monofacial. Deck panels are costlier because bi-facial panels have a more complex design and processing technique during manufacturing. This downfall would impact those on a tighter budget, especially considering that the solar system works on the Capex model, which requires upfront payments.

Where should Bifacial Solar Panels be Installed? 

The disadvantages of bifacial solar panels arise in situations where the reflective surfaces are scanty. To be more efficient, install them on high albedo sites, such as light-colored roofs or ground-mounted solar panels on reflective surfaces. Low-reflective locations might not pay much extra energy.

Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work Well in Shaded Areas?

One of their disadvantages is that bifacial panels work poorly under shade. Due to even partial shading either on the front or back of these panels, their efficiency gets drastically reduced, making them unfit for regions with heavy obstruction or shade. Proper placement and installation are crucial to mitigate this issue.