Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy output and efficiency. Ideal for ground-mounted systems with a reflective surface underneath the solar array, these panels maximize solar exposure for enhanced performance.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, generating more power per panel than traditional single-sided modules. These dual-sided panels are particularly effective in ground mount installations, where reflected light from surrounding surfaces hits the rear cells to boost overall output.

While bifacial panels use the same form factor as standard residential panels (approximately 3.25 by 5.5 or 6.5 feet), they squeeze additional production from your available space. That makes them ideal when you need to maximize output but can't expand your array footprint.

How Bifacial Solar Panels Work

Standard solar panels have cells on one side only, capturing direct sunlight from above. Bifacial panels feature solar cells on both the front and rear surfaces, doubling the surface area that can capture sunlight.

The front cells work like any solar panel, converting direct sunlight into electricity. The rear cells capture reflected light that bounces off the ground or nearby surfaces beneath the array.

Depending on the strength of reflected sunlight, bifacial solar panels can increase total energy output by 5-30%.

When to Choose Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial technology delivers the best return on investment with ground mount systems, where both sides of the panel have clear exposure to sunlight. The panels need adequate clearance above the surface to allow reflected light to reach the rear cells.

Reflective surfaces amplify the benefit of bifacial panels. White gravel, concrete, or light-colored ground covers reflect more light to the back of the panels than grass or dark soil. Snow is especially effective, which makes bifacial panels strong performers in northern climates during winter months.

Bifacial panels also work on elevated roof mounts or carports, where air flows freely beneath the array. They're not recommended for standard flush roof installations, where the mounting system blocks most reflected light from reaching the rear cells.

Performance Considerations: Bifacial vs. traditional solar panels

The efficiency gains from bifacial panels depend on three factors: mounting height, surface reflectivity (albedo), and local climate conditions.

Higher mounting heights allow more reflected light to reach the rear cells. Most installations achieve optimal performance with panels mounted 2-4 feet above the ground.

Bifacial panels installed above a reflective surface, like shiny white gravel, significantly outperform grass or dirt bases. Fresh snow provides the best light reflection, making bifacial panels the most productive choice in harsher winter climates.

Cost Comparison: Bifacial vs. Traditional Solar Panels

Bifacial panels cost 10-20% more than traditional monocrystalline panels with similar front-side ratings. Whether that premium is justified depends on your installation type and local conditions.

For ground mounts with good reflective surfaces, system production can increase by 20-35%, fully justifying the increased up-front cost. For roof mounts without adequate rear clearance, standard solar panels usually deliver better value.

Installation Requirements: Ground vs. Roof Mounts

Traditional roof-mounted rails create shadows that block reflected light, reducing the advantage of bifacial panels. They perform best on ground-mount racking systems which minimize shading on the rear surface. Systems with bifacial panels also incur additional costs for reflective ground covering, like white gravel, to maximize the value of their dual-sided production.

Like standard panels, bifacial modules integrate seamlessly with microinverters, string inverters, and power optimizers. The wiring process is identical, since the rear cells connect internally within the panel itself.

Not sure whether bifacial solar panels are right for your project? Contact our team to request a custom solar kit designed around your unique project specifications.