Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Performance analysis and comparison between bifacial and monofacial solar photovoltaic at various ground albedo conditions

Alam, Marzia; Gul, Mehreen Saleem; Muneer, Tariq

Authors

Marzia Alam

Mehreen Saleem Gul



Abstract

This paper analyses and compares the performance between a bifacial and a monofacial PV system based on the tests conducted at Heriot-Watt University, UK. The module's performance was observed on different ground reflective surfaces: concrete, white tiles, soil, and white pebbles. The rear side irradiance and bifacial energy gains are analysed. The power output is examined for a sunny and cloudy days, and yearly energy mapping is shown. Correlation studies are performed, and empirical model are developed between (i) clearness index and rear irradiance gain: (ii) rear irradiance gain and bifacial energy gain; (iii) total irradiance and power output. Based on the annual rear irradiance gain analysis, the highest gain range is found for white pebbles and white tiles ground surface (>30 % gain) and lowest for soil surface within the 5 %–10 % range and for concrete, >20 %. Regardless of the ground reflective surface, the probability is low that the bifacial energy gain is more than 30 %. Finally, a case study is discussed to perform a sensitivity analysis of a bifacial PV project's Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The sensitivity analysis shows that by using an enhanced ground albedo surface, the LCOE of the bifacial PV project can be reduced to 7.15p/kWh. The results show consistency with simulations output ran in PVSyst for different locations across the UK and the reported bifacial gain worldwide.

Citation

Alam, M., Gul, M. S., & Muneer, T. (2023). Performance analysis and comparison between bifacial and monofacial solar photovoltaic at various ground albedo conditions. Renewable Energy Focus, 44, 295-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ref.2023.01.005

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 17, 2023
Online Publication Date Jan 21, 2023
Publication Date 2023-03
Deposit Date Mar 2, 2023
Publicly Available Date Mar 2, 2023
Journal Renewable Energy Focus
Print ISSN 1755-0084
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Pages 295-316
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ref.2023.01.005
Keywords Bifacial PV, Ground albedo, Rear irradiance gain, Bifacial gain, Specific yield

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations