Double-sided solar panels have photovoltaic (PV) cells on both sides, meaning they capture sunlight from the front and reflected light from the back. Although two-phase solar panels are not always practical for rooftops, they can generate electricity in ground systems and outdoor applications, such as eye and sun shades.
Read on to learn more about ideal applications, solar panel costs, and more.
What are double sided solar panels?
Bidirectional solar panels are exactly what their name implies. A compartment with photovoltaic cells on the front and back. Like traditional panels, double-sided panels generate electricity by direct sunlight hitting their front face. But dihedral patterns use the albedo effect to absorb sunlight from a reflective surface behind them (like Earth).
Two-level panels are suitable for installations where the solar array is visible behind and can contain reflected light, which includes ground mounting systems, sun shades and hoods. Installers may not recommend double-sided panels for your roof system because the washers cover their back faces. But homeowners who have enough space for an open floor installation system can benefit from the increased efficiency of double-sided panels.
Bifacial vs. Monofacial solar panels
Conventional or monolithic solar panels have an opaque frame on the back and can only generate electricity when sunlight hits their exposed side. For this reason, single-sided panels are more cost-effective for roof installation. When using single-face panels, the reflected sunlight is lost because the opaque backing covers the rear solar panels.
Some bi-layer solar panels have a frame like traditional panels, but reinforced glass panels cover both sides. You can also find frameless double-sided panels that hold solar panels and glass panels without using a transparent frame.
According to a 2018 study by LONGi, binary solar panels can increase power output by 11% in ground systems and up to 27% if used with solar panels. However, double-sided systems are 10 to 20 cents more expensive per watt than single-sided systems.
Where to install two-phase solar panels?
Double-sided panels are understood as areas where sunlight can reach both sides. Installers are not recommended to use double-sided panels for solar energy systems on shingle roofs, otherwise cover their backs.
The following are specific applications where binary solar panels are useful:
- Underground solar energy systems
- Sophisticated solar panels on a flat roof
- Chariot of the sun
- Curtains
- pergolas
- Curtains
- premises
Underground applications raise solar panels above ground so sunlight reflects off areas below the panels, increasing electricity production.
How double-sided panels increase performance
The same rules apply when using bifacial solar panels to maximize energy production with monofacial panels. you should.
- Determine the tilt angle and optimal direction of sunlight to reach your panels.
- Avoid areas blocked by trees or buildings.
There are also ways to increase the amount of sunlight reaching the back surface of the dual panels. You can paint walls, exterior structures and other surrounding areas with light or clear colors to increase sunlight.
Price of double sided solar panels
Bifacial PV panels can add 10-20 cents per watt to the cost of a solar installation. Two-phase panels make sense when additional electricity savings add up to high equipment costs. But when this is not possible, single-sided panels offer a high return on investment and a short payback period.
According to solar company Renogy, double-sided panels cost between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on how many panels you need. This estimate does not apply to a complete system, which will require more installation, parts and labor.
The average cost of a residential solar system is $2.85 per watt, according to a national survey of 1,000 solar homeowners by the MarketWatch Guidance Group. The following table compares the cost of single-sided and double-sided solar modules for various system sizes from 5 to 10 kilowatts (kW).
*Note. We estimated the cost of the system to be between $2.95 and $3.05 per watt, which is 10 to 20 cents more than the national average of $2.85 per watt.
Single face and single face PV modules are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit. The credit allows you to recoup one-third of your initial investment as a tax deduction in the year you install the panels. Solar panels are subject to tax credits.
Double sided energy saving board
In favorable solar conditions, you can expect a 6kW solar system to produce 9,000kWh of renewable energy per year. At an average US electricity price of 16 cents per kilowatt, generating 9,000 kilowatts equates to an annual energy savings of $1,440.
- Assuming you can increase productivity by 11% with bifacial solar technology, the annual savings would be $158.
- If double-sided panels increase the cost of your system by $600, your annual savings will help offset the additional investment in the first four years of operation.
The above example is a simple calculation. The best solar companies can analyze your property's sunlight conditions and determine the ideal solar panel capacity and system.
Installation of solar panels on two fronts of the residence
Many solar manufacturers offer double-sided panels. The following table summarizes the average panel performance and costs you can expect from each installer.
Among the solar manufacturers listed above, SunPower is the only provider of solar panel installation services in the country using a network of over 850 installers. Other brands focus solely on manufacturing, outsourcing installation services to local solar companies.
Are Double Sided Solar Panels Worth It?
Two-phase solar panels are cost-effective when installed on ground-mounted installations, exterior structures, and flat roofs. These applications allow sunlight to pass through the back of the panel so it can generate more electricity. Double-sided panels use the same glazing as single-sided panels, so you don't have to worry about getting special equipment.
Here are the main ways to connect two-sided panels:
- Solar energy systems that use double-sided panels are 10 to 20 cents more expensive per watt.
- However, if used in the right application, additional equipment can offset the life of the duplex panel.
- When used off-grid, bidirectional PV modules can meet your electricity needs with fewer panels than conventional models.
It makes no sense to use double-sided panels in situations where the background is completely hidden, such as installing a washable roof. In this case, without seeing additional energy savings in return, additional equipment costs (since double-sided panels are expensive). These fluctuations can negatively impact your solar project's return on investment (ROI).
Double-sided panels are often used extensively by solar developers in commercial areas to increase the capacity per square foot. Two-phase panels are exempt from certain import duties imposed on conventional panels, which is a huge advantage for importers who rely on imports.
Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technology writer. His consulting experience in energy and solar efficiency includes industries such as banking, textiles and plastics, pharmaceuticals, education, food processing, real estate and retail. Since 2015, he has been writing articles on topics related to energy and engineering.
Tori Addison is a copywriter who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing in the non-profit, government and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, he began his career covering politics and current affairs in New York's Hudson Valley. His work includes local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care laws.
