Bifacial solar panels

Discover the advantages of double-sided solar panel systems!

Have you ever imagined that you could generate extra energy from the same roof surface? Double-sided solar panel systems push the boundaries of conventional solutions: they not only utilize the power of sunlight coming from one direction, but also the reflected radiation.

Thanks to the combination of N-type cells and a special rear coating, these modules work simultaneously on both the front and rear sides, converting even side or ground reflections into energy. This means that annual yields can be increased by up to 20–30% with the same panel area.

Think about it: lower unit costs, faster return on investment and longer service life with a single investment. The double-sided technology reduces losses due to shading, enhancing the reliability of your system even in changing light conditions.Don't miss out on the new era of energy efficiency! Take a look at the technical parameters of our bifacial modules and request a personalized quote from our expert colleagues.

As a reseller, installer or wholesale partner, register in our B2B webshopbefore purchasing your first double-sided solar panel! Once your registration has been confirmed, you will be able to access our B2B webshop, where you will always find up-to-date information on prices, stock and current discounts. Once you have logged into the webshop, you can purchase solar panels and place online orders quickly and easily.

Do you have any questions about our products?

As a B2B partner, please contact your designated sales representative, where our colleagues will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have about the selected solar panel.

You can also find a lot of useful information in the following frequently asked questions and answers:

Why choose double-sided solar panels instead of single-sided ones?

 

One of the most important advantages of double-sided (bifacial) solar panels is that they not only utilize the energy from sunlight coming from one direction, but also the reflected (albedo) radiation. Thanks to this, depending on environmental factors, up to 20-30% higher yields can be achieved annually with the same panels and surface area. In addition, the N-type cells of bifacial modules have a lower degradation rate, ensuring more stable performance in the long term. The higher initial investment costs are quickly offset by the increased energy yield, reducing the specific costs of the systems (LCOE).

 

Finally, the installation of bifacial panels offers more flexible layout options, as energy capture can be optimized regardless of the tilt angle and roofing material.


Compared to monocrystalline panels, bifacial panels have a lower temperature coefficient and a higher performance factor, which ensures better yields even in hot environments with high temperature fluctuations.

What surfaces are suitable for installing bifacial panels?

 

Bifacial panels are particularly recommended for surfaces with high albedo: white or light-colored cladding, gravel or concrete ground, and smooth gravel beds. In large outdoor locations, such as warehouses, logistics centers, or solar carports, the albedo value can be as high as 30-40%, which further increases the utilization of the rear side. In agrivoltaic systems, crops growing below the panels also reflect sunlight, providing an additional source of energy for the bifacial panels without shading the crops.

 

Outstanding yields can also be achieved above water surfaces, such as artificial lakes, but here special attention must be paid to corrosion protection and a durable structure. Indoor use in closed roof halls is less recommended as the amount of reflected light is limited.

Are bifacial solar panels more durable?

 

Bifacial panels are generally available in a reinforced glass-glass design, which increases mechanical resistance and protection against PID (Potential Induced Degradation) damage. Their N-type cell structure has a lower degradation rate, so the annual performance loss typically remains below 0.4%. The rear coating and special encapsulation materials provide additional protection in humid, salty or industrial environments.

 

Manufacturers offer a 25-30 year performance guarantee, ensuring that the panels will continue to deliver high yields over the long term. Maintenance is not significantly different from that of single-sided modules: regular cleaning and inspection of structural components are also essential here.

Are bifacial solar panels worth the higher price?

 

The higher initial investment costs of bifacial panels are quickly offset by the energy generated on the second side, so the payback period is generally shorter than for conventional modules. The higher annual yield results in lower specific electricity costs (LCOE), which leads to significant savings, especially for larger systems. Several project- and site-specific calculations confirm that a bifacial system pays for itself in 5–8 years, while single-sided panels with similar capacity can take up to 2–3 years longer.

 

In addition, projects designed with bifacial panels have a higher market value, which results in favorable credit and insurance terms. Ultimately, the premium price is not a cost, but a long-term financial advantage.

What type of inverter do bifacial solar panels work with?

 

Bifacial panels are compatible with the same string inverters as conventional modules, but it is worth choosing equipment with multiple MPPT channels to optimize the system. The use of optimizers and microinverters allows for even finer energy management, especially if the panels are installed at different angles or in different directions. Modern hybrid inverters are capable of handling the higher voltage and current produced by double-sided panels while also monitoring the feedback from the modules.

 

In addition, monitoring systems track bifacial yield more accurately from both sides, making it easier to diagnose any performance differences. Overall, it is recommended to use the inverter model recommended by the manufacturer to achieve the best results.

Are bifacial panels more difficult to install?

The basic installation process is not significantly different from that of conventional panels, but it is particularly important to ensure that there is sufficient space at the rear of bifacial modules. As a rule, a distance of at least 30–50 mm should be maintained between the support structure and the rear of the panel to ensure adequate airflow and reflection. Optimizing the installation angle and orientation has a greater impact on yield, so it is worth performing an engineering software simulation for the site. The mounting profiles and connectors must be more robust to support the greater weight of the glass-to-glass panels.

What performance difference can I expect?

 

Depending on the amount of reflected radiation – which varies depending on the type and installation environment – you can achieve between 10 and 30% extra energy production per year. On light, reflective surfaces, such as white tiles or gravel beds, the increase in yield is at the upper end of the range, while on darker, colored surfaces, a more modest yield improvement of around 10 to 15% is typical. It is also important that they work effectively even on cloudy days, thus ensuring more stable production in areas with changeable weather. Outside peak times of the day – in the morning and evening – the production curve is particularly well filled by the utilization of background light. Overall, we can therefore expect more balanced and higher annual production than with single-sided systems.

SOLARKIT reviews and recommendations

 

Based on feedback from our customers, SOLARKIT's bifacial solar panels stand out in the market in terms of efficiency and reliability. The high-performance N-type cells and glass-glass construction ensure long-term stability, which has been confirmed by our partners who are regular integrators.

 

Our customers are particularly satisfied with the fast delivery and customized offers, which allow all project parameters to be implemented cost-effectively. Overall, SOLARKIT's double-sided solar panel systems have proven to be an excellent choice for both industrial and residential applications.