“Floating Power Plants: Maximising Solar Energy with Bifacial Solar Panels”

Introduction

Bifacial solar panels have gained significant attention in the renewable energy industry due to their unique design, allowing sunlight absorption from both the front and back sides of the panel. This in-depth report aims to comprehensively understand bifacial solar panels, including their composition, manufacturing process, and applications. We will delve into the step-by-step guide to help readers understand bifacial solar panels and their potential to maximise energy generation.

What are bifacial solar panels?

Bifacial solar panels are photovoltaic modules that can generate electricity by capturing sunlight from both the front and rear sides of the panel. Unlike traditional solar panels, which absorb light only from the front surface, bifacial panels utilise a transparent back sheet or glass to enable light penetration from the rear, increasing their overall energy production.

Manufacturing Process of Bifacial Solar Panels

The manufacturing process of bifacial solar panels involves several key steps:

1. Front-Side Cell Fabrication: The process begins with fabricating standard solar cells on the front side of the panel. This typically includes depositing a light-absorbing layer (usually silicon-based) and applying metal contacts.
2. Back-Side Cell Fabrication: Once the front-side cells are complete, a second layer of solar cells is fabricated on the back side of the panel. These back-side cells are designed to absorb the sunlight that passes through the front-side cells.
3. Module Assembly: The front-side and back-side cells are then integrated into a module, which includes encapsulating the cells with a transparent material (such as glass or a back sheet) to protect them from environmental factors.

Applications of Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels offer several advantages and applications:

1. Ground-Mounted Installations: Bifacial panels are commonly used in ground-mounted solar installations where the panels are elevated above the ground. This setup allows sunlight to reflect off the ground and reach the rear side of the panel, boosting energy generation.
2. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Bifacial panels can be integrated into building materials, such as glass facades, roofs, and canopies, making them a part of the building’s architecture. This application enables dual-sided sunlight absorption and enhances the aesthetic appeal of solar installations.
3. Floating Solar Power Plants: Bifacial panels are also suitable for floating solar power plants, where the panels are installed on water bodies. The reflection of sunlight from the water surface onto the back side of the panels further increases energy output.

Floating solar power plants, also known as floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, have gained significant popularity as a sustainable and space-efficient solution for solar energy generation. This report explores the application of bifacial solar panels in floating power plants, including the installation process, how they work, and a case study highlighting their performance and benefits.

Installation Process of Bifacial Solar Panels in Floating Power Plants

The installation of bifacial solar panels in floating power plants involves the following steps:

1. Platform Construction: A floating platform uses buoyant materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or reinforced concrete. The platform is designed to support the weight of the solar panels and provide stability on the water’s surface.
2. Panel Mounting: Bifacial solar panels are mounted on the floating platform using specially designed racking systems. These systems ensure secure attachment while allowing light penetration from both the front and rear sides of the panels.
3. Electrical Wiring: The panels are interconnected with electrical wiring, creating a series or parallel configuration to generate the desired voltage and current. This wiring is connected to inverters on the floating platform, which convert the generated DC electricity into AC electricity for use or distribution.

How do bifacial solar panels work in floating power plants?

Bifacial solar panels in floating power plants work by utilising the unique capabilities of their dual-sided light absorption.

1. Front-Side Absorption: Like traditional solar panels, the front side of the bifacial panels absorbs direct sunlight, converting it into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.
2. Rear-Side Absorption: The rear side of the bifacial panels captures sunlight reflected from the water surface. This reflected sunlight increases the overall energy generation of the panels.
3. Albedo Effect: The albedo effect, which refers to the reflection of sunlight from the water surface onto the rear side of the panels, plays a crucial role in enhancing energy production. The percentage of reflected light, known as albedo, varies depending on water turbidity and panel height above the water surface.

Case Study: Performance and Results of Bifacial Solar Panels in a Floating Power Plant

A case study conducted in a floating solar power plant provides valuable insights into the performance and benefits of bifacial solar panels.

1. Location: A 2-megawatt floating solar power plant was installed on a reservoir with a large water surface area.
2. Panel Configuration: Bifacial solar panels were used in the installation, with a specific tilt angle and spacing to optimise light capture from both sides.
3. Performance Evaluation: The performance of the bifacial panels was compared to that of traditional monofacial panels installed in a nearby ground-mounted solar farm. Data was collected on various metrics, including energy output, efficiency, and return on investment.
4. Results: The case study demonstrated that bifacial solar panels in the floating power plant outperformed monofacial panels in energy generation. The rear-side light absorption from the water surface and the front-side absorption significantly increased electricity production. The study also indicated improved energy yield in low-light conditions and a higher return on investment due to the enhanced performance of bifacial panels.

 Conclusion

Bifacial solar panels deployed in floating power plants present a promising approach to harnessing solar energy on water surfaces. The installation involves constructing a floating platform, mounting the bifacial panels, and interconnecting them with electrical wiring. These panels utilise both front-side and rear-side light absorption, taking advantage of the albedo effect from the water surface.

The case study provided

• evidence of the superior performance of bifacial solar panels in a floating power plant,
• highlighting increased energy generation,
• improved low-light performance and
• a higher return on investment compared to traditional monofacial panels.

As floating solar power plants continue to gain traction, bifacial panels offer a compelling solution to maximise energy production, making them a key player in the transition towards a sustainable and renewable energy future.