Performance assessment of conceptual bifacial solar PV system in varying albedo conditions

Abstract

Abstract There is a rapidly growing interest in bifacial module based solar PV. Unlike conventional solar PV modules, the energy output of the bifacial PV module is affected by the reflectance of the ground surface (albedo). This paper aims to assess the performance of conceptual bifacial solar PV systems in varying albedo conditions. Besides, the comparison of energy generation between monofacial and bifacial solar PV system is carried out. In this regard, four sites on an educational campus having different albedo factor is chosen. The annual energy output, specific yield, and performance ratio are estimated using PVSyst simulation software. The energy output of 164.5 MWh/year is predicted for the minimum albedo factor of 0.15. While 175.8 MWh/year is expected for the maximum albedo factor of 0.85. The specific yield for Case 5 (bifacial) is 10.58 % higher than that estimated for Case 1 (monofacial). Based on annual energy generation, the site of Case 4 is the best location for the solar PV system among the studied cases. It is concluded that setting up of bifacial solar PV module on the ground surface with a high value of albedo factor is suitable to maximize energy generation.