Performance of Bi-Facial PV Modules in Urban Settlements in Tropical Regions

Abstract

This paper studies the performance of bifacial Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HIT) PV modules through a one-year experiment in Singapore. Two 1.2kWp (front side)/0.84kWp (rear side) PV systems were installed vertically, facing the N-S and E-W directions respectively. The operational data of two systems were monitored and collected to analyze their performance under different weather conditions. This paper will presentthe change of irradiation, energy yield and the AC energy output of the bifacial PV systems. The results help to understand the impacts of system installation on the energy yield of vertically-installedbifacial HIT PV systems, to find out its advantages in applications over monofacial PV modules and to explore the potential of bifacial PV modules in tropical regions, especially in urban areas like Singapore.