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Vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules: A global analysis

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  • Guo, Siyu
  • Walsh, Timothy Michael
  • Peters, Marius

Abstract

Bifacial PV (photovoltaic) modules have recently come to increasing attention and various system designs have been investigated. In this paper, a global comparison is made between vertically mounted bifacial modules facing East–West and conventionally mounted mono-facial modules. An analytical method is used to calculate the radiation received by these two module configurations. It is found that the answer to the question which of these two module configurations performs better strongly depends on three factors: (i) the latitude, (ii) the local diffuse fraction and (iii) the albedo. In a subsequent part of the paper, the minimum albedo required to result in a better performance for vertically mounted bifacial modules is calculated for every place in the world. The calculation is based on measured data of the diffuse light fraction and the results are shown in the form of a global map. Finally, the albedo requirements are compared with the measured global albedo distribution. The calculation allows a distinct decision which module configuration is more suitable for a certain place in the world. The result is also shown as a map defining the corresponding areas.

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  • Guo, Siyu & Walsh, Timothy Michael & Peters, Marius, 2013. "Vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules: A global analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 447-454.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:61:y:2013:i:c:p:447-454
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.08.040
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    1. Zimmerman, Ryan & Panda, Anurag & Bulović, Vladimir, 2020. "Techno-economic assessment and deployment strategies for vertically-mounted photovoltaic panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
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    3. Hua, Zhengcao & Ma, Chao & Lian, Jijian & Pang, Xiulan & Yang, Weichao, 2019. "Optimal capacity allocation of multiple solar trackers and storage capacity for utility-scale photovoltaic plants considering output characteristics and complementary demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 721-733.
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    5. Patel, M. Tahir & Khan, M. Ryyan & Sun, Xingshu & Alam, Muhammad A., 2019. "A worldwide cost-based design and optimization of tilted bifacial solar farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 467-479.
    6. Christopher Pike & Erin Whitney & Michelle Wilber & Joshua S. Stein, 2021. "Field Performance of South-Facing and East-West Facing Bifacial Modules in the Arctic," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, February.
    7. Kuo, Chung-Feng Jeffrey & Yang, Pei-Chung & Umar, Mega Lazuardi & Lan, Wei-Lun, 2019. "A bifacial photovoltaic thermal system design with parameter optimization and performance beneficial validation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 335-349.
    8. Sun, Xingshu & Khan, Mohammad Ryyan & Deline, Chris & Alam, Muhammad Ashraful, 2018. "Optimization and performance of bifacial solar modules: A global perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 1601-1610.
    9. Chudinzow, Dimitrij & Nagel, Sylvio & Güsewell, Joshua & Eltrop, Ludger, 2020. "Vertical bifacial photovoltaics – A complementary technology for the European electricity supply?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    10. Rahimat O. Yakubu & Maame T. Ankoh & Lena D. Mensah & David A. Quansah & Muyiwa S. Adaramola, 2022. "Predicting the Potential Energy Yield of Bifacial Solar PV Systems in Low-Latitude Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-17, November.
    11. Johnson, Joji & Manikandan, S., 2023. "Experimental study and model development of bifacial photovoltaic power plants for Indian climatic zones," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    12. Abotaleb, A. & Abdallah, A., 2018. "Performance of bifacial-silicon heterojunction modules under desert environment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 94-101.
    13. Tao, Yunkun & Bai, Jianbo & Pachauri, Rupendra Kumar & Wang, Yue & Li, Jian & Attaher, Harouna Kerzika, 2021. "Parameterizing mismatch loss in bifacial photovoltaic modules with global deployment: A comprehensive study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    14. Khan, M. Ryyan & Sakr, Enas & Sun, Xingshu & Bermel, Peter & Alam, Muhammad A., 2019. "Ground sculpting to enhance energy yield of vertical bifacial solar farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C), pages 592-598.
    15. Juhee Jang & Kyungsoo Lee, 2020. "Practical Performance Analysis of a Bifacial PV Module and System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-13, August.
    16. Guerrero-Lemus, R. & Vega, R. & Kim, Taehyeon & Kimm, Amy & Shephard, L.E., 2016. "Bifacial solar photovoltaics – A technology review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1533-1549.
    17. Jouttijärvi, Sami & Lobaccaro, Gabriele & Kamppinen, Aleksi & Miettunen, Kati, 2022. "Benefits of bifacial solar cells combined with low voltage power grids at high latitudes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    18. Khan, M. Ryyan & Hanna, Amir & Sun, Xingshu & Alam, Muhammad A., 2017. "Vertical bifacial solar farms: Physics, design, and global optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 240-248.
    19. Shuto Tsuchida & Hirofumi Nonaka & Noboru Yamada, 2022. "Deep Reinforcement Learning for the Optimal Angle Control of Tracking Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, October.
    20. Chandel, S.S. & Nagaraju Naik, M. & Chandel, Rahul, 2015. "Review of solar photovoltaic water pumping system technology for irrigation and community drinking water supplies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 1084-1099.
    21. Shitao Wang & Yi Shen & Junbing Zhou & Caixia Li & Lijun Ma, 2022. "Efficiency Enhancement of Tilted Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules with Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker—The Bifacial Companion Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.

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