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An Analysis of the Increase in Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Installations by Using Bifacial Modules

Author

Listed:
  • Dariusz Kurz

    (Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Automatic, Robotics and Electrical Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, St. Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznań, Poland)

  • Arkadiusz Dobrzycki

    (Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Automatic, Robotics and Electrical Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, St. Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznań, Poland)

  • Ewelina Krawczak

    (Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Lublin University of Technology, St. Nadbystrzycka 40B, 20-618 Lublin, Poland)

  • Jarosław Jajczyk

    (Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Automatic, Robotics and Electrical Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, St. Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznań, Poland)

  • Jakub Mielczarek

    (Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Automatic, Robotics and Electrical Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, St. Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznań, Poland)

  • Waldemar Woźniak

    (Institute of Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Zielona Gora, St. Licealna 9, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland)

  • Michał Sąsiadek

    (Institute of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Gora, St. Licealna 9, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland)

  • Olga Orynycz

    (Department of Production Management, Faculty of Engineering Management, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska Street 45A, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Karol Tucki

    (Department of Production Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Street 164, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Ewa Badzińska

    (Faculty of Engineering Management, Institute of Logistics, Poznań University of Technology, St. J. Rychlewskiego 2, 60-965 Poznań, Poland)

Abstract

This work concerns the experimental verification of changes in the energy efficiency of photovoltaic installations through the use of bifacial modules. For this purpose, an experimental stand was designed and built for the comparative analysis of the efficiency of two types of photovoltaic panels: bifacial (bPV) and monofacial (mPV). The tests consisted of placing the panels at different heights above the ground surface and at different angles. During the tests, three substrates with different albedo were taken into account: green grass, gray concrete (fabric), and white snow (polystyrene). The tests for both types of panels were carried out simultaneously (in parallel), which guaranteed the same environmental conditions (temperature and solar radiation intensity). Based on the results of the voltage and current measurements for different angles of PV module inclination and, for bPV panels, different heights above the ground surface and different types of substrate, a series of current–voltage characteristics and power characteristics were plotted. The “additional” energy efficiency of bifacial panels compared to monofacial panels was also determined. It was shown that under favorable conditions, using bifacial panels instead of monofacial panels can increase the production of electricity by more than 56% from structures of the same dimensions. The research results can be of great value when designing photovoltaic installations.

Suggested Citation

  • Dariusz Kurz & Arkadiusz Dobrzycki & Ewelina Krawczak & Jarosław Jajczyk & Jakub Mielczarek & Waldemar Woźniak & Michał Sąsiadek & Olga Orynycz & Karol Tucki & Ewa Badzińska, 2025. "An Analysis of the Increase in Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Installations by Using Bifacial Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1296-:d:1606652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salim Bouchakour & Daniel Valencia-Caballero & Alvaro Luna & Eduardo Roman & El Amin Kouadri Boudjelthia & Pedro Rodríguez, 2021. "Modelling and Simulation of Bifacial PV Production Using Monofacial Electrical Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-16, July.
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    5. Arkadiusz Dobrzycki & Dariusz Kurz & Ewa Maćkowiak, 2021. "Influence of Selected Working Conditions on Electricity Generation in Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules in Polish Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-24, August.
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