Introduction to Poly and Bifacial Solar Panels!

Polycrystalline/Poly Solar Panels

The usage of polycrystalline solar panels is less common in residential self-consumption installations and more common in industrial installations. We explain the properties of polycrystalline solar cells as well as the reasons why we only use monocrystalline solar cells in our photovoltaic systems in this article.

Especially in industrial establishments, poly solar panel is commonly employed to generate electricity. These are beneficial in such scenarios since the price of polycrystalline solar panels is lower than the price of monocrystalline solar panels.

However, when it comes to photovoltaic (PV) output for personal use in a home, the numbers are different. A modest decrease in the price of polycrystalline solar cells does not result in increased profitability because their performance is inferior and photovoltaic production is negatively affected. To put it another way, less energy is created in the same amount of area.

Characteristics of polycrystalline solar panels

Specifically, the technique employed in the manufacturing of the modules is referred to as polycrystalline technology. Both the performance and the look of solar panels are influenced by this technological advancement. Solar panels with polycrystalline crystalsare distinguished by the bluish tint of their skin. These have a distinctive appearance, with the numerous silicon crystals visible in the different layers.

The differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels become apparent as soon as the panels are put into production. Both solar cells and batteries are comprised of silicon, but the method the solar cells are produced is what distinguishes them. Contrary to monocrystalline solar modules, which are cut from silicon sheets and hence have a better purity, polycrystalline solar modules are melted and then placed in moulds to produce photovoltaic cells, which are subsequently sold.

When this material is melted, impurities are released, resulting in lower performance when compared to the performance of monocrystalline solar panels.

Which is better for self-consumption: monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels?

For home self-consumption, monocrystalline modules are the only ones that we would recommend. In addition to having higher performance, they typically have a smaller footprint, which allows them to produce more electrical energy in the same amount of area, which is something that is typically a limitation in homes.

Even with fewer cells and less power, monocrystalline panels are still more cost-effective than polycrystalline panels.Polycrystalline modules with 72 cells and 320W of power add 3,450W to a 20m × 12m space, whereas monocrystalline panels with 60 cells and 320W of power add 3,840W to the same space.We believe that monocrystalline technology should be used in residential self-consumption systems because roof space is typically limited in these systems.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Renewable energy technology is constantly evolving, and as a result, new technologies such as spherical solar panels, flexible solar panels, and solar panels with multiple layers have been added to the traditional offer. This includes bifacial solar panels, which we will discuss in more detail later.

So, what exactly are Bifacial Solar Panels?

A bifacial photovoltaic panel is distinguished by the fact that it is sensitive to light on both sides, as opposed to mono-facial solar panels, which have their backs covered with opaque materials and, as a result, do not catch solar energy.Bifacial plates, for example, have a transparent sheet on the back or are formed of doubly tempered glass on the front so that the sun’s rays can reach both sides and be used to generate electricity.

When it comes to its cells, they are generally monocrystalline or, in some circumstances, polycrystalline, just like those found in mono-facial panels.Finally, this class of modules is distinguished by the fact that it is available in a variety of designs, some of which include a frame and others which do not.

What is the operation of a bi-directional solar panel?

The translucent sheet that covers the panel’s back, as previously said, allows it to capture energy from both sides, making bifacial panels a form of photovoltaic panel with the capability of capturing energy from both sides.In contrast to mono-facial panels, which only reflect the solar energy that reaches their backs rather than storing it, bifacial panels have the capability of creating energy through both of their faces.

Because of this, the lower portion of these double-sided solar panels contains photovoltaic cells that take advantage of reflected sunlight, while the upper portion contains photovoltaic cells that take advantage of direct radiation.Three elements must be taken into consideration in order for these panels to operate at their best:

• The albedo of a surface:It is defined as the percentage of incident radiation reflected by the surface. As an example, if solar panels are put on a bright and light-coloured surface, their albedo percentage can reach as high as 60 percent, increasing the amount of energy that can be produced by the panel.
• Separating distance between panels: Whenever you are utilizing these panels, it is critical that you accurately estimate the distance between one and the other. If they are too far apart, as seen in the figure, more solar radiation will be consumed than necessary.
• The panels’ internal structures: The presence of some elements, such as wiring or connections, can have a negative impact on energy generation, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in the amount of energy produced.

Bifacial Solar Panels have a Number of Advantages!

The following are some of the benefits that can be gained from using a bifacial panel:

• Higher levels of performance. Because it generates electricity on both sides, its performance will be significantly higher than that of an installation of the same size that is made up of single-sided solar panels.In particular, we are referring to the fact that the lower portion of the module has the potential to boost energy production by between 5 and 30 percent.
• Because of the propensity of light hues to reflect sunlight, they are ideal for usage in areas where there is a lot of snow, deserts, or buildings or houses with white roofs.
• They can be used as barriers or awnings, or they can be employed as decorative features.