Bifacial Solar Panels: Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar power has grown massively in recent years, and bifacial solar panels are starting to turn heads. Unlike traditional panels, which only capture sunlight on one side, these innovative panels absorb energy from both the front and back. That sounds great, right? But like anything, they have their pros and cons.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, it helps to understand what makes these panels different. Standard solar panels have a single active side that faces the sun. Bifacial panels, on the other hand, have photovoltaic (PV) cells on both sides, meaning they can generate electricity from direct sunlight and reflected light. The back side isn’t just an afterthought it actively contributes to overall energy production.

Most bifacial panels have a glass-on-glass or glass-on-transparent backsheet design, which lets light pass through or reflect onto the rear side. When installed correctly, they can increase efficiency without taking up extra space.

Advantages of Bifacial Solar Panels

Higher Energy Output

One of the biggest perks is their ability to generate more electricity than traditional panels. Since they collect light from both sides, they can boost energy production by 10–30% depending on the installation. If you place them over reflective surfaces like white roofs, light-coloured gravel, or snow, the gains can be even greater.

Better Performance in Low-Light Conditions

These panels don’t just rely on direct sunlight. Thanks to their double-sided absorption, they continue generating power even when conditions aren’t ideal. On cloudy days or during early mornings and late afternoons, they can capture diffused and reflected light, giving you a more consistent power supply.

More Durability

Many bifacial panels come with a glass-on-glass design, which not only enhances efficiency but also improves longevity. Glass is more resistant to UV damage and degradation over time, making these panels more durable compared to traditional models with plastic backsheets.

Ideal for Certain Installations

Bifacial panels work especially well in open spaces where light can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, or snow. They’re also great for elevated structures, pergolas, carports, and solar farms where the back side can catch plenty of reflected light.

Potentially Lower Cost Per Watt

Since they produce more energy per panel, you might need fewer of them to meet your power needs. In large-scale projects, this can mean lower overall costs for racking, wiring, and maintenance. Over time, the increased efficiency can help offset the higher initial cost.

Disadvantages of Bifacial Solar Panels

Higher Upfront Cost

While they can save money in the long run, bifacial panels usually cost more than traditional ones. The extra materials, advanced technology, and additional manufacturing processes push up the price. If you’re on a tight budget, the initial investment might be a deal-breaker.

Installation Can Be Tricky

To get the most out of bifacial panels, you can’t just install them like regular ones. They work best when they’re elevated, allowing reflected light to reach the back side. That means extra planning, specialised racking systems, and sometimes additional labour costs. If they’re placed flat against a roof, their rear side won’t contribute much, making them less effective.

Not Always Worth It for Residential Roofs

If your roof is dark or doesn’t reflect much light, you won’t see significant benefits from the rear side of the panel. The same applies if the panels are installed flush against the roof. In such cases, standard monofacial panels might be the more practical option.

Bifacial Solar Panels vs. Other Solar Panel Types