A Critical Review of the Environmental Performance of Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels

Maniscalco, Manfredi; Longo, Sonia; Miccichè, Gabriele; Cellura, Maurizio; Ferraro, Marco

doi:10.3390/en17010226

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

(52 reference statements)

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“…BPV systems represent an innovative approach to maximizing the efficiency of solar energy conversion and are a promising technology for advancing renewable energy production. A BPV system generates electricity from direct sunlight radiation and reflected light on the rear side [29]. In this way, increased energy production throughout the year is expected compared to standard mono-facial photovoltaic (MPV) modules [30,31].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable Energy Proliferation and the New Local Energy Community Paradigm: Analysis of a Case Study in Italy

Marchetti,

Vitali,

Biancini

2024

Energies

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Renewable energy communities (RECs) have been gaining momentum around the world, as a way to promote sustainable development and combat climate change. These communities are typically composed of individuals, businesses, and organizations that come together to invest in and promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydraulic power. This article focuses on the benefits that renewable energy communities bring to a territory through the diffusion of renewable energy systems, tackling different issues like local depopulation, increasing energy prices, and a lack of jobs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The novelty of this article lies in the results from the first-of-its-kind national call within the Next Appennino program, part of the National Complementary plan, aimed at the formation and proliferation of RECs in the area severed by the 2009 and 2016 earthquakes in Italy, as a way to add social, environmental, and sustainable value to the reconstruction of this territory. The data refer to the municipality of Castelraimondo and Unione Montana dei Monti Azzurri (a consortium of mountain municipalities), both located in the Marche region. Analysis of the consumer and prosumer energy needs, as well as the quantification of the exploitable production from the new renewable generators installed, showed that a total of 6.134 GWh/year can be shared by the community.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable Energy Proliferation and the New Local Energy Community Paradigm: Analysis of a Case Study in Italy

Marchetti,

Vitali,

Biancini

2024

Energies

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A comparative study of bifacial versus monofacial PV systems at the UK’s largest solar plant

Badran,

Dhimish

2024

Clean Energy

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This paper presents an extensive analysis of the United Kingdom's largest bifacial photovoltaic (PV) power plant, located in North Yorkshire. Commissioned in January 2020, this trailblazing facility, with a total installed capacity of 34.7 MW, is a benchmark for the evaluation of bifacial solar technology within the region. This pioneering study provides a thorough comparative assessment of bifacial and monofacial PV systems through a methodical investigation of their energy production, degradation rates, and spectral responses over a four-year operational period. Our findings reveal that bifacial PV modules, distributed across four segments of the power plant, demonstrate a remarkable average power gain ranging between 15.12% and 17.31% compared to monofacial modules. Despite experiencing marginally higher annual degradation rates—1.17% for bifacial compared to 0.91% for monofacial systems—bifacial modules show superior resilience and energy yield, particularly during winter months when albedo effects are pronounced due to snow coverage. The study also highlights the strategic importance of spectral response analysis in optimizing PV performance. Bifacial modules have shown greater efficiency in capturing infrared radiation, a property that could be exploited to enhance overall energy yield in specific environmental conditions. The empirical data indicate a consistent performance of bifacial modules with an average normalized energy output clustering around the expected efficiency level. Therefore, the results of this study are pivotal for understanding the practical implications of deploying bifacial PV technology on a large scale. They provide valuable data for stakeholders in the solar energy sector, guiding future installations and innovations in solar panel technology.

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Using the AIDA Method in the Design of New Elements for the Photovoltaic Mounting Structures

Ciubotariu,

Grigoras,

Zichil

et al. 2024

Machines

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To address diverse challenges and accelerate the adoption of PV technology, innovative and cost-effective PV assemblies are essential. The Analysis of Interconnected Decision Areas—the AIDA method—offers a promising approach to achieving this goal by providing a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and optimizing the design of PV assemblies. The aim is to demonstrate how AIDA can be effectively used to identify and assess potential improvements in PV assembly design, leading to the development of more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly PV systems. For this, out of 54 combinations, 10 of them were retained, so that in the end only two possible solutions obtained by applying AIDA remained. Both structures were assessed by applying FEM, analysing data regarding equivalent von Mises stresses and displacements but also the existence of stress hotspots. A design insight study was also carried out. Also, the models were first built by additive manufacturing (3D printing). These models were evaluated by a manufacturer so that the evaluation matrix and criteria satisfaction matrix could be successfully completed. Therefore, AIDA can be successfully used in solving problems in product design in the field of mounting structures for PV panels. Depending on the manufacturer’s capabilities, the intended functions can be adapted quickly, because AIDA is quite simple to apply if the data of the problem are known very well. Following the application of the FEM it was concluded that the surfaces as simple as possible are to be followed in the design of components. Also, an assessment of environmental impact was successfully undertaken by means of software assistance. The decision to use one option or another is a subjective one. If the technical data are followed, then one type of structure is the one that the manufacturer should adopt as a solution to the problem. However, if the manufacturer considers that the impact on the environment is important and dedicates resources in this direction, then a different type of structure should be adopted.

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A Critical Review of the Environmental Performance of Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels

Cited by 4 publications

References 32 publications

Renewable Energy Proliferation and the New Local Energy Community Paradigm: Analysis of a Case Study in Italy

Renewable Energy Proliferation and the New Local Energy Community Paradigm: Analysis of a Case Study in Italy

A comparative study of bifacial versus monofacial PV systems at the UK’s largest solar plant

Using the AIDA Method in the Design of New Elements for the Photovoltaic Mounting Structures

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