Optimisation of Bifacial Photovoltaics Module with Reflective Layer in Outdoor Performance

Abstract

While the improvements of STC maximum power point (Pmpp) and current from inserting reflective layers in the inter-cell gap of bifacial modules have been reported, there are many additional factors that contribute to the module outdoor performance in addition to the module STC performance. This paper presents the analysis and optimisation of bifacial PV modules with reflective layer at the inter-cell gap for outdoor performance. Bifacial module with reflective layer was studied where the reflective surfaces are inserted behind the rear glass. Normal glass/glass bifacial modules were compared to the proposed bifacial modules with reflective layers that were fabricated with the same cell type. A numerical model was created to simulate the current gain from each configuration with varying outdoor conditions. The numerical model was verified with an outdoor performance set-up that was experimentally constructed.