Snow Shedding properties of Bifacial PV Panels

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are frequently installed in climates with significant snowfall. Loss of energy production due to snow on pv panels is an important issue. It has been recognized for some time that bifacial PV panels have better snow shedding capabilities. In this paper we present a study of comparison between the snow shedding characteristics of bifacial and monofacial pv panels. As snow accumulates on, around, and underneath PV panels the site albedo can increase to as much as 75% of the incident solar radiation. This additional light reflected off the ground is absorbed by the bifacial panel, resulting in both heat and electrical generation. The additional heat increases the rate of snowmelt on the front side of the panel. In contrast monofacial panels do not absorb solar energy from the rear side and no significant heat generation takes place. Results of this study illustrate how bifacial panels are advantageous over monofacial panels in climates where snow is expected due to their ability to produce energy from the additional reflected irradiance and a quicker recovery time (snowmelt) than monofacial panels.