In the current global context, where the energy transition and the fight against climate change have become priorities, solar technologies continue to diversify and improve. Among these innovations, bifacial and transparent solar panels stand out for their ability to maximize the efficiency and absorption of solar energy. These technologies capture not only direct sunlight but also reflected or diffused light, optimizing electricity production. This article will introduce you to these new generations of solar panels, detailing how they work, their benefits, their applications, and the challenges they face.
Bifacial Solar Panels: A New Way to Optimize Solar Energy
What is a bifacial solar panel?
A bifacial solar panel is a type of photovoltaic panel capable of capturing sunlight on both sides – front and back. Unlike traditional solar panels, which only capture incident light on their front face, bifacial panels also use light reflected from the ground or surrounding surfaces on their rear face. This innovative design significantly increases energy production, particularly in environments where the ground or supporting surface may reflect a significant amount of light (such as white surfaces or snow-covered areas).
How bifacial solar panels work
The operating principle of bifacial panels is based on an active double-sided structure. Both sides of the panel are made up of photovoltaic cells encapsulated in transparent materials (usually glass), enabling light from different directions to be captured. The front face receives direct sunlight, while the rear face captures light reflected or diffused by underlying surfaces.
This dual-exposure system increases the total amount of light available for electricity generation. The efficiency of bifacial panels depends largely on the type of ground, the installation height, and the angle of exposure. For example, a bifacial panel installed on a reflective roof or clear ground will produce more energy than one located on an absorbent surface such as asphalt.
Advantages of bifacial solar panels
One of the main advantages of bifacial panels is their increased energy output. By capturing light on two sides, these panels can generate up to 30% more electrical energy than conventional panels. This makes them particularly attractive for large-scale solar installations, such as photovoltaic farms, where space is already optimized.
Bifacial panels also offer greater installation flexibility. Their double-sided glass structure gives them greater durability, particularly against the elements, and they can be installed vertically or horizontally, as required. What’s more, the reduction in shade-related energy losses (thanks to their active double-sided design) means that installations can be optimized in complex environments, such as partially shaded roofs or densely populated urban areas.
Finally, from an environmental point of view, bifacial panels have less impact than conventional solar panels, as they use fewer materials while offering higher efficiency. This increased efficiency reduces the payback time IRR, making them a cost-effective solution for many solar energy projects.
Transparent Solar Panels: Towards harmonious integration into the environment
What is a transparent solar panel?
A transparent solar panel is a type of photovoltaic panel capable of producing energy while being partially or totally transparent. These panels are designed to be integrated into windows, building facades, greenhouses, or vehicles, generating electricity while maintaining a certain visual transparency. With its flexibility and efficiency, this technology can be easily integrated into buildings and used in BIPV (Building building-integrated photovoltaic) installations.
Unlike conventional solar panels, which are opaque, transparent solar panels use specific materials that capture ultraviolet and infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through. This technology is up-and-coming in the field of sustainable architecture, where it offers aesthetic and functional solutions for generating solar energy without compromising the luminosity of interior spaces.
How transparent solar panels work
Transparent solar panels work using semi-transparent photovoltaic materials or solar cells based on organic compounds. These cells can be deposited on a thin layer of glass or plastic, allowing visible light to pass through, while the energy contained in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths is captured to generate electricity.
Two main technologies are currently used in transparent solar panels:
Sensitized dye solar cells: These cells mimic the photosynthesis process in plants, using a dye to capture light energy and convert it into electricity.
Perovskite solar cells: Perovskites are semiconductor materials that can capture a wide range of light wavelengths while offering partial transparency.
Although the efficiency of transparent solar panels is still lower than that of conventional panels (between 5 and 10% depending on the prototype), these technologies are constantly evolving, with prospects for significant progress in the years ahead.
Advantages of transparent solar panels
Integrating transparent solar panels into architectural infrastructures (BIPV projects) offers undeniable advantages. One of the greatest assets of these panels is their ability to produce energy while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic with buildings. They can transform windows or facades into sources of energy, without disrupting the visual appearance of buildings.
In urban planning, transparent solar panels open up new possibilities for making cities more energy-self-sufficient. Skyscrapers, shopping malls, and even single-family homes can benefit from this technology to reduce energy consumption while maintaining bright, comfortable spaces.
Another important advantage is the versatility of transparent solar panels. They can be used in a wide variety of sectors, including transport (solar cars, energy-efficient glazing for trains and planes), agriculture (transparent solar greenhouses), and portable electronics (smartphones and tablets with solar screens).
Future applications and prospects for Bifacial and Transparent Solar Panels
Bifacial solar farms
Large-scale solar farms are ideal for the installation of bifacial panels. These installations make the most of both incident and reflected light, increasing overall yield. What’s more, bifacial panels can be installed on solar trackers, which follow the sun’s position throughout the day to maximize exposure on both sides.
These bifacial systems are particularly effective in snowy or desert regions, where the surfaces reflect much of the sunlight. Not only do they maximize energy production, they also reduce the footprint required to achieve a certain level of power generation.
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
One of the most promising applications for transparent solar panels is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). This technology makes it possible to replace traditional building materials (such as glass or tiles) with transparent solar panels, transforming facades, windows, or roofs into sources of renewable energy.
Positive-energy buildings, which produce more energy than they consume, will be able to take advantage of transparent solar panels to achieve their sustainability objectives. By enabling local, invisible energy production, these solar panels will pave the way for a new generation of eco-responsible architecture.
Transportation and wearable technologies
The transportation sector is another promising application area for transparent solar panels. Electric vehicles, trains and even airplanes can incorporate glass surfaces equipped with solar cells to generate additional energy, improving their autonomy.
In portable electronics, device manufacturers could integrate transparent solar screens into smartphones, tablets and laptops. These devices could then recharge directly using solar energy, extending their autonomy while reducing dependence on electrical outlets.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros :
- Excellent yield (5-15% higher than conventional panels).
- Higher output than conventional panels, especially in winter.
- Diverse applications for both private and professional customers.
- East-west orientation enables production at the start and end of the day, when electricity consumption peaks. This makes them ideal for balancing a 100% renewable energy grid.
Cons :
- Slightly higher initial cost.
- Optimal design and installation are required to maximize the albedo effect.
Best manufacturer in 2024
The top three brands for photovoltaic bifacial production in 2024 are :
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Solar Energy
Transparent bifacial solar panels represent a major advance in photovoltaic technology. These technologies offer innovative solutions to the growing demand for clean, sustainable energy by maximizing energy production from reflected sunlight or integrating energy production into transparent surfaces.
Although certain challenges remain, notably in cost and efficiency, bifacial and transparent panels are set to play a key role in the future of solar power generation. Their growing adoption in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors will help accelerate the transition to more sustainable, environmentally friendly energy systems.
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