Performance Comparisons of Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules on Surfaces With Different Albedo Values: PVsyst Simulation Study

Abstract

The renewable energy sector is continually evolving to meet global energy demands and reduce environmental impacts. In this context, solar energy technologies, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, are playing an increasingly significant role in energy production. Photovoltaic module manufacturers and solar power plant investors are especially favoring the production and use of bifacial PV modules. The primary reason for this preference is that bifacial PV modules can capture sunlight on both their front and rear surfaces, offering a higher energy production potential compared to monofacial modules. However, this performance is significantly influenced by environmental factors such as ground albedo (reflectivity coefficient). In this study, the performance of bifacial PV modules on surfaces with different reflectivity coefficients was simulated using PVsyst software. Terrain topography and PV module layout at specified coordinates were modeled using SketchUp. The energy production performance of bifacial modules was examined under various ground albedo conditions, and the results were compared. Simulation results revealed a significant increase in energy production as albedo values increased. These findings demonstrate that the albedo value of the ground where bifacial PV systems are installed is a critical and decisive factor in system performance. The simulation data indicate that as the albedo level increases, both the Performance Ratio (PR) and the annual energy production capacity of the PV systems show a marked improvement. Transitioning from a 5% albedo level to a 70% albedo level resulted in an increase in PR from 85.36% to 93.98%, and in energy production from 1,792 kWh/kWp/year to 1,973 kWh/kWp/year.