Field Performance of South-Facing and East-West Facing Bifacial Modules in the Arctic

Journal Article · Tue Feb 23 00:00:00 EST 2021 · Energies (Basel)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041210· OSTI ID:1781572

Pike, Christopher  ^[1]; Whitney, Erin  ^[1]; Wilber, Michelle  ^[1]; Stein, Joshua S. ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK (United States). Alaska Center for Energy and Power
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

This paper presents the first systematic comparison between south-facing monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules, as well as between south-facing bifacial and vertical east-west facing bifacial PV modules in Alaska. The state’s solar industry, driven by the high price of energy and dropping equipment costs, is quickly growing. The challenges posed by extreme sun angles in Alaska’s northern regions also present opportunities for unique system designs. Annual bifacial gains of 21% were observed between side by side south-facing monofacial and bifacial modules. Vertical east-west bifacial modules had virtually the same annual production as south-facing latitude tilt bifacial modules, but with different energy production profiles.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1781572
• Report Number(s): SAND-2021-4984J; 695726
• Journal Information: Energies (Basel), Vol. 14, Issue 4; ISSN 1996-1073
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
Arctic
Alaska
solar photovoltaics (PV)
renewable energy
bifacial PV