Will bifacial solar panels work during winter?

How bifacial panels operate in winter conditions

• Snow reflection advantage: Snow’s high reflectivity (albedo effect) allows bifacial panels to capture light on both sides, boosting production compared to monofacial panels[^1]. Light bouncing off snow-covered ground can increase backside energy yield.
• Cold-weather efficiency: Solar cells operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, offsetting some of the reduced daylight hours.
• Snow melt capability: Bifacial panels clear snow faster than monofacial ones due to heat from sunlight absorption, reducing downtime[^2].

UK-specific considerations

• Recent large-scale adoption: The UK’s largest bifacial solar farm (North Yorkshire, operational 2024) demonstrates their viability in British winters.
• Cloud performance: While direct sunlight is reduced, bifacial panels still generate power from diffused light common in UK winters.
• ROI timeframe: Most warranties cover 80% output after 25 years, with winter performance factored into annual ROI calculations.

Practical advice for owners

• Snow removal:
• Use soft brushes for heavy snow – never apply hot water, salt, or chemicals.
• Allow self-clearing for light snow (takes 1-3 sunny hours).
• Autumn maintenance: Clear leaves/needles that could create shade and trap snow.
• Tilt angle optimization: Install at 30-40° angles to balance snow shedding and light capture.

Key pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Higher winter yield than monofacial	Higher upfront cost
25+ year lifespan with output guarantees	Requires more ground clearance
Reduced snow-related downtime	Site-specific effectiveness (needs reflective surfaces)

Common mistakes include installing panels too close to vegetation (blocking rear access to light) and using abrasive snow-clearing tools that scratch surfaces. For UK homeowners, bifacial systems are effective in rural areas with consistent snow cover or light-colored roofing materials. Businesses with flat, reflective surfaces (e.g., warehouses) benefit most from dual-sided energy capture.

[^1]: This principle has been demonstrated in recent UK installations, including the North Yorkshire solar farm.
[^2]: Real-world observations show bifacial panels clear snow faster due to their design and heat generation.