Are there any specific locations where bifacial solar panels work best?

Bifacial solar panels work best in locations where they can capture sunlight on both their front and rear sides, maximizing energy generation. Their ability to absorb reflected light from the ground behind them makes the surroundings and installation conditions very important for optimal performance.

Where do bifacial solar panels work best?

Reflective Ground Surfaces

Bifacial panels are particularly effective when installed over highly reflective surfaces. These surfaces bounce sunlight back onto the underside of the panels, increasing the total light captured and consequently boosting energy output. Examples of optimal reflective surfaces include:

• Light-coloured gravel or sand
• Swimming pools or water features
• White or light-coloured roofing materials (such as reflective membranes)
• Concrete or light-coloured pavements

In these setups, energy yields can increase by up to 30% compared to traditional monofacial panels because the rear side captures additional sunlight reflected from these surfaces.

Installation Types and Locations

• Flat Roofs: Common in UK commercial buildings and some modern homes, flat roofs allow bifacial panels to be mounted at ideal angles and heights to take advantage of reflected light. Their ease of mounting on adjustable racks makes flat roofs favorable locations.

• Ground-Mounted Systems: For larger properties or small businesses with space, ground-mounted bifacial solar arrays are ideal, especially where the ground can be prepared or naturally has high reflectivity (like gravelled areas). They also allow for vertical installation, which can capture sunlight throughout the day as the sun moves east to west.

• Vertical Installations: Bifacial panels installed vertically (such as on pergolas, fences, or specially designed mounting systems) perform well, particularly when facing east or west. In the UK, vertical bifacial panels can generate more energy on these orientations than horizontal panels because they capture sunlight during morning and afternoon.

Specific UK Examples & Practical Advice

• South-Facing Roofs: For typical residential homes, south-facing roofs with angles between 30° and 40° are optimal to maximize sun exposure on the front. Placing bifacial panels here also benefits from some ground reflectance if the roof or surroundings have reflective qualities.

• High Rise Flat Roofs: Many UK utility or commercial buildings have large, flat rooftops ideal for bifacial solar panels with mounting frames that optimise the angle and capture reflected light from the roof surface.

• Garden or Yard Installations: Homeowners with outdoor space can use bifacial panels mounted vertically or on racks over reflective ground surfaces like gravel or light paving stones, turning garden areas into productive solar zones.

Cost and Installation Considerations

Bifacial panels generally cost about 10% more than traditional monofacial panels in the UK, with typical installation costs ranging from £9,900 to £11,000 for an average home system. Additional costs come from specialised mounting equipment and the need to ensure optimal installation conditions to realize their higher efficiency potential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing bifacial panels over non-reflective dark ground or heavily shaded areas reduces their advantage.
• Crowding panels too close together decreases rear light capture; bifacial vertical installations especially need more spacing.
• Ignoring roof angle and orientation can limit the benefits; south-facing, appropriately angled placements are still important.
• Overlooking structural requirements for wall-mounted vertical bifacial panels can lead to installation challenges.

Key Pros and Cons for UK Homeowners and Small Businesses

Pros	Cons
Up to 30% more energy generation than standard panels due to rear light capture	Higher upfront cost compared to monofacial panels
Suitable for flat roofs and ground installations with reflective surfaces	Installation requires specialised mounting systems
Can be installed vertically to maximize energy through the day	More spacing required between panels, needing more space
Effective in locations with reflective ground (e.g., light gravel, poolside)	Less effective in shaded or dark ground conditions

Summary

Bifacial solar panels work best in the UK when installed over reflective surfaces such as light-coloured roofs, gravel, or near pools, and on flat roofs or ground-mounted systems where the rear side can capture reflected sunlight. Vertical installations facing east or west can also be advantageous. South-facing roofs angled between 30° and 40° remain optimal for front-side solar capture. For homeowners and small businesses, ensuring the right location and reflective surroundings is key to achieving bifacial panels' potential higher efficiency and saving on energy costs.