Track to the Future: Best Practices for Bifacial in Modeling Software

 

On this episode of Track to the Future, host Tyler Kern was joined by Array Vice President, Product Management Jon Sharp and Director of Product Innovation Kyumin Lee to discuss the data-validated best practices for using bifacial solar cells at PV power plants.

Monofacial cells were the standard up until the last decade or so, when bifacial cells became more commercially viable.

While reports that bifacial cells boost energy yield by as much as 20-30% are exaggerated, a third-party test conducted by Array in conjunction with PV Lighthouse and CFV Solar found that a 5-10% yield increase was certainly realistic.

“One of the problems with the early days of bifacial testing was that the testing was done by research institutes and universities with small-scale setups. … All those things have resulted in very generous gain numbers in the order of 20 to 30%,” Lee said. “But what we are seeing now and what all the new modeling software are predicting is that for (large-scale installations), the number you should be expecting is in the range of 5 to 10%.”

As a result of this field-tested PV research project, best practices and data inputs have been established that can help utilities, designers, solar developers, and owner/operators more accurately calculate and model power yield across the lifecycle of a utility-scale PV power plant.

These best practices include things like optimal mounting height, width, spacing between rows, parameters to model performance in software solutions, and more that can help PV plants best understand their bifacial modules’ performance.

Further, modeling software like PVsyst can help these groups facilitate project planning and more confidently calculate yield, leading to more efficient bifacial modules and an understanding of how to get the most out of their potential.

“People want to know how to use and how to model bifacial technology,” Sharp said. “So, Array Technologies, in conjunction with (independent labs and modelers) has taken a systematic approach to answering those questions realistically with field data, as well as a modeling tool corroborated with PVsyst modeling.

“The conclusion is that PVsyst can be used with confidence. It’s a tool that will give accurate results if you put the correct information into it.”

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @EnergyMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

workforce in security
Where Security Meets People: Building a Better Industry Through Workforce and Inclusion
March 27, 2025

The security industry is facing a moment of transformation. Amid rapid technological shifts and workforce challenges, companies are realizing that talent — recruiting it, developing it, and retaining it — is now central to long-term success. At the same time, long-overdue conversations around inclusion, representation, and culture are gaining momentum across the sector. According to…

Read More
symmetry connect
The Hidden Power of Identity Management: How Symmetry Connect Is Reshaping Physical Security
March 27, 2025

As organizations face increasing pressure to streamline operations and secure access to sensitive facilities, identity management solutions are becoming a critical focus in the physical security space. While traditional access control handles the “how” of gaining entry, identity management tackles the “who” and “why” — automating the full lifecycle of identity onboarding, change requests, and…

Read More
supply chain ownership
Why Total Supply Chain Ownership is the Future of Resilient Tech Manufacturing?
March 27, 2025

In a world where global supply chains are often fragile and reactive, AMAG Technology is taking a bold stance with a proactive, end-to-end approach. Total supply chain ownership—controlling everything from component sourcing to final product delivery—isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline in a volatile global market. With disruptions ranging from geopolitical tensions to material…

Read More
Security
Reimagining Security Integration in the Age of AI and Mobile Identity
March 26, 2025

As the physical security landscape continues to evolve, system integrators find themselves at the intersection of rapid technological innovation and ever-growing client demands. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are no longer distant concepts—they’re becoming standard components of modern security solutions, from predictive threat detection to real-time analytics. At the same time, the growing adoption of…

Read More