Bifacial photovoltaic systems established in a Nordic climate : A study investigating a frameless bifacial panel compared to a monofacial panel

Abstract: The aim with this project was to study the power output from a frameless bifacial photovoltaic (PV) system relative to a traditional monofacial PV system with a frame. A general overview of how the geographical conditions affects the energy utilization of different PV systems is investigated throughout the project. Also, the study examined if further comparisons and evaluations, between PV systems, can be better established. The two examined solar parks, installed under different conditions, are located in Uppsala and Enköping, Sweden. In order to fulfill the aim and compare the different PV systems, three cases were analyzed. To increase the credibility of a comparison between the two cities, a sensitivity analysis considering the weather condition was executed. In case one, the result indicates that a bifacial panel is 5.2% and 3.6% more advantageous than a traditional monofacial panel during summer and winter, respectively. In case two, the frameless, more tilted and elevated bifacial panel is 58% and 680% more advantageous than a traditional monofacial panel during summer and winter, respectively. Also, in case three, the frameless, more tilted and elevated bifacial panel is 19% and 76% more advantageous than a bifacial panel with frame during summer and winter, respectively. When installing a new solar park, it is important to consider the location’s specific features since these affects the energy yield of the PV system. Future installations, which are installed with the intention to evaluate certain properties, is suggested to be installed with more initially comparable conditions in mind.