Bifacial solar panels: What you need to know

The technology behind solar panels continues to evolve and improve. Manufacturers are now able to produce bifacial panels, which feature energy-producing solar cells on both sides of the panel. With two faces capable of absorbing sunlight, bifacial solar panels can be more efficient than traditional monofacial panels – if used appropriately.

Bifacial panels are best used in commercial or utility-scale projects where they can be elevated and angled away from mounting surfaces, allowing sunlight to reflect into the back of the panel.

For residential projects, bifacial panels can be effective with ground-mounted systems. However, they’re less practical for rooftop installations, where the sunlight only comes from one direction; your house would cover the backside of the panel, defeating the purpose of bifacial modules. 

And, as we’ll discuss, bifacial panels are also more expensive than traditional single-face panels, which can affect the breakeven point of your investment.

Solar panels are made up of solar cells that capture sunlight and convert it into energy. Traditional solar panels, known as monofacial panels, only use one side of the module for this process. The light that isn’t absorbed by the panel is reflected away.

Bifacial solar panels are different. These types of panels have solar cells on both sides, enabling them to absorb light from the front and the back. By capturing light reflected off the ground through the backside of the panel, each panel is able to produce more electricity.

Top bifacial solar panels

*Prices reflect the average quoted price for each solar panel brand based on EnergySage Marketplace data. Prices may differ for the specific model listed.

As mentioned, monofacial solar panels absorb light on just one side, while bifacial panels use both sides to capture sunlight. There are pros and cons to both types of panels, including efficiency, appearance, and cost. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best type of panel for your project. 

Bifacial solar panels are more efficient

With more surface area available to absorb sunlight, bifacial panels are generally more efficient than traditional monofacial panels. For example, a study by solar panel manufacturer LONGi found that bifacial panels produced 11% more energy than standard panels as part of a ground-mounted installation. When paired with solar trackers, which adjust the panels to match the sun’s movement, this efficiency advantage jumped to 27%. 

However, the efficiency gains of bifacial panels depend on the installation environment. Light-colored surfaces, such as sand, reflect more light onto the rear side of the panels, while darker surfaces, like asphalt or dirt, reflect less. The amount of reflected light directly influences the effectiveness of bifacial panels.

Bifacial and monofacial solar panels look different

Bifacial panels have a slim profile compared to monofacial panels. They often have minimal framing and are enclosed in a thin, transparent layer of either a dual-glass design or a clear back sheet.

Mounting systems for bifacial panels are also designed differently to maximize energy capture from both sides. These systems typically minimize shading on the back of the panel by using narrower support rails, smaller junction boxes, and vertical supports only at the corners of the racking system.

Bifacial solar panels are more durable

Bifacial panels are usually constructed with glass on both sides, enhancing durability against environmental factors such as wind and hail. 

Additionally, bifacial panels can be installed vertically to capture sunlight at two key points during the day: sunrise and sunset (this setup isn’t practical for monofacial panels, which rely solely on their front side for energy absorption and are typically installed horizontally to maximize exposure to the sun). Panels set up vertically are also less prone to snow and debris accumulation, which can obstruct energy generation.

Still, most solar panels are monofacial

Despite their advantages, bifacial solar panels are often more expensive to install due to the additional equipment and labor involved. As a result, monofacial panels remain the more financially viable option for most installations, especially for residential projects where the benefits of bifacial panels are less pronounced.

Most residential solar panel systems are installed on rooftops. Considering your house would get in the way of the backside of the panels, bifacial solar panels usually don’t make sense for residential installations. Their higher cost due to additional equipment means that average homeowners would still probably pay more for bifacial panels than they would save through their increased efficiency. Generally, bifacial panels are best suited for commercial or utility-scale solar installations. 

That said, bifacial panels can still be used in certain residential projects. If you're considering ground-mounted solar, bifacial panels might perform better by capturing light reflected from the ground. Similarly, they work well on free-standing structures like pergolas, where there’s no obstruction behind the panels, allowing them to capture sunlight from both sides.

A solar pergola

Bifacial solar panels are most effective in commercial and utility-scale solar installations. In these setups, panels are typically mounted above the ground, allowing sunlight to reflect off the surface beneath them and be absorbed by the back-facing solar cells. This additional light capture can significantly boost energy output, making bifacial panels a valuable option for large-scale solar projects where maximizing efficiency is critical.

Regardless of the type of solar panel you use, comparing multiple quotes is the best way to get a good deal on your installation. On the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can register your property for free and begin receiving solar quotes from vetted installers in your area. Just note your interest in bifacial solar panels on your profile so installers can provide a quote based on your preferences.