The Effect of Mounting Parameters on the Performance of Bifacial Solar Modules
Abstract
This study investigates the performance of a bifacial solar module configuration in an equatorial zone using Chiromo Campus (1.2732° S, 36.8049° E), University of Nairobi, Kenya. Two 60 W polycrystalline solar modules were mounted back-to-back on a fabricated rack to emulate a bifacial configuration, with one facing the sky (front side) and the other facing the ground (back side). Three parameters were optimized: ground elevation, tilt angle, and reflective background surface. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were taken using an HT I-V analyzer at various elevations and tilt angles. Three reflective materials were evaluated: metallized polyethylene terephthalate (MPET), Mylar windshield sunshade, and iron sheet. The study established that optimal performance was achieved at a ground elevation of approximately 1.2 m and a tilt angle of approximately 30°. Among the reflectors, MPET produced the highest irradiance increase on the back side (84.6%), followed by Mylar (77.2%) and iron sheet (22.9%), with corresponding power increases of approximately 13.7%, 5.2%, and 1.9%, respectively. These findings provide practical guidance for bifacial solar module installation in equatorial regions with similar climatic conditions.
Keywords
bifacial module, optimization, reflective background, irradiance, ground elevation, tilt angle