The Role of High-Albedo Ground Cover Materials in Improving Bifacial PV Performance: a Case Study in Brazil
Abstract
This study evaluates the energy gains associated with the use of high-albedo artificial ground covers in bifacial PV plants with single-axis trackers. The application of such films in PV plants offers several benefits, including soiling mitigation and vegetation control. However, they also increase surface impermeabilization, which may have drainage and environmental consequences. This study focuses specifically on evaluating the associated energy benefits. Two white film materials were characterized at an albedo station, then tested at a pilot plant in Florianópolis, Brazil (27°S, 48°W). Both solutions showed a spectrally sensitive albedo measured with reference cells of 58%. Energy gains of 9.5% and 8.9% were observed compared to a reference system (26% albedo), despite a 2.6°C rise in module temperature, causing an estimated additional thermal loss of 0.8%. Energy losses due to albedo reduction from soiling ranged from 1.5–2.1% on clear days, reaching 3.4% on cloudy days. Among installation methods, trench anchoring proved most durable, while alternatives using sand weights showed reduced durability and caused sand spillage, leading to soiling on the reflective films. The findings support the viability of high albedo covers as a strategy for enhancing bifacial PV performance. Future studies shall focus on durability and technoeconomic viability of these films.
Keywords
Bifacial PV, Ground Cover, White Film, Albedo Enhancement, PV Performance Optimization