Field-Based Albedo Characterization Station: Assessing Ground Reflectivity for Enhanced Modeling of Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems
Abstract
The rapid growth of bifacial photovoltaic technology has increased the need for accurate assessment of ground reflectivity and reflective surface characterization, as PV modules benefit from both front and rear-incident irradiance. One of the most effective strategies to enhance rear-side energy gain is by modifying the surface albedo beneath the modules. This study presents the setup installed at the Fotovoltaica/UFSC research lab in Florianópolis, Brazil (27°S, 48°W) for albedo characterization, featuring precise and fast measurements using spectroradiometers, pyranometers and reference cells, to achieve a better match with the spectral and optical characteristics of flat silicon PV modules. Three artificial surfaces — two films and a white geomembrane — were evaluated and compared to natural ground types. The results confirm significant reflectivity differences between materials, with the white geomembrane reaching the highest albedo values (79% measured with reference cells, 74% with pyranometers). The study highlights the importance of detailed field-based albedo characterization in supporting the design and evaluation of bifacial PV systems and reinforces the need for integrating such tools into site assessment practices.
Keywords
Albedo Characterization, Bifacial PV, Ground Covers, Albedo Enhancement, PV Performance Optimization