Energy Yield Enhancement of Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules Through Reflectors
Abstract
Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules enable novel installation configurations by capturing additional irradiance from the rear side, thereby increasing energy yield. This study investigates the influence of fixed reflectors on the performance of vertically mounted bifacial PV modules with an east-west orientation in the low-latitude region of Lima, Peru. Two bifacial technologies are evaluated: PERC with an aluminum frame and frameless HJT. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were measured under sunny and cloudy conditions, with and without reflectors. Key performance indicators are calculated and compared across various setups. The analysis quantifies performance losses attributed to module temperature, bifaciality, and partial rear-side shading caused by the frame. Performance metrics for the vertical modules are compared against standard configurations of both bifacial and monofacial modules. The findings provide practical guidance on selecting appropriate technologies and configurations for vertical bifacial PV installations.
Keywords
PV modules, bifacial, vertical setup, reflectors, performance, energy yield.