At Polaron, we strive to ensure that our clients receive the best possible systems — providing the best possible value.
Part of keeping up with that commitment is staying on top of the latest technologies and ensuring that our clients are abreast of what’s available to help them make better decisions.
Today we want to briefly introduce biracial panels — which provide increased efficiency from your system.
Traditionally, panels capture sunlight on one side, while the light that can’t be absorbed reflects away. In contrast, bifacial panels can absorb light on both the back and the front — as they have solar cells on both sides.
In essence, the light that reflects off of your roof, the ground, or any other material can now produce energy.
Bifacial panels consist of monocrystalline cells (but are available in polycrystalline designs as well). One of the most noticeable attributes of bifacial panels is a slim profile as the result of limited framing, and modules themselves housed in a thin, transparent layer — which is generally dual glass.
The glass-glass solar panels have a layer of glass at the rear instead of a plastic foil backing (as with the traditional panels). The most significant advantages are:
- Longer lifespan and less degradation — thanks to optimal cell protection. Many manufacturers give 87% after 30 years in glass-glass panels; in traditional panels this number is closer to 80% after 25 years.
- Less issues with moisture and temperature differences; the glass itself doesn’t age and isn’t permeable.
- Slightly higher yield due to better module cooling and the reflection-resistant quality of glass (manufacturers report an average of 5% more revenue, but this questioned regularly).
- Stable and stronger than traditional panels.
- Increased safety, as traditional glass foil is easier to burn and is damaged quickly; glass does not burn and does not reflect.
There are other exciting advantages, such as increased production in the winter. Snow-covered panels can now still see moderate output while helping snow melt quicker — reducing downtime in snowy months.
Overall, they provide better performance with similar project size, vastly increased production without blowing your budget, improved ventilation for the panels, and improved aesthetics.
Could this type of premium panel system be right for you?
Contact a solar specialist here at Polaron, and we’d be happy to go more in-depth with the specific value it can add to both your home and family via a customized solar study.
