Performance Estimation of Bifacial PV Modules: A Simulation Approach through Both Physical and Semi-Empirical Math Models and Its Validation Using Real Bifacial Plant Data

33rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 1968-1972
Bifacial PV modules seem to be the most promising technology in the field of photovoltaic generation. The simple and innovative idea to build a module with two active faces seems easy and straightforward but now engineers have to face a new challenge: the determination of the effective energetic yield of both faces. This paper will cover a computation method using both physical and semi-empirical math models, implemented in a custom developed software tool, to determine the total irradiance that hits the modules, on both sides, forecast the energy production and finally validate the achieved results with the experimental data of an in-operation 570 kWp bifacial PV plant. This paper will show also an effective approach to find the optimal geometrical PV field layout for bifacial application as well the integration of the presented computation methods with existing PV simulation software packages.