The Future Trend of Bifacial Modules  

Backed to early development in 1960s, bifacial modules is not a new technology in PV power generation. But it has been on trend in recent years due to its commercial competence at costs.Tracking systems that follow the sun adding bifacial modules can provide even higher yield than monoficial tracking system. Results and studies have shown that bifacial modules can produce more power between 10-20% over monofacial panels. Under optimized conditions and single axis trackers adopted, the additional power can be as high as 30-40%.   

For solar power plants owners, the most concern is not merely production increase but optimized LCOE. Dual axis tracking system can increase 4% output and also increase costs notably(SERIS research data). Single axis tracker is still the first choice, and its combination with bifacial modules enable generation from two faces and has been admitted to be the most valuable method in the future.  Top tracker suppliers have developed new mounting systems to support bifacial modules.

Thanks to technology development and decrease in all costs, bifacial modules can achieve lower LCOE than monofacial panels. According to EnergyTrend research data, China had a capacity of around 25GW of bifacial modules, which is about 10% of global modules production capacity.The single axis tracking system used in Geermu project site in Qinghai Province has reduced at least 0.15 yuan/kwh. Tracking system will certainly have a bright future in China domestic market.

As PV Infolink predicted, 2020 global demand of bifacial modules ranges from 12 to 20 GW, which will sure promote tracking systems share on the market. IHS Market report of 2019 global tracker market shows there will be more than 150 GW installation capacity using tracking system. In rising Latin American areas, enterprises including Enel had started to use bifacial technologies in large scale projects located in Chile, Brazil, Mexico, etc. In 2019, political policies also made inclination to bifacial modules.  U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) removed bifacial modules from Section 201 tariffs, a fee of 25% had been reduced from import cost.