Efficiency comparison of bifacial photovoltaic panels under various ground conditions

The global increase in energy demand and the environmental impacts caused by fossil fuel use have significantly strengthened the strategic importance of renewable energy technologies. In this context, photovoltaic (PV) systems have become central to the energy transition due to decreasing costs, technological maturity, and wide application areas. Traditional monofacial PV panels can collect radiation only from the front surface, resulting in the loss of a considerable portion of ground-reflected irradiance. Bifacial PV panels, developed to overcome this limitation, absorb radiation from both the front and rear surfaces, thereby increasing the energy yield per unit area. Environmental parameters such as mounting height, tilt angle, row spacing, and especially ground albedo play a decisive role in bifacial gain. This thesis investigates the effects of different ground surface conditions on the energy performance of bifacial PV panels using experimental and numerical methods. First, panel technology, inverter characteristics, array design, and climatic data were examined in detail. Subsequently, SketchUp-based shading analyses were conducted to evaluate irradiance conditions for different days and hours throughout the year. In the study, albedo values of various ground types—such as white gravel, concrete, and natural soil—were compared to analyze their influence on bifacial gain. Annual and monthly performance simulations revealed that ground reflectivity leads to a significant increase in energy production. In conclusion, surfaces with high albedo values substantially enhance the energy output of bifacial PV systems, and appropriate array design and mounting parameters can further optimize this gain. This study provides important insights for the design and investment planning of bifacial PV applications in ground-mounted solar power plants.