Bifacial Solar Panels: Complete 2025 Guide

Bifacial solar panels are a mainstream choice for commercial rooftops, carports, and ground-mount arrays where rear-side light can be harvested. For installers and EPCs, the case for adoption is straightforward: higher yield at near-par module cost, with familiar BOS.

In this guide, we’ll cover what bifacial solar panels are, how they work, when they pay back, and which models to shortlist in 2025 — along with live product links and indicative marketplace pricing (GBP, excluding VAT).

What are bifacial solar panels?

Bifacial solar panels are modules designed to convert light on both the front and rear surfaces. Unlike a typical monofacial solar panel, a bifacial module utilises a transparent backsheet or dual-glass construction, allowing reflected light (albedo) and diffuse skylight to contribute to its output on the rear side.

In lab and field tests, the rear-side contribution can add several per cent to the annual energy yield, depending on site geometry and ground reflectance.

How do bifacial solar panels work?

Rear-side irradiance is a mix of ground-reflected sunlight and diffuse light from the sky. Bankable modelling tools (PVsyst, SAM, bifacial_radiance) add a rear-irradiance term multiplied by the module’s bifaciality factor, then feed that into the electrical model.

Practical yield depends on albedo (surface reflectance), module height, row spacing (GCR), tilt, tracker geometry (1P vs 2P), and obstructions. Raise clearance height and increase albedo to lift bifacial gain; optimise GCR/row spacing to avoid rear shading.

Advantages and disadvantages of bifacial solar panels

Advantages	Disadvantages
Higher specific yield vs comparable monofacial arrays (especially over light/reflective surfaces).	Yield uplift is site-sensitive; poor albedo or low clearance can reduce the benefit.
Dual-glass designs improve mechanical rigidity and may lower PID risk.	Slight weight increase vs some monofacial modules; handling care required.
Competitive €/Wp — often similar to monofacial product lines.	Rear-side soiling and shading become design concerns (cable runs, beams, parapets).
Strong warranty terms from Tier-1 brands; long-term bankability.	Yield modelling requires accurate albedo and geometry inputs for bankable forecasts.

Monofacial vs bifacial solar panels

Monofacial modules harvest only the front-side irradiance; bifacial solar panels capture irradiance on both sides. In projects with concrete, white membrane roofs, gravel, snow periods, or bright ground covers, bifacial can lift kWh/kWp and reduce LCOE.

On dark tarmac or shaded rooftops, the uplift narrows. For fixed-tilt C&I rooftops, a modest height increase above the surface can significantly improve rear-side gain; for trackers, geometry (1P/2P) and row-to-row spacing are the primary factors influencing the outcome.

Where and how to install bifacial solar panels?

On rooftops, keep cable trays, parapets, and HVAC shadows off the rear side; route harnesses neatly to minimise occlusion. Choose racking that leaves rear-side glass unobstructed and, where possible, elevates the module frame to capture more ground-reflected light.

For ground-mount, lighter-coloured ballast or ground cover increases albedo; wider row spacing and higher leading-edge height generally help. Modelling should be run with realistic albedo scenarios (seasonal if needed). Verify mechanical loads for dual-glass SKUs and confirm walkway clearances and cleaning plans upfront.

Where are bifacial solar panels most effective?

Anywhere the underside “sees” bright ground or structures: white TPO/EPDM roofs, light gravel, concrete, snow-exposed sites, canopies and carports, and agrivoltaic layouts with reflective ground treatments. Trackers in high-albedo environments typically show the largest gains.

Key design notes (quick checklist)

• Cell layout and interconnection influence series resistance and partial-shade response; verify cell architecture and current ratings in the datasheet.
  
• A monofacial reference array is useful for benchmarking; compare bifacial uplift against a monofacial baseline during design.
  
• Module dimensions, frame depth, clamp zones, and allowable loadings drive racking choice and clamp placement.
  
• Irradiance, temperature, and system losses, including realistic soiling and mismatch in the model shape, affect the energy yield.
  
• Dual-glass construction enhances stiffness and reduces moisture ingress, thereby protecting the rear glazing over time.
  
• Module efficiency should be compared at STC and in low-light conditions to ensure realistic expectations across seasons.
  

Bifacial solar panel manufacturers

Tier-1 leaders supplying bifacial product families include Trina, JA Solar, LONGi, and Jinko, all widely listed on sun.store with multiple watt-classes and frame options. These brands publish clear documentation and maintain long product and performance warranties, which aid bankability for EPCs and lenders.

Best bifacial solar panels in 2025

Below are four widely supplied models in the EU/UK markets, with live sun.store links and indicative GBP ex-VAT prices calculated from €/Wp marketplace listings using the ECB EUR→GBP reference. Actual pricing varies by lot size, and suppliers use the product pages to request firm quotes.

Trina Vertex N TSM-NEG19RC.20 (615 W, n-type TOPCon, bifacial)

• Product link (sun.store): Trina TSM-NEG19RC.20 615 595–625 1500V Silver Frame (TS4 / TS4-Plus variants listed).
  
• Quick spec
  
  • Product code: TSM-NEG19RC.20
    
  • Power class: 615 W (family 595–625 W)
    
  • Construction: Dual-glass, n-type TOPCon, bifacial
    
  • Warranty: ~12-year product, ~30-year performance (confirm per offer)
    
  • Indicative price (GBP ex-VAT): From €0.110/Wp on catalogue → £0.095/Wp; 615 W panel ≈ £58.3. Confirm live via “View offers.”
    
  • Notes: 2382×1134×30 mm format; high volume availability on sun.store.
    

Jinko Tiger Neo 66HL5-BDV 710 (710–735 W, n-type, bifacial)

• Product link (sun.store): Jinko Tiger Neo 66HL5-BDV 710 710–735 1500V Silver Frame (JK03M2)
  
• Quick spec
  
  • Product / family: Tiger Neo 66HL5-BDV 710–735 W
    
  • Construction: Dual-glass, bifacial, n-type TOPCon
    
  • Warranty: 12-year product; 30-year performance to 87.4% (listing detail)
    
  • Indicative price (GBP ex-VAT): Listing shows €0.105/Wp (1+ containers).
    
    • 710 W → €74.55 ≈ £64.28
      
    • 735 W → €77.18 ≈ £66.54.
      
  • Notes: 2384×1303×33 mm; 132-cell; JK03M2 connectors; bifacial gain messaging included in description.
    

LONGi LR8-66HGD-610M (595–625 W family, n-type, bifacial)

• Product link (sun.store): LONGi LR8-66HGD-610M 595–625 1500V Silver Frame.
  
• Quick spec
  
  • Product code: LR8-66HGD-610M (family 595–625 W)
    
  • Construction: Dual-glass, bifacial, n-type (HPDC cell tech)
    
  • Warranty: 12-year product; 30-year perf. to 87.4% (per page family detail)
    
  • Indicative price (GBP ex-VAT): Family pages show from €0.090–0.115/Wp across 595–625 W bins:
    
    • 615 W @ €0.090/Wp → ≈ £47.72
      
    • 620 W @ €0.098/Wp → ≈ £52.39
      
    • 605 W @ €0.115/Wp → ≈ £59.99. Confirm live per bin/offer.
      
  • Notes: 2382×1134×30 mm; 132-cell; IP68 junction box; 2+2 mm heat-strengthened glass.
    

JA Solar JAM72D40 595/MB (570–595 W, n-type, bifacial)

• Product link (sun.store): JA Solar JAM72D40 595/MB 570–595 1500V Silver Frame (MC4-EVO2A).
  
• Quick spec
  
  • Product code: JAM72D40 595/MB (DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 570–595 W range)
    
  • Construction: Dual-glass, bifacial, n-type; 144 cells; IP68 JB; 2+2 mm glass
    
  • Warranty: 12-year product; 25- & 30-year performance (89.4% / 87.4%).
    
  • Indicative price (GBP ex-VAT): JA 590 W bin on page shows from €0.096/Wp → 595 W ≈ €57.12 ≈ £49.25 at the same ECB rate (use “View offers” for the exact 595 W bin).
    
  • Notes: 2278×1134×30 mm; balanced dimensions for C&I rooftops.
    

Final thoughts: are bifacial solar panels worth it?

On sites with moderate to high albedo light roofs, canopies, and trackers over bright ground, bifacial solar panels deliver measurable energy uplift at a similar €/Wp to monofacial options.

For EPCs, the economics hinge on accurate modelling of albedo, height, and spacing, plus BOM discipline (racking that preserves rear-side exposure). When those factors align, bifacial solar panels can reduce LCOE and improve programme-level returns relative to monofacial alternatives.

FAQ – bifacial solar panels

How is bifacial gain calculated?
It’s the percentage increase in energy yield of a bifacial system compared with an equivalent monofacial reference, typically modelled by adding rear-side irradiance to the front and comparing annual kWh/kWp.

Do bifacial panels require special maintenance?
Maintenance is similar to monofacial modules; the difference is ensuring that the rear-side surfaces remain unobstructed and that cleaning plans consider both glass sides, especially for dual-glass modules.

Can bifacial panels be combined with other types of solar modules?
Yes, but keep strings electrically homogenous. Mixing bifacial and monofacial on the same MPPT can reduce performance; keep arrays grouped by type.

Do I need special inverters or system components for bifacial modules?
Standard string inverters are fine. The key differences are mechanical and array geometry (height, spacing, cable routing).

What mounting systems work best with bifacial modules?
Systems that minimise rear shading: narrow rails or offset clamps, elevated standoffs, and tidy cable management. Carports and trackers perform well.

Does location and surface type under the panels impact performance?
Yes — albedo and clearance drive rear-side gains. Light surfaces and extra height generally increase yield.