Did you know that there are solar photovoltaic (PV) cells that can collect light from the front and rear? They are called bifacial solar cells.

A three-year study [1] conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) revealed: “up to a 9% gain in energy production using bifacial panels compared with their one-sided cousins.”

In the Philippines, the 68-MW solar power plant in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, utilized bifacial solar cells, which will be operational in the first quarter of 2023 [2].

To know more about bifacial solar cells, here’s a list of our recommended readings:

• ​​What Are Bifacial Solar Panels? Overview, How They Work, and Outlook by David M. Kuchta

• Bifacial Solar Advances with the Times—and the Sun: Multi-Year Study Evaluates Two-Sided Tracking Systems for More Efficient Solar Power Generation by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Reference:

[1] National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), “Bifacial Solar Advances with the Times—and the Sun | News | NREL,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Mar. 02, 2020. https://www.nrel.gov/news/features/2020/bifacial-solar-advances-with-the-times-and-the-sun.html (accessed Mar. 10, 2023).

[2] Myrna M. Velasco, “Meralco subsidiary, Singaporean firm to set up 68MW solar project,” Manila Bulletin, Aug. 24, 2022. https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/24/meralco-subsidiary-singaporean-firm-to-set-up-68mw-solar-project/ (accessed Mar. 10, 2023).