Bifacial Solar Panels

[Ron in BC]

These are new and we actually have a company producing them, gasp, in Canada. I went out to their factory today and bought one. They, as the name implies, can produce power from both surfaces. On the Escape roof, with it's rounded shape, I think that there will be some reflected light hitting the underside. Maybe not much extra power but anything extra is good.

I'll be running some experiments to see if I can pin down how much extra is gained.

On a side note I'd ordered two Eco-Worthy 195W panels after figuring out how to mount them on the rear of the roof. On inspection one had a major defect visible on the front and measuring them I determined they were 170W panels with a 195W label. Absolutely no response from Eco-Worthy so back they went.

Kind of lucky because I'd looking forward to trying out this bifacial panel.

Ron

[Centex]

Did you happen to learn how light reflected to the backside factors into the panel's stated nominal output rating?

Just curious.

[Ron in BC]

Well the factory makes some claims but I'm not holding my breath.

As I said, the rounded roof will definitely allow for some reflected light and I might mount it an inch higher then I might otherwise.

I'll install it, measure amps and then skirt it so no light reaches the backside. That should tell me something.

Ron

[brroberts]

The results will be interesting. I’m looking at future options for upgrading my 190 on my 19.

[Viajante]

Please post the results. It sounds like you might want to redo the top of your trailer with polished sheet aluminum or similar paint. Airstream, e.g.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Viajante

It sounds like you might want to redo the top of your trailer with polished sheet aluminum or similar paint. Airstream, e.g.

On an all molded fiberglass trailer

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Viajante

Please post the results. It sounds like you might want to redo the top of your trailer with polished sheet aluminum or similar paint. Airstream, e.g.

How about shiny white gelcoat.

Ron

[dstreight]

If you only have 1"-2" between the PV panel and the roof how will you clean the roof side glass?

I have double stacked 200w PVs (top panel is mounted on HD SS drawer slides for pull out...) at each end of the roof on our 15A and have been wondering if the bi-facial PVs would net me enough extra current when in travel mode, to warrant the expense and effort.

Sub'd.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by dstreight

If you only have 1"-2" between the PV panel and the roof how will you clean the roof side glass?

A timely question. I just hoisted the panel up to measure for the brackets I'm making. The roof is crowned so right away there's about a 4" gap at the edges. I've decided to fabricate brackets that are 5 1/2" to the top of the panel. Should be enough for cleaning purposes.

Looking at the way the panel sits now on a 3/4" styrofoam spacer I can see that there's definitely potential for reflected light to find it's way to the underside.

Time and testing will tell.

Ron

[Mike G]

First time I saw the thread's name, my brain mistook it as "Biracial Solar Panels." I thought, how the heck...? Funny how our eyes scan words and our minds insert things.

[Ron in BC]

My brain did the same thing. Guess it's more common than "bifacial". I almost posted "Bifacial" not "Biracial".

Finally got rid of the EternaBond adhesive. Great stuff unless you have to remove it.

Got the panel brackets made. Going to be interesting seeing how it preforms.

Ron