Global Techno-Economic Performance of Bifacial and Tracking Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

© 2020 Elsevier Inc. Energy production of photovoltaic (PV) modules can be increased not only by solar cells that are more efficient but also by innovative system concepts. In this study, we explore two such concepts in combination: tracking and bifacial modules. A tracking setup increases energy production by moving a PV module over the course of a day, so that it always faces the sun. Bifacial modules use special solar cells and a transparent cover to collect light not only from the front but also from the rear. Through recent advances, both concepts have seen price reductions that enable them to produce electricity cheaper than conventional PV systems. Here, we analyze the technical and economic aspects of combinations of these two concepts worldwide. We find that a combination of bifacial modules with one-axis trackers produces the cheapest electricity (LCOE 16% lower than conventional systems) by significantly boosting energy production (35% more than conventional systems).