Solar technology has come a long way, and one of the most significant innovations in recent years has been the emergence of bifacial solar panels. Bifacial panels, unlike traditionalmonofacial solar panels — which capture sunlight only on one side — capture sunlight on both their front and rear sides. This technology brings us to an important question: which type of panel is best suited for your energy demand?
In this article, we’ll analyze bifacial and monofacial solar panels relative to efficiency, price, durability, installation and best use cases.
The efficiency is one of the main differences between these two types of solar panels.
Monofacial Panels: These panels only absorb sunlight on one side. Their efficiency level is usually between 18-22%and this is determined by the technology and materials used.
Bifacial Panels: These panels absorb light on both surfaces, drastically improving energy output. In ideal conditions, they produce 5-30% more electricity than monofacial panels, depending on the albedo (reflectivity) of the surface beneath them.
Bifacial panels also tend to be more expensive because they may produce more efficient energy.
Monofacial Panels: These are relatively cheaper, making them the most used kind of panels for residential rooftops and the cost-sensitive projects.
Bifacial Panels: Initial cost is higher, but the increased energy output can make up for the price difference over time, especially in large-scale installations.
Both panel types are built to last for decades, though bifacial panels typically have a slight advantage in terms of durability.
Monofacial Panels: Typically contain a glass front and polymer backsheet. Although the backsheet may not be as durable over the long-term.
Bifacial Panels: Usually have a dual-glass structure to offer superior protection against environmental elements such as moisture and ultraviolet rays. It helps to prolong its life and reduce the degradation rate.
The two technologies differ quite a bit in terms of installation.
Monofacial Panels: Can also be set up on any surface from rooftops to carports and ground-mounted systems.
Bifacial Panels: Ripe for ground-mount systems, tracking systems or bifacial-optimised rooftops; where they can collect reflected sunlight off the ground.
The surface underneath bifacial panels should be white, sandy, or reflective to improve performance rather than dark or shaded to limit their benefits.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution for a residential or small-scale solar project, monofacial panels may be the best choice due to their lower upfront cost and flexibility.
However, if you’re working on a commercial-scale project or installing solar panels in an area with a highly reflective ground surface, investing in bifacial panels can provide higher energy output and long-term savings.
To better understand the energy generation advantages of bifacial solar panels, let’s compare the estimated monthly power output of a 10 kW monofacial system versus a 10 kW bifacial system.
Assuming an average bifacial gain of 20%, the following chart illustrates the expected power generation over 12 months.
Although the proof of concept energy gain from bifacial panels is impressive, actual performance is dependent on many scenarios:
Surface Reflectivity: A bright surface will enhance bifacial gain, while a dark surface or surface which has no reflection would not gain from bifacial modules;
Panel Orientation and Positioning: They enable better rear-side sunlight capture, increasing efficiency during the day.
Shading and Obstructions: Objects behind or below bifacial panels can block reflected light accessed by them, negating some of their benefit.
Location: All but the lowest bifacial efficiencies are affected by location, such as the weather, horizontal surface orientation, and slope; while the single-sided panels are less sensitive to changes in the weather, these changes affect both types of panels, but the bifacial receives exposure from both sides of the panel, which could impact back-side performance.
Choosing between monofacial and bifacial solar panels isn’t just an answer about efficiency — it’s about optimizing performance for your environment and energy goals. Here’s one last breakdown to help you narrow down your choice:
✅ You have a small roof on your residential building
✅ Projects that are short on cash and need lower initial outlays
✅ Low reflectance installations (e.g., dark roofs or ground surfaces)
✅ A straightforward and non-elevated mounting system
In this part, we will discuss the conditions that are best suited for the use of bifacial solar panels to give you a better understanding of its application.
✅ Large areas with commercial and industrial setups
✅ Light-colored or reflective roof surfaces on ground-mounted solar farms
✅ Regions with good solar irradiation where maximizing energy yield matters
✅ Ongoing investments or seeking better returns on investment (ROI) over a period of decades
Each offers advantages and as solar technology advances, bifacial panels are becoming increasingly viable for efficiency and cost. However, whether low upfront or a potential high yield in the future, once you make an informed decision, you will be able to get the most out of your solar commitment.
Yes, bifacial panels can perform better in snowy conditions because snow-covered ground increases reflectivity (albedo), enhancing rear-side energy capture. However, heavy snowfall accumulation on the front side can still reduce performance if not cleared.
Yes, bifacial panels are generally heavier because they often use dual-glass construction instead of a polymer backsheet. This additional weight requires stronger mounting structures and careful installation planning.
While bifacial panels can be installed on rooftops, their rear-side gain is limited unless mounted on an elevated structure or a reflective surface is used. They are better suited for ground-mounted, canopy, or solar tracker systems where reflected light is optimized.
Bifacial panels do not require significantly different maintenance than monofacial panels, but both sides must be kept clean for optimal performance. Dust, dirt, or shading on the rear side can reduce energy generation.
In dense urban settings, bifacial panels may not reach their full potential because of reduced rear-side reflection due to nearby buildings, rooftops, and shading. Monofacial panels might be a better choice for such installations unless reflective surfaces or strategic mounting are used.
