Spectrally-corrected Albedo for Bifacial Photovoltaics

Challenge

Today there is a growing need for more efficient technologies to make the photovoltaic market more self-sustainable.

Bifacial Modules (BFPV) can convert light from both sides, thus generating more electricity.

Unfortunately, there are still some issues preventing the wide adoption of this technology, such as the high uncertainty in the forecast of the energy output of BFPV.

The project “Spectrally-corrected Albedo for Bifacial Photovoltaics” aims at developing an innovative method to perform yield studies (which are assessments of the potential of PV power plants) in order to offer investors reliable forecasts of the energy yield from BFPV plants. 

In particular, the project focuses on the accurate evaluation of bifacial gain thanks to the so-called effective albedo, which is an innovative way that considers spectral albedo values as well as the spectral response of PV modules. 

Approach

RINA is the project coordinator of “Spectrally-corrected Albedo for Bifacial Photovoltaics” and will also be in charge of the following activities

• Integration of albedo data and PV parameters into yield models: which implies the definition of the methodology for effective albedo data production (including data processing steps) alongside uncertainty generation, the development of tools to generate effective albedo from any location and incorporate it into our yield models and the identification of the differences between modelling tools identified, leading to any necessary "correction factors"
• Ground-based albedo measurements, Definition of guidelines on on-site albedo measurement requirement and uncertainty figures/calculation tools for using different albedo measurement systems.
• Analysis of measurement data, such as datasets of effective albedo for a selection of typical sites, including uncertainty values. This activity includes also the report of the reduced uncertainty gains when including effective albedo in yield calculations in real systems
• Commercialisation and standardisation.

Conclusion

The project will imply several benefits affecting the whole value chain of energy, from generation to consumption.

In fact, more reliable and better understood measurements and data validation reduce the technical and financial risks of investors, consequently boosting BFPV investments. As a result, more power generated, and higher efficiency guaranteed by the BFPV technology will favour a decrease in electricity price for consumers. This of course will also contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions.

Project Consortium