Bifacial Solar Panels: Are They Worth It in Ireland?

As solar technology evolves, one type of panel attracting attention is the bifacial solar panel. Unlike traditional panels that collect light only on the front surface, bifacial panels can generate electricity from both the front and the back. This promises higher energy yields under the right conditions, but are bifacial panels worth it in Ireland’s climate and roof conditions?

In this guide we explain how bifacial solar panels work, their advantages and limitations, and whether they are a good option for Irish homes and businesses.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panels have solar cells on both sides of the module. The front side faces the sun like a conventional panel, while the rear side collects light that reflects off surfaces underneath, such as:

• Light coloured rooftops
• Ground surfaces like gravel or concrete
• Snow or specialised reflectors

Because of this dual surface design, bifacial panels can produce more energy than traditional monofacial modules under certain conditions.

If you want to understand more about how traditional panels perform over time, see Solar Panel Degradation: What to Expect Over 25 Years in Ireland.

How Bifacial Panels Produce Extra Energy

Bifacial panels generate additional electricity mainly from reflected light that reaches the rear surface. When sunlight hits the ground or nearby surfaces and reflects upwards, the back side of the panel can capture that light and convert it to energy.

This means the design and installation environment are key to unlocking the benefits. For example, panels installed over highly reflective surfaces or elevated above open ground capture more reflected light than panels sitting flush on a dark roof.

Advantages of Bifacial Panels

Increased Energy Generation

In the right conditions, bifacial panels can produce more electricity than traditional panels. The exact uplift depends on surface reflectivity and installation layout.

Better Performance in Diffuse Light

Ireland has a high proportion of diffuse light because of frequent cloud cover. Bifacial panels can capture more of this scattered light from both sides, which can help performance under variable skies.

Longer Lifespan and Durability

Many bifacial modules are built with robust framing and glass on both sides, which can add strength and longevity.

For a deeper look at how system layout affects output, see East vs West vs South: The Best Roof Orientation for Solar in Ireland.

Limitations and Challenges in Ireland

Installation Conditions Matter

Bifacial advantages are strongest when the rear side receives significant reflected light. On most pitched residential roofs in Ireland, there is limited ground reflectivity, so the extra generation may be modest.

Higher Cost

Bifacial panels generally cost more than standard monofacial modules. For homeowners focused on cost per installed watt, the premium may not justify the gains.

Roof Colour and Material Influence Performance

Dark roof tiles common on Irish homes absorb light rather than reflect it. This reduces the amount of light reaching the rear of bifacial panels, limiting their added value.

Where Bifacial Panels Work Best

While residential roofs often have low reflectivity, certain installations can benefit more from bifacial technology:

Ground Mounted Systems
Mounted over light coloured gravel or reflective surfaces, bifacial panels capture more reflected light from the ground.

Commercial and Agricultural Roofs
Large flat roofs with white or light reflective membranes can allow more rear side generation.

Tracking Systems
Installations where panels are tilted and spaced to let light hit the rear face improve bifacial yield.

For context on how roof layout influences performance under Irish conditions, check How Shading Affects Your Solar Output.

Performance Compared to Traditional Panels

Under Irish skies, bifacial panels do offer a performance edge in some situations, but it is not guaranteed. Studies show that bifacial gains are most pronounced when:

• The mounting height is above standard roof flush
• Surfaces below reflect well
• There is minimal shading on both sides

In cases where the rear side gets little extra light, bifacial panels may perform similarly to high quality monofacial panels at a lower price.

If you want help choosing the right type of panel for your home or farm system, read What Types of Properties Are Best Suited for Solar in Ireland?

When Bifacial Makes Financial Sense

Bifacial panels are worth considering in Ireland when:

• You have a ground mounted solar array with reflective surface underneath
• You have a large commercial roof with a light coloured membrane
• You are planning a bespoke setup that maximises rear side light exposure

For typical residential pitched roof installations without reflective surfaces, standard monofacial panels often deliver equal or better value for money.

Final Thoughts

Bifacial solar panels are an exciting technology with clear benefits in certain installation scenarios. They have potential to generate more energy than traditional panels, but in Ireland their added value depends heavily on reflectivity and installation setup.

For most Irish homes with typical roofs, the performance uplift may not justify the extra cost. That said, bifacial panels are definitely worth exploring for ground mounted systems, commercial buildings, and specialised installations.

If you are considering bifacial panels or want a tailored comparison with monofacial options, WattCharger can assess your roof or site, recommend and install the best solution for your energy goals.