Can I Adjust Bifacial Panels for Seasonal Changes in Sunlight?

Understanding Bifacial Panel Orientation

Bifacial panels can harness energy from both the front and back sides, increasing overall energy production. However, their optimal orientation changes with the seasons due to the Earth’s tilted axis. In the summer, the sun is higher in the sky, and the panels should be oriented to track the sun’s movement. In the winter, the sun is lower, and a more south-facing orientation is optimal.

Seasonal Angle Adjustments

To adjust bifacial panels for seasonal changes, you can adjust the tilt angle. The ideal tilt angle varies by latitude, but a common rule of thumb is to aim for a winter tilt angle of 30-40 degrees and a summer tilt angle of 20-30 degrees. For example, in a location with a latitude of 40 degrees, you would set the winter tilt angle to 35 degrees and the summer tilt angle to 25 degrees. This adjustment can increase energy production by up to 10% during the winter months and up to 5% during the summer months.

Tracking and Tilt Mechanisms

Bifacial panels can be equipped with tracking systems that automatically adjust the tilt and orientation of the panels to maximize energy production. These systems can be programmed to adjust the angle based on the seasons and latitude of the location. In addition, some bifacial panels come with built-in tilt mechanisms that can be adjusted manually or automatically to optimize energy production.